krill predators, and related environmental variables in three 

 "integrated study areas" (Prydz Bay, the Bransfield Strait, and 

 the area around South Georgia Island) ; and (3) basic studies of 

 the demography and dynamics of crabeater seals in one or more 

 pack ice areas. The Working Group also has taken steps to 

 develop standard methods for collecting, and formats for report- 

 ing, various types of predator, prey, and environmental data. 



The Working Group met for the fourth time in Mar del Plata, 

 Argentina, from 23-30 August 1989. The report of the Working 

 Group, presented to the Scientific Committee at its meeting in 

 November 1989, recommended changes in the long-range program plan 

 and steps that should be taken to improve methods for collecting 

 standard types of data concerning krill predators. The 

 Scientific Committee endorsed the Working Group's recommendations 

 and called attention to the importance of obtaining fine-scale 

 information on krill catches and better information on the energy 

 requirements and foraging ranges of krill predators. 



The Working Group will meet from 6-13 September 1990, in 

 Stockholm, Sweden, to continue elaboration of methods for 

 collecting, analyzing, and interpreting ecosystem data. 



The U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources Research Program 



The Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984 

 established the domestic authority necessary for the United 

 States to implement the Convention on the Conservation of 

 Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Among other things, the Act 

 directs that the National Science Foundation continue support of 

 basic marine research in the Antarctic and that the Secretary of 

 Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the 

 Director of the National Science Foundation, and appropriate 

 officials of other Federal agencies, such as the Marine Mammal 

 Commission, prepare, implement, and annually update a plan for 

 directed research necessary to effectively implement the 

 Convention. In response to this directive, the National Marine 

 Fisheries Service has prepared and begun to implement a plan for 

 directed marine living resource research in the Southern Ocean. 

 The plan was developed in consultation with the National Science 

 Foundation, the Marine Mammal Commission, other Federal agencies, 

 knowledgeable scientists in the United States and abroad, 

 representatives of the U.S. fishing industry, and representatives 

 of interested U.S. environmental groups. 



2 

 Details of the National Marine Fisheries Service's 



Antarctic Marine Living Resources Research Program can be 



obtained from the Director, Southwest Fisheries Center, 8604 La 



Jolla Shores Drive, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California 92038. 



106 



