Artikel XV

1. The Scientific Committee shall provide a forum for consultation and co-operation concerning the collection, study and exchange of information with respect to the marine living resources to which this Convention applies. It shall encourage and promote co-operation in the field of scientific research in order to extend knowledge of the marine living resources of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
2. The Scientific Committee shall conduct such activities as the Commission may direct in pursuance of the objective of this Convention and shall:
(a) establish criteria and methods to be used for determinations concerning the conservation measures referred to in Article IX of this Convention;
(b) regularly assess the status and trends of the populations of Antarctic marine living resources;
(c) analyse data concerning the direct and indirect effects of harvesting on the populations of Antarctic marine living resources;
(d) assess the effects of proposed changes in the methods or levels of harvesting and proposed conservation measures;
(e) transmit assessments, analyses, reports and recommendations to the Commission as requested or on its own initiative regarding measures and research to implement the objective of this Convention;
(f) formulate proposals for the conduct of international and national programs of research into Antarctic marine living resources.
3. In carrying out its functions, the Scientific Committee shall have regard to the work of other relevant technical and scientific organizations and to the scientific activities conducted within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty.