The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources came into force in 1982, as part of the Antarctic Treaty System, in pursuance of the provisions of Article IX of the Treaty.

It was established mainly in response to concerns that an increase in krill catches in the Southern Ocean could have a serious effect on populations of krill and other marine life; particularly on birds, seals and fish, which mainly depend on krill for food. conservation measures adopted by CCAMLR are based on scientific advice and require enforcement to be effective.

As resources assume growing economic importance, the temptation to work outside conservation or regulatory measures increases, leading to ‘illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing’.