CCAMLR

A method is developed for calculating asymptotic confidence intervals for trawl surveys using the swept area method, using likelihood ratios from Aitchison's delta distribution. Simulation tests of the method show that unbiassed estimates of the density and biomass can be obtained and that the estimated confidence intervals have close to the nominal coverage probability. Performance deteriorates in cases where few of the hauls contain fish, and the coefficient of variation is high. The lower confidence bound appears to be more reliable than the upper.

On the basis of analyses and review of published data on the biology and distribution of Electrona carlsbergi, as well as on the hydrological patterns of the Southern Ocean - especially concerning the structure and spatial variation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) - this paper describes possible ways and means (mechanisms) by which this species carries out meridional migration in various frontal zones. The yearly transport of E. carlsbergi into the waters of the Southern Polar Frontal Zone (SPFZ) occurs regularly although its intensity changes in time. The densest concentrations are observed here in the spring-summer period (November to February) when zooplankton. the main dietary component for E. carlsbergi, is undergoing rapid development. In various areas of the SPFZ and in all sectors of Antarctica E. carlsbergi is represented by immature specimens 7 to 8 cm in length and 2 years of age, indicating dominance by a single cohort. Moreover, a very similar size composition in the SPFZ is evident from both a seasonal and interannual point of view. The proportion of immature specimens in the Subantarctic zone, classified as a breeding area, decreases to 20-40%, while the number of mature specimens 8.5-11 cm in length and 3-5 years old increases. Based on the dynamic processes of the Southern Ocean and taking account of the locations of spawning areas and distribution of E. carlsbergi in the early stages of its life cycle, a theory has been put forward concerning the presence in the notal region and various sectors of Antarctica of several reproductive zones coinciding with areas of large scale disruptions to the zonality of transport by the ACC under the influence of topogenic factors. This paper examines the fate of large swarms (in terms of biomass) of E. carlsbergi transported beyond the notal region and the possibility of a part of the population returning to the reproductive zone. There is a strong likelihood that E. carlsbergi migrates from the SPFZ into the Subantarctic zone by means of eddy formations which occur periodically in the ACC system. These eddies play an important role in the meridional exchange of waters between frontal zones. The paper also discusses questions of the within-species structure of E. carlsbergi and an ecological assessment of the impact of fishing on the ecosystem of the open waters of Antarctica.

Analysis and synthesis of results of Russian and foreign research into the trophic relationships of myctophids demonstrate that this group of mesopelagic fish plays a significant role in the community of marine organisms of the Southern Ocean. The trophic status of myctophids has been determined - they are zooplankton-eaters who consume a considerable amount of meso and macroplankton which determines their high abundance and biomass. Thus, according to a preliminary estimate the yearly consumption of zooplankton by Electrona carlsbergi, the most numerous species of myctophid, ranges from 196 to 364 million tonnes. According to its position in the trophic system of the Southern Ocean, myctophids occupy the third trophic level and are consumers of the second order. Myctophids play a major role as producers, in turn guaranteeing the production of organisms at higher trophic levels (certain species of squid, notothenoids, sea birds and mammals). The large deepwater squid Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni each year consumes approximately 48 to 57 million tonnes of myctophids. A summary table of the trophic relationships of myctophids is presented, based on general patterns of energy transformation from one trophic level to the next.

The Kerguelen fishery (trawlers and long-liners) of Dissostichus eleginoides is analyzed in the ligth of the knowledge of life cycle of the species. Catches reach a similar cumulative value that in South Georgia subarea (48-3). Fishing grounds and fishing methods have been separated and the tendancies from the LFD and an index of abundance compared.

Patagonian toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides, spawn in July to September. Hatching is likely to occur in October/November. Scales do not start to form before the fish are 64-74 mm long. It is far from being resolved when the first 'winter ring' is formed. Available information suggests that the annulus may not be completed before spring. Length composition of fish