CCAMLR

A survey of mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari, was undertaken in Division 58.5.2 in the vicinity of Heard Island in March-April 2010 to provide the information for an assessment of short-term annual yield in the 2010/2011 CCAMLR season. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of yield for the area of Division 58.5.2 to the west of 79°20’ E using standard CCAMLR methods. The strong year class detected in the last three years’ surveys is now fully recruited as the 4+ cohort, and dominates the population, however it is assumed this cohort will be unavailable to the fishery in 2010/11. A new 2+ cohort has been detected, and it is expected that the fishery in 2010/11 will focus on this cohort. A new growth model is also estimated which shows an improved fit to observed sizes at age of icefish from recent surveys.

For the first time the study of diet composition of deepwater icefish Chionobathyscus dewitti was conducted through Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni acted as an “agent”, i.e., all analyzed icefish individuals were taken from stomachs of toothfish caught in the Ross Sea in 2010 from board the longliner “No. 1 IN SUNG”.

Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is the target species of a bottom longline fishery occurring in the Southern Indian Ocean off Kerguelen and Crozet islands. This fishery is exposed to high levels of interactions with cetaceans removing fish from the fishing gear and to accidental bird mortality. In order to find a solution to these issues a 25-day pot trial cruise was conducted on board vessel Austral Leader II from January 22nd to February 17th 2010 with a period of comparison with longliners. This paper describes the trial and the results obtained with different pot models. The catch rate of Patagonian toothfish with pot was lower than when using longline but direct comparison are not straightforward due to the large number of pot model tested and the large differences in fishing techniques and further investigations are needed to be in position to asses the economic viability of such fishery. One of the aim of the study was to test different pot models to assess differences in fishing efficiency and in their by catch. Crab by-catch was identified as a major issue which still needs to be solved. Furthermore the operational, safety and social issues should also be taken into consideration before planning to implement such fishery. Bird by-catch and depredation was eliminated using pot.

This paper summarises recent, fishery-related scientific research notified in accordance with Conservation Measure 24-01. Four notifications were received by the Secretariat for research in 2009/10, and five notifications have been received to date for research in 2010/11. Details of the notifications for 2010/11 are appended.

This paper summarises the information collected by observers for the 2009/10 season relating to compliance with Conservation Measures 24-02 (2008), 25-02 (2009), 25-03 (2009) and 26-01 (2009).

The Secretariat has proposed a work plan and budget for the development of a VME registry to manage, store, process and summarise data notified under CMs 22-06 and 22-07 (SC-CAMLR-XXVIII, paragraph 4.251(xvi)). This registry would include a secure database for holding notification details and related data, for generating web-based lists of VMEs notified under CM 22-06 and VME risk areas and fine-scale rectangles notified under CM 22-07, and for holding documents outlining CCAMLR’s management advice and information related to VMEs and risk areas and a selection of maps of VMEs, risk areas, and associated features. In this proposal, summary information on VMEs and VME risk areas and fine-scale rectangles, including locations and taxonomic composition, is intended to be posted on the public section of the CCAMLR website. The registry will be based on the database structure and routines established for the interim VME registry, for which much of the database work has been completed. The development of the web-based lists, document archive and basic maps will be completed by early 2011. Further work would be required in subsequent years to maintain the registry and implement transition to future software and system requirements. The Secretariat is investigating options for the development of its mapping capacity to support enhanced mapping functionality, including multi-layer maps. Options and their budget implications will be forwarded to the Scientific Commission and Commission for consideration in 2011. WG-FSA and the Scientific Committee are invited to consider the development of the VME registry, and review and approve the work plan and budget, as appropriate.

The paper presents an estimate of IUU catches of toothfish during the 2009/10 fishing season, using the standard, compliance derived methodology. The paper was revised on 4 October 2010 to take into account new information submitted in respect of two vessels fishing in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.4a. Changes from version 1 are highlighted in bold.

This paper summarises the data collected by National and International Scientific Observers operating in the Convention Area on board longline, trawl and pot fishing vessels during the 2009/10 season.

Summary (road-map) of fishery-related information for WG-FSA including availability of data, catches in assessed and exploratory fisheries, notifications (fisheries, research and VMEs) and estimates of IUU fishing. Where applicable, WG-FSA’s draft 2010 fishery reports have been updated with this information.