CCAMLR

This document presents the analysis of acoustic data obtained during the austral summer of 2018 as a complement to finfish research in Subareas 48.1 and 48.2 using bottom trawling nets. The acoustic information survey was carried out with a SIMRAD EK80 wide band scientific echosounder at a frequency of 38 kHz and a SIMRAD ES70 fishing echosounder equipped with a 120 kHz frequency transducer. The geographical distribution of krill concentrations and the presence of fish shoals are described in an area of 1,699 nautical miles over the continental shelf and slope (50-500 m) around Elephant Island (579 nm) and South Orkney Islands (1,120 nm). Concentrations of krill (Euphausia superba), the pelagic species with the greatest presence in the studied area, are described, mainly to the north of both islands. Likewise, mackerel icefish (Chamsocephalus gunnari) are identified, forming large concentrations in steep slope areas, mostly around Elephant Island. This species presents demersal characteristics during the day and pelagic characteristics at night. Additionally, some echoic records registered in the water column are presented, attributed to "Other species" of fish.

It is shown that   the proposals for the establishment of an MPA in the Weddell Sea should be complemented by information on the commercial potential and future rational use for dominant fish species and krill  in the Subarea 48.5 and 48, 6.  

The areas for fishing activity and protection areas  in the Weddell Sea  should be managed by separate Conservation Measures.

It is shown that the WS MPA boundaries should be revised in compliance with sea-ice conditions for vessel navigation being a fundamental factor for the successful completion of assigned research tasks in designated areas.   Spatial planning in the Weddell Sea should make provisions that ice-free areas are areas for planning MPAs and fishing activities

A new fish leech Ambulobdella shandikovi n. g., n. sp. (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae), a parasite of Whitson’s grenadier Macrourus whitsoni (Regan) (Macrouridae: Gadiformes) collected in the Ross Sea at depths from 1,221 to 1,433 m, is described and compared with related taxa based on morphological and molecular characters. Ambulobdella shandikovi n. sp. is characterised by prominent segmental tubercles on the venter and dorsal segmental tubercles, an uncommon appearance of its anterior sucker with earlike edges and an inner membrane around the mouthpore, well-developed musculature and a unique combination of features of the reproductive and digestive systems. The presence of uncommon tubercles can be attributed, in part, to temporary associations of A. shandikovi n. sp. with its fish hosts and a need for well developed sensory and locomotory organs. A certain locomotory function of ventrolateral tubercles of A. shandikovi n. sp. is hypothesised and discussed. Further deep-sea surveys are obviously needed to shed light on the behaviour and mode of locomotion of this species.

In the fishing season of 2018, three Ukrainian fishing vessels SIMEIZ, KOREIZ, CALIPSO collected oceanographic data (salinity and temperature) in Subareas 88.1, 88.2, 48.2. Some preliminary results presented.

In the stomachs of caught Dissostichus mawsoni, specimen of the Dissostichus species with tag found.

The multi-year variability of the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) size composition in longline catches in the South Georgia maritime zone   in context of  the fishery  management is discussed.

In 2017 SCAF directed the Secretariat to undertake a review of its Strategic Plan and its Staffing and Salary Strategy. Internal and external feedback received during the review supports a need to increase the proportion of IP positions at the Secretariat, and to strengthen the Secretariat’s Data Management, Fisheries Management, Scientific functions and Human Resources support to service current and future needs. The Secretariat proposes a new Strategic Plan to deliver these changes, to restructure and strengthen these functions within the Secretariat, to increase the proportion of IP staff from 12% in 2018 to 35% by 2022 and 50% by 2028, and to revise the Staffing and Salary Strategy and Staff Regulations to bring them into conformity with local and ICSC current practice.

In accordance with Conservation Measure (CM) 10-10, paragraph 2(i), the Secretariat has prepared a Summary CCAMLR Compliance Report (Summary Report) based on the Draft CCAMLR Compliance Reports (Draft reports), responses received from Contracting Parties and their suggested preliminary compliance status. The Draft reports identified 10 potential conservation measure implementation issues, affecting 7 Contracting Parties. The Secretariat circulated Draft reports prior to the Commission meeting on 8 August 2018 and the Summary Report containing Contracting Party responses is Annex 1 to this paper.