The ecosystem approach to fisheries is part of a wider framework of marine ecosystem-based management, or EBM. EBM is dedicated to managing the environment in a sustainable way, taking into consideration societal and ecological objectives, as well as the economic. It is an integrated approach, based on the principles of sustainable development, with international recognition and guidance.

In the Southern Ocean, fisheries management is undertaken through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, otherwise known as CCAMLR. The aim of this research is to analyse the implementation and effectiveness of EBM and the ecosystem approach to fisheries in CCAMLR, using a qualitative approach comprising of a literature review, document analysis, and comparison with two case studies in the South East Atlantic and South Pacific Ocean.

Although CCAMLR has made significant progress recently in terms of spatial management as part of an ecosystem approach to fisheries, more work is needed for CCAMLR to develop an integrated approach to ecosystem-based management in the Southern Ocean.