Members’ attention is drawn to the attached letter from the Chair of the Scientific Committee, Dr C. Jones, regarding progress on technical workshops to support the work of the Scientific Committee in the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Members are advised that the Fishing gear library on the website has been updated in accordance with SC-CAMLR-XXX, paragraph 5.7.

Members are invited to participate in the sixth meeting of the Subgroup on Acoustic Survey and Analysis Methods (SG-ASAM) to be held at the Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway, from 17 to 20 April 2012 (see also SC CIRC 11/60).

Meeting-related information, including the agenda, details about the meeting venue and recommendations for accommodation in Bergen are attached.

The attached report summarises fishing activities in 2011/12 as reported in 5-day, 10-day and monthly catch and effort data submitted to the Secretariat to date. These data are circulated in accordance with conservation measures in force.

Catch and effort by reporting period for each fishery are emailed regularly to Contracting Parties participating in these fisheries.

The Secretariat has been informed by Singapore that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has taken action in the spirit of cooperation under the objectives and framework of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) Agreement as follows:

Australia has requested that the attached letter and information be circulated to all Members of the Commission.

The EU has requested that the attached letter and discussion document be circulated to Members. The EU kindly requests Members to provide comments on the document by 1 May 2012.

Members are advised that Russia has provided the attached communication in relation to research fishing in Subarea 88.3 in 2011/12 (see also COMM CIRC 11/72–SC CIRC 11/33).

In response to COMM CIRC 12/07 and advice received from the European Union, New Zealand and Uruguay, the Secretariat has written to Singapore. A copy of the letter is attached for the information of Members of the Commission.

In response to COMM CIRC 12/25, the European Union and New Zealand have provided the attached letters to be circulated to all Members of the Commission.