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)

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.