CCAMLR

Zones of 20 km width are defined around selected colonies of penguins distributed around the coasts of the South Shetland and South Orkney Islands. Krill catches in these zones are shown to have a consistent pattern in Subarea 48.1 but an unpredictable distribution in Subarea 48.2, probably as a result of more variable hydrographic conditions. About 50% of the catch in Subarea 48.1 from December to March was taken within 40 km of the coast, and 90% within 80 km in all years 1988-1990. In 1987 and 1988 75% of the catch in Subarea 48.2 between December and March was taken within 80 km of colonies in the South Orkneys. Estimates of consumption rates, foraging ranges and population sizes from the literature are used to show that for some years, at distances of between 20 and 60 km from predator colonies catches in January and February may be up to 48% of the land-based predator consumption. Whilst the overall ratio of catch to consumption is relatively low (27%), any competition between the fishery and predators as a result of large increases in catch is likely to emerge in these areas earlier than would be expected considering the fishery as a whole.

The distribution of krill catches in relation to predator colonies in Subareas 48.1 and 48.2 is shown. 74-90% of catches in Subarea 48.1 are taken within 100 km of predator colonies between December and March, and these are between 10 and 18% of the estimated total penguin consumption in this period. The pattern of fishing is very consistent in all years 1988-1991 in Subarea 48.1, but is more variable in Subarea 48.2 where 1989 and 1990 show highly mobile fishing patterns. 53-78% of total catches in Subarea 48.2 are taken within the ’critical period’ defined above, and these are between 2 and 45% of the estimated total penguin consumption. The largest catch taken in this critical period was 94 860 tonnes in Subarea 48.1, in 1989, and 88 139 tonnes in Subarea 48.2 (1991).

This paper outlines the theory and procedures for calibrating an echo integration acoustic system with a standard sphere. It presents the results of an extensive calibration of a Simrad EK500 scientific echo sounder with a 120 kHz sprit-beam transducer in a refrigerated 10m deep tank. Calibration parameters are studied in relation to sphere material (WC and Cu), water temperature (0.5-5.5°C), transmitted pulse length (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 ms), target depth (0.8 - 7.5 m), and time (149 days). A discussion follows concerning the ramifications of calibration errors and variability on the accuracy of acoustic biomass estimation.

CCAMLR Conservation Measure 32/X sets a 1.5 million metric ton precautionary catch limit on krill (Euphausia superba) in Statistical Area 48. The measure also asks the Scientific Committee to provide the Commission with advice on how precautionary limits could be applied to subareas or local areas. Nine alternative methods of determining subarea or local area krill catch limits are evaluated relative to six criteria: 1) the degree to which information on biological relationships is considered, 2) the cost of data collection, 3) the reliability of required information, 4) the ease of enforcement, 5) the effects on current fishing patterns, and 6) the potential for delay in implementing the alternative. The probability of adverse impact on dependent species is minimized when a high amount of biological information is considered and the potential for delay is low. Therefore, we consider the following tradeoff to be important: choosing a biologically explicit alternative and delaying implementation, or choosing a biologically unrealistic alternative and implementing a management scheme immediately. We recognize that other tradeoffs may be equally important. Alternatives that allocate the 1.5 million ton limit by evenly dividing the catch among subareas or by using historical catches to set limits can be categorized as having a low potential for delaying implementation, but they ignore information on biological relationships. Alternatives based on protective zones, critical periods, predator censuses, and predator-prey models include large amounts of biological information, but may not be practical in the near future. Alternatives based on continental shelf area, simple pulse fishing, and krill surveys are not biologically explicit and result in delayed implementation. None of the alternatives are categorized as being both biologically explicit and immediately available for implementation. However, two of the alternatives (i.e. protective zones and critical periods) are unsatisfactory only because they would alter current fishing patterns. These two alternatives could be implemented immediately if the member nations are willing to tolerate changes in current fishing patterns.

Length-weight relationships for krill Euphausia superba are listed for ash-free dry weight, dry weight, and wet weight as well as relationships for other Antarctic euphausiid species. Information on sex and dominant maturity stages underlying the data are supported. The influence of seasonal changes in length-weight relationship parameters is discussed. Recommendations are given for the use of the listed lenght-weight relationships.

Krill stock composition and distributional patterns in the vicinity of Elephant Island during austral summer 1988-1992 are described. Changes in both size and maturity composition over the five year period indicates strong recruitment from the 1987/88 and 1990/91 year classes and poor recruitment from the 1989/90 and 1990/91 year classes. Year class success may be related to the abundance of large mature stages and/or the development state of mature females during early summer. The overall distributional patterns during each year indicate that the older age classes were associated with oceanic/Drake Passage waters while younger classes were associated with water masses to the south. Between-year differences in distribution patterns reflected changes in year class success and maturity stage composition.