In November 2010, the Secretariat allocated 1405 random starting positions for research hauls in order to facilitate research fishing by seven vessels which had notified their intention to participate in exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus spp. in Subarea 48.6 and Divisions 58.4.1, 58.4.2 and 58.4.3a in 2010/11. The positions were allocated in accordance with Conservation Measure 41-01 and the advice of the Scientific Committee, and using information held by the CCAMLR Data Centre. Vessels were provided with three random lots of starting positions for research hauls in each SSRU. These random lots were provided by the Secretariat, on request from the notifying Member or its vessel, and prior to the vessel’s arrival at the SSRU.

As of the end of June 2011, five vessels (Hong Jin No. 701, Insung No.7, Koryo Maru No. 11, Shinsei Maru No.3 and Tronio) conducted research fishing in the exploratory fisheries in 2010/11. The vessels completed a total of 124 research hauls and, in all instances where commercial fishing was subsequently conducted, each vessel completed the requirement of ten research hauls prior to fishing.

In general, vessels were able to deploy their research hauls by at least 5 nmiles apart, and use between 3500 and 5000 hooks per research haul and allow soak times of at least six hours. A small number of completed research hauls did not meet all of these criteria: two vessels were not able to meet the minimum separation distance due largely to the availability of suitable fishing areas and depths and/or extent of sea-ice; and one vessel hauled some lines which had soak times < 6 hours. In most instances, vessels were able to complete their research hauls at the assigned positions. However, some vessels were unable to reach the allocated starting positions due to sea-ice and had
deployed hauls in alternative locations determined by the vessel.