CCAMLR

A brief description of New Zealand scientific observer efforts in the CCAMLR Area is provided. The nature and extent of observer deployments in the CCAMLR Area are briefly described (c. 500 sea days p.a. in three Subareas). The general training of observers through to post-voyage debriefing is noted, along with details of the at-sea work conducted. Data collected and data checking approaches are briefly identified. Current and near future developments are described, noting a move toward electronic data capture at sea and improvements to VME sampling.

Conservation Measure 22-07 (2008) requires vessels fishing in the Ross Sea region (and most areas south of 60 °S) to monitor longline bycatch for VME indicator organisms. Observers classified invertebrate bycatch using new protocols and a new VME taxa classification guide, and retained these samples for subsequent onshore classification by taxonomists. Comparison of the observer’s classification versus the taxonomist’s classification showed that for most groups, the observer classifications were reasonably accurate. Classification of two groups requires further development of training materials; stylasterids and gorgonians. Errors in other groups indicated the observers did not always record all the VME taxa retained as samples, as some live on other taxa (e.g. Anemones on stylasterids). Relatively large differences between vessels in how VME taxa bycatch were recorded are noted, along with suggested improvements. Observers very rarely classified non-VME taxa as VME taxa. Some errors and confusion in terminology in how data were recorded in logbooks were noted and alternatives described. Updates to the VME taxa classification guide, and specific observer training, should permit a robust dataset on the taxonomic composition and distribution of VME taxa in the Ross Sea region and elsewhere in the CCAMLR Area.

The aim of this document is to serve as an objective guideline to decide on an appropriate observer coverage to understand overall behaviour and impact of the fishery. CCAMLR Observer data, together with haul-by-haul fine-scale data were used to identify the target SSMUs and the critical periods as baseline to evaluate the level of observer coverage needed to achieve the CCAMLR objectives. The analysis revealed that the key to a successful observer program is 100% participation by all Members in providing systematic observer coverage, with 100% vessel time coverage to ensure viable data collection. An urgent need for capacity building by all fishing nations is re-iterated so that a large number of qualified observers are able to be deployed for 100% vessel time to ensure acquisition of data.

• Information was taken from CCAMLR observer reports and interviews with fishing masters;
• The variation in reported conversion factors for similar reported products can be attributed to a number of reasons:.; o Differences in the method of processing the same products o Seasonal variation o Spatial variation o Krill water content o Reporting errors (recording percentage recovered instead of conversion factor)

• Uncertainty in reported Conversion Factors does not necessarily lead to uncertainty in total catch estimates as the majority of vessels interviewed made direct estimates of green weight catches; and,
• A need for closer monitoring of processing methods, calculation of green weight catches, and conversion factors where appropriate, this could be enhanced by greater observer coverage.

This paper provides a review of the three main trawling systems used to target Antarctic krill: traditional, continuous fishing systems and fishing systems utilising pumping to clear the codend. Common terms used in reference to trawling techoniques and gear are defined, with specific emphasis on continuous trawling. The operational procedures for trawl vessels targeting krill in the Antarctic are described including standard procedures for setting and hauling.

The Secretariat has made changes to the Observers Manual to reflect the current advice from the Scientific Committee and its Working Groups. These changes are presented as an annotated Table of Contents, with a full track-change version of the Manual provided as an appendix. Two additional sections are included at the end of this document which require endorsement from the Working Group. These are:  Proposal for a revised method for recording Krill Feeding Observations, and  Proposal for a revised fish sampling protocol for krill fisheries.