Following SC-CIRC 23/52 and the Scientific Committee strategic workplan (SC-CAMLR-41, Annex 11), the Scientific Committee agreed terms of reference for its working groups.

Working Group on Acoustic Survey and Analysis Methods (WG-ASAM)

The purpose of the Working Group on Acoustic Survey and Analysis Methods (WG-ASAM) is to provide expert advice to the Scientific Committee, its Members, and its working groups on issues relating to research using hydro-acoustic technologies, including, where relevant, consideration of the impacts of climate change on its advice. To achieve this, WG-ASAM will address the following terms of reference:

1. To provide advice to the Scientific Committee, its Members, and its working groups on:
   1. new and standard acoustic methodology and protocols for the research and monitoring of Antarctic marine living resources, including survey design
   2. acoustic survey biomass estimates of Antarctic marine living resources 
   3. technical advice for the collection of acoustic data on board fishing vessels 
   4. analyses of acoustic data collected from CCAMLR-nominated transects and submitted to the Secretariat.
2. To provide any other advice, within its area of expertise, to the Scientific Committee and its working groups as directed by the Scientific Committee

A list of the meetings (including reports) is available here.