CCAMLR

Monitoring of the sea surface temperature (SST) in Subarea 48.3 on satellite data (GOES-E, Meteosat), use of in situ data and the further analysis of the SST maps, maps of the SST anomalies and dynamics provide strictly special, but constant information on hydrological situation in the survey area. Analysis of this situation based on data obtained in expeditions, as well as literature and the CCAMLR materials could allow us to assess, with a certain degree of reliability, a potential situation of krill fishery in Subarea 48.3 for the entire coming year already by the summer season onset. Reliability of the krill fishery forecasts could be judged only by actual results of fishing activities under various hydrological conditions. This work is an attempt to perform such an analysis using a certain array of materials obtained in 1989-1991 and 1999-2001.

A net sampling survey was carried out for krill in an established standard station grid around Elephant Island during 27 January to 4 February 2001. Results show a spatial separation of the juvenile and the spawning stock. The station grid was extended to the south, where a large proportion of small size classes, one year old juvenile krill was found. Krill density was significantly higher than during the past years (between 198 and 230 krill 1000 m-3 , i.e. between 40 and 46 m-2 or 11.3 g m-2). The proportional recruitment index for the entire survey area for the 1999/2000 year class was R1 = 0.573, and the absolute index was RI1 = 131.4 * 1000 m-3 , which is among the highest values for the past 20 years. The high krill abundance and the high recruitment index reflect the end of a succession of years with poor recruitment success. The maturation index (G, according to gravid stages), which is discussed as an indicator for a successful spawning season, was G = 0.99, indicating an early initiation of the spawning season. This is thought to be the first step for a successful spawning event and a later potential recruitment success of the 2000/01 year-class. The spatial extent of the station grid is discussed in the light of a representative coverage of the stock and the estimated recruitment index.

In 2000, WG-EMM requested that the Secretariat review the historical development of CEMP indices and ecosystem assessments (Table 3 and paragraph 3.55). The following paper provides a starting point for such a review, as well as a conceptual approach which may provide a framework for a set of reference documents which could be held electronically on the CCAMLR website and/or on CDROM.

In 2000, WG-EMM requested that the Secretariat take on the responsibility of compiling the documentation of the krill yield model (Table 3 and paragraph 2.110). The following paper provides a starting point for such documentation, as well as a conceptual approach which may provide a framework for a set of reference documents which could be held electronically on the CCAMLR website and/or on CD-ROM.

This paper reviews information from krill fisheries operating in the CCAMLR Convention Area during the period July 1999 to June 2001. During that period, 14 vessels targeted krill in Area 48 during the 1999/2000 season (July 1999 to June 2000). A total of 104259 t of krill was caught, of which 69954 t were taken from Subarea 48.1, 28649 t from Subarea 48.2, 4671 t from Subarea 48.3, and 985 t from within Area 48 (subarea not specified). Between July and November 2000, 11 vessels targeted krill in Area 48, and the total catch of krill reported during that period was 30175 t. The 2000/01 fishing season for krill began on 1 December 2000 and ends on 30 November 2001. The total krill catch reported to date (17 June 2001) for the 2000/01 season is 45223 t; 9 vessels are believed to be fishing. No fishing was reported in Areas 58 and 88.
At the request of SC-CAMLR-XIX, a draft Fishery Plan for the krill fishery is also presented as a means of refining the procedure and generating future discussion.

This paper summarises some of the main tasks which the Secretariat has undertaken over the past year in support of WG-EMM. The outcome of these tasks are outlined in table format. Where required, detailed information is provided in meeting papers

The CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program uses indices derived from data on indicator species and the environment collected by standard methods within the three Integrated Study Regions of the Convention Area. Standardised index values are re-calculated each year as new data become available, and trends and anomalies in these data are presented.

In response to the debate at WG-EMM-99 about the development of the ecosystem approach within CCAMLR. The Secretariat prepared a review of the various tasks initiated at WG-EMM-95 and later meetings (WG-EMM-00/29). The Working Group requested that the review should be updated annually. The 2001 review covers meetings of WG-EMM from 1995 to 2000.