CCAMLR

The annual random stratified trawl survey (RSTS) of 2017 at HIMI was conducted during April, with the completion of 163 stations. The survey has been conducted on the FV Atlas Cove since 2015. Sampling protocols such as the design and the duration of the hauls were similar to recent surveys, but with a new set of randomly selected station points.

The unstratified density of Dissostichus eleginoides (Patagonian toothfish) was 1.5 times greater than that of 2016 and also of the long-term average for the survey. The unstratified density of Champsocephalus gunnari (mackerel icefish) was only slightly larger than that of 2016 and 2.5 times the average. For the managed by-catch species, unstratified densities were lower than the average for Channichthys rhinoceratus (unicorn icefish), Lepidonotothen squamifrons (grey rockcod) and Macrourus sp. (macrourids). Conversely, the unstratified density of aggregated Bathyraja sp. (skates) was higher than both 2016 and the long term average. The catch of invertebrates in the 2017 survey was 70% of the average, which included a low abundance of jellyfish.

Length measurements were taken for nearly 13,500 fish and for more than half of those biological measurements were taken. Otoliths were collected from 663 D. eleginoides and 159 individuals were tagged and released. 

Exploratory fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in East Antarctica (Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2) began in 2003. Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for these Divisions. WG-FSA-16/29 outlines the first multi-member toothfish exploratory fishery research plan for East Antarctica, including research objectives, methods and milestones in accordance with ANNEX 24-01/A. In 2016, the Scientific Committee agreed that the research plan was appropriate to achieve its objectives (SC-CAMLR-XXXV, para. 3.244). We present here a proposal for the continuation of the research plan as set out in WG-FSA-16/29. All significant changes to the plan since 2016 are outlined in Section A, and changes made following WG-SAM-17 are highlighted in blue. Issues arising from the 2016/17 season are also provided in Section B.

Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, and precautionary management arrangements are in place as set out in Conservation Measures 41-11 and 41-05. WG-FSA-16/29 outlined the first multi-member toothfish exploratory fishery research plan for these Divisions, including research objectives, methods and milestones in accordance with ANNEX 24-01/A. In this paper we report on exploratory fishing activities undertaken by Australia, France, Japan, Republic of Korea and Spain between the 2012 and 2017 fishing seasons; including the quantity of data and samples collected, and an overview of progress toward research milestones. The associated research plan and reports relating to specific research milestones were submitted as companion papers. The summaries provided herein were generated using an R-Markdown document which can be made available to Members to facilitate reporting on data collection in CCAMLR's Exploratory Fisheries.