CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) at Bird Island (BIG) for black-browed albatross (DIM), macaroni penguins (EUC), gentoo penguins (PYP), and Antarctic fur seals (SEA)

Bird Island (Subarea 48.3) is at the northwest tip of South Georgia. The British research station was established in 1957 and has been in year-round operation since 1982.

**Black-browed albatross** have been monitored annually since 1976, with data collected on the breeding population size and success.

**Macaroni penguins** have been monitored since 1958 (annually since 1977), with data collected on the following parameters:

Adult weight on arrival (since 1989)

Breeding population size

Breeding success

Chick weight at fledging (since 1989)

Chick diet (since 1989)

**Gentoo penguins** have been monitored since 1973 (annually since 1977), with data collected on the following parameters:

Breeding population size

Breeding success

Chick weight at fledging (since 1989)

Chick diet (1989-2010)

**Antarctic fur seals** have been monitored annually since 1990, with data collected on the duration of seal cow foraging and pup growth.

**Purpose of CEMP:** In order to provide information of the effects of fishing on dependent species, CCAMLR set up the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) in 1989. The two aims of CEMP are to:

1) Detect and record significant changes in critical components of the marine ecosystem within the Convention Area, to serve as a basis for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources.

2) Distinguish between changes due to harvesting of commercial species and changes due to environmental variability, both physical and biological.