CCAMLR

Throughout exploratory longline fishing within Division 58.4.1 Australian vessel FV Antarctic Discovery deployed benthic video camera systems 15 times and environmental data loggers 33 times. Substrate was generally soft sediments or a combination of soft sediments and cobble stones. Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem indicator species were seen in low numbers within videos. The data collected during the 2015/16 season provides the beginnings of a dataset to allow for spatially-explicit habitat-use models for toothfish. 

Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, and precautionary management arrangements are in place as set out in Conservation Measures 41-11 and 41-05. A research plan (WG-FSA-15/47 Rev. 1) was developed under Conservation Measure 41–01 for an Australian vessel, FV Antarctic Discovery, to participate in exploratory fishing within these Divisions. This paper reports on the fishing operation, catch composition, tagging and biological sampling undertaken by Australia in SSRUs 58.4.1E and 58.4.1G. A total of 82 research lines were completed over 27 fishing days between 29th January and 4th March 2016. Vessel logbooks recorded a total of 51980.9 kg of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) and 581.6 kg of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides). Macroscopic evaluation of maturity stage indicated that both immature and mature (gonad stage ≥ 3) D. mawsoni were present in both SSRUs. The most commonly caught bycatch group was grenadiers (Macrourus spp.), followed by icefish (Channichthyidae), moray cods (Muraenolepis spp.), skates (Rajiformes) and violet cod (Antimora rostrata). Target and bycatch species were sampled for total length, standard length, whole weight, sex and gonad stage in accordance with Conservation Measure 41-01. A total of 247 D. mawsoni and 16 D. eleginoides were tagged, and 3 D. mawsoni were recaptured. Voyage outcomes are evaluated in relation to the current stock hypothesis for the region, and their progress towards achievement of the research objectives outlined in WG-FSA-15/47 Rev. 1. This is a companion paper to Maschette et al. (2016) which reports on the collection of environmental data under Objective 2 of the research plan.

The third year research plan of Ukraine in subarea 48.2 by the fishing vessel SIMEIZ is provided. The survey design remains the same as in the second (2016) year. Ukraine proposes to divide the stock (the catch limit) in the researched area on two blocks – Northern and Southern, in order to reach maximum coverage of the subarea by the research stations.

The second year survey and observations of Dissostichus spp. in statistical subarea 48.2 on board the Ukrainian vessel SIMEIZ were conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Scientific Committee and Commission. The second year survey design was amended in comparison with the one of the first year and approved by WGs SAM, FSA and SC CCAMLR.  Obtained data will be used for the future biomass estimation of the target species and making decision for the future fishing on that fishing ground. During the survey the fragments of IUU nets were taken on board.

A proposal for a Joint SC-CAMLR and SC-IWC two-day Workshop to develop multi-species models of the Antarctic marine ecosystem was discussed at the SC-CAMLR 2014, and a steering group to progress a Joint IWC–CCAMLR Workshop was formed (SC-CAMLR 2014 Paragraph 10.25). The joint workshop was perceived as an opportunity to increase knowledge on specific species and their interactions in different management areas, possibly initially focussing on the Antarctic Peninsula given it is a high-priority area for both CCAMLR and IWC (IWC SC 2015 Report). The steering group developed a paper identifying draft terms of reference (SC-CAMLR-XXXIV/BG/33). This was tabled to and endorsed by the SC-CAMLR 2015. This ToR is also scheduled to be discussed at the IWC-SC meeting in June 2016 together with the draft agenda proposed in this document.

Some methods used by observers to record by-catch data in the longline toothfish fishery are discussed. Proposals on implementation of a uniform process reporting accurate by-catch data in the CCAMLR Convention Area are shown.

Closed mostly within the Weddell Sea Subarea 48.5 is one of the closed data-poor CCAMLR subareas, where stock assessment should be carried out. In spite of hard ice conditions at most part of the Sea during mostly all the year, this large water area is very similar to the Ross Sea. This similarity could be found in geographical location, bathymetric profile, currents system and follows from results of the first and the second stage of this program. It highlights the Weddell Sea as one of the most promising area for exploratory fishery of Dissostichus sp. However, fishery in Subarea 48.5 is closed on the basis data on stock assessment absence. The main objective of the present program is collecting data for reliable stock assessment and following estimation of precautionary limits in accordance with CCAMLR decision rules. The program contains schedule and research program of the third stage of the Russian multi-year research program in the Weddell Sea that is prospected for 3-5 years. Detailed plan of fishing operations, data collecting and analysis will be provided for the Scientific Committee and Commission consideration.