CCAMLR

In 1995 there was increased interest in fishing for Martialia hyadesi in waters adjacent to the Convention Area, with a catch in excess of 12,000 tonnes. Recent improvements in processing techniques for this squid also enhance commercial prospects and may promote interest in fishing in Convention waters. Although regulations for fishing of squid in nearby waters provide a useful model framework, management of a Martialia fishery by CCAMLR would require a better understanding of the distribution and demography of the species. The results of recent studies of the ecological niche of Martialia at the Polar Frontal Zone are presented in SC/CAMLR/BG/??.

Six records of entanglements of six species of birds from 1986 to 1994 at sub-Antarctic Marion Island are briefly reported. This low level seems typical for Southern Ocean seabirds.

Forty-two sightings of 28 individual pinnipeds with neck collars were observed from April 1991 to June 1995 at Marion Island, Southern Ocean. One of the individuals was an elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, six were Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella, and 21 Subantarctic fur seals, A. tropicalis. Fifty percent of neck collars on fur seals were removed. The incidence of entanglement of fur seals lies between 0,014 and 0,16 % of the population.

Incidental captures of seabirds were observed during 1994/1995 fishing campaign around Kerguelen islands (division 58.5.1). The most significant mortality has been noted during longlining operations for Dissostichus eleginoides (0.28 birds / line in November - December). Trawlers caused high mortality only for Champsocephalus gunnari fisheries’ operations, mainly in February (chick's rearing period).The species mainly affected is the White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis, because of its diving faculty. Ways of reducing mortalty are discussed for each fishery.