CCAMLR

In this document, we revise stock status assessments of D. eleginoides in research blocks C and D using CPUE analogy method, Petersen method and CASAL models following the methods recommended at the last WG-FSA meeting, although the survey for the current season has not been conducted yet. Detailed results using CASAL models in research block C are described in a separated document. The Shinsei maru No. 3 will conduct the research in June for the current (2013/14) season, thus we would submit updated data to the next WG-FSA meeting.

The estimated stock size in block C was 753, 428 and 667 tonnes in CPUE analogy method, Petersen method and CASAL Len model (vulnerable biomass in 2013), respectively.

The stock sizes of D. eleginoides in block D is estimated at 840 tonnes only by using CPUE method, as the catch and tagging data in block D was not enough to be applied to Petersen method and CASAL models.

We propose to continue the current research operation for the next fishing season with the same survey design and sample size of 60 tonnes in order to further strengthen the stock assessments in the area.

Following the Spanish research plan approved by the SC-CCAMLR XXXII, during the second year of the multi-year research survey in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2,  the F/V Tronio has returned to the same places surveyed in the 2012/13 season, as well as expanded the experience westwards to the 58.4.1D and 58.4.1C SSRUs.

A prospective estimation of the local biomass (B_LOC) of one localized area that was visited for the commercial Spanish fleet along five seasons in the SSRU 58.4.1C is made, together with the estimation of the total Biomass in the entire SSRU using a depletion model.

There have been some Antarctic toothfish recaptured that would allow, in successive years, to estimate the local abundance by tag-recapture models.

The IEO is starting the process of reading otoliths with ageing purposes, data to be added in order to carry out a robust assessment of Dissostichus eleginoides stock in these divisions.    

Results of other data collected such as fish by-catch, incidental catch of benthic taxa or otoliths collection for ageing purposes are also presented.

During 2013 WG-EMM agreed to form two inter-sessional task groups to progress work that might facilitate the development of feedback management procedures for the krill fishery in Area 48.

In reviewing the state of ecological knowledge for Subarea 48.2, we conclude that movement towards Stage 2 (in the Staged approach advocated by WG-EMM) is highly improbable based on the current level of information available for Subarea 48.2. We suggest that there is an urgent need to improve the ecological knowledge base, but that this will take time, especially in the context of climate change.

We suggest that recent research initiatives will help provide new information; however, a fundamental step-change in knowledge is required if the krill fishery is to expand beyond its current level in Subarea 48.2.

We note that the most probable source of information allowing expansion to Stage 2 would be the provision of regular acoustic surveys by krill fishing vessels, coupled with ‘health checks’ that describe the status of the ecosystem.

This paper explains the rationale behind these suggestions.