CCAMLR

A multi-disciplinary approach incorporating otolith chemistry, age data and numerical Lagrangian particle simulations indicated a single, self-recruiting population of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in the Southeast Pacific Basin (SPB) and Ross Sea, with a life history structured by the large-scale circulation. Chemistry deposited prior to capture along otolith edges demonstrated strong environmental heterogeneity, yet the chemistry in otolith nuclei, deposited during early life, showed no differences. Age data showed only adult fish in catches on the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge in the SPB; and structuring of life stages consistent with transport pathways from the northern Ross Sea. Lagrangian particle simulations predicted that early life stages following the flow in the SPB would be transported to areas in the Ross Sea where juveniles are caught; whereas, the circulation would facilitate adult movement along the shelf slope and back into the SPB where spawning adults are caught. These results suggest that: successfully spawning fish spend only a part of their adult life history in the Ross Sea; areas in the eastern Ross Sea contribute disproportionately to the spawning population; and areas in the southwestern Ross Sea may supply fisheries in the southern Indian Ocean.  
 

In 2010, POKER Biomass survey was undertaken at Kerguelen Islands (Division 58.5.1) to collect information of all the fish species including the mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari. Data from this random stratified trawl survey, added to the previous results of 2006, was used for a short term assessment of C. gunnari on Kerguelen EEZ. The standard CCAMLR methods were used to provide potential yields for the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons even if fishery doesn’t occur presently. A catch limit tonnes was simulated till the 2011/2012 season.
 

In accordance with decision of CCAMLR Scientific Committee in 2010 and in 2011 years Russian Federation was conducted research program in SSRU 88.2 A. In seasons 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 Russian vessel “Chio Maru 3” (“Antei” Ltd.) has been conducted research fishing of toothfish. The primary objective of the works in the SSRU was estimation of toothfish`s distribution density and carrying out of tagging. Obtained results shows that investigated area is potentially advantageous for fishing and could be recommended for exploratory fishing under CCAMLR regulations. Calculation results shows that biomass of toothfish in SSRU 88.2 A in significant and makes up from 2611.3 to 3112.3 t, which allows the removal of approximately 280 tons (at 10% operating level) each year without negative effect to the population of toothfish. We recommend 286 tons as value of limit of the allowable catch.

This document summarises French observations of illegal fishing for the past year.  

The geographical area covered in this report comprises Statistical Subarea 58.6 and Divisions 58.5.1 and 58.5.2 (which include the Crozet, Kerguelen and Heard and McDonald EEZs), Statistical Divisions 58.4.3, 58.4.4, (BANZARE, Elan, Lena and Ob Banks) and Subarea 58.4.1. Vessels on the CCAMLR black list observed outside the Convention Area this season are also mentioned.

The fish stocks in the Kerguelen and Crozet EEZs are now protected, as shown in the report of the POKER 2 fisheries research survey (2010). Although IUU removals in the Crozet and Kerguelen EEZ are close to zero, IUU fishing persists in the CCAMLR Area in international waters. In the area covered in this document, IUU activities have remained at a similar level to 2011.

The selling price for toothfish has reached record highs this season, further increasing the incentive to conduct IUU fishing, so several times a year IUU activities lasting from one to five weeks are observed on the edges of the continental shelves outside the French EEZs. This season, the IUU fleet has again focused on BANZARE and Elan Banks (Statistical Division 58.4.3) as well as on the more scattered seamounts (Ob and Lena), and sometimes at the boundaries of the Crozet, Kerguelen and Heard EEZs (Lameyne Ridge, Gallienni Spur, Williams Seamount and Del Cano Rise). IUU activities targeting Antarctic toothfish have been observed in areas over the seamounts along the edge of the continent or at the limit of the ice, accessible in summer. The IUU vessels observed all use gillnets.

It is becoming more and more difficult to obtain information about the identities of vessel masters and fishing masters or the nationalities of the crews of the vessels observed. It may well be that the crewmen who are the least cooperative during questioning are those which are made up of nationals of  CCAMLR Member States. On the high seas, it has been observed that the presence of surveillance vessels showing the CCAMLR insignia has not been sufficient to discourage IUU vessels from continuing their activities.