Overview

This reference library is being re-developed following recommendations from the Commission and Scientific Committee to expand the types and descriptions of gear (including exclusion devices) available on the CCAMLR website (CCAMLR-41, paragraph 4.81, SC-CAMLR-41, paragraph 3.18).

The Secretariat has collated existing gear configuration diagrams, configurations and descriptions provided in fishery notifications and designed new generic diagrams of gear types with reference to the specified configuration fields requested during the fishery notification process. This document can be found here: Illustrated generic gear library (1.7 MB).

Information on the specific fishing gear can be found on the CCAMLR website, under the ‘Fishing Gear’ tab at the base of the vessel in questions’ page (Go to: Compliance > Authorised vessels > List of authorised vessels > Select vessel > Scroll down to summary table > Select ‘Fishing Gear’ tab > Expand (+) if necessary). The labelled diagrams provided in the PDF are intended to complement the specific vessel diagrams provided by the vessel through the notification process, and contain the majority of fields specified in the table (highlighted blue), of which is also found in the ‘Fishing Gear’ tab. 

Members are encouraged to submit papers with additional diagrams of net and longline configurations and descriptions of operations to subsequent Working Group meetings for inclusion in the gear library (including exclusion devices used across different trawl vessels within the Convention Area).

Longlines

Bottom longline fishing gear consists of a mainline, which is a long rope or cable with a series of baited hooks attached to it, and other components including floats, weights, and secondary lines.

In CCAMLR fisheries, longline fishing is used to target toothfish (Dissostichus spp) species, which are found near the seafloor. The fishing gear is deployed, with the mainline and attached hooks being designed to sink to the bottom, typically more than 1000 meters below the surface.

Longline catch can include bycatch species (other fish, skates, invertebrates), and incidental catch (seabirds, and marine mammals). To reduce the risk of interactions with other species, CCAMLR has established a number of regulations and guidelines for longline fishing, including the use of bird deterrents and the mandatory use of circle hooks, which can reduce the incidence of deep hooking in non-target species.

There are three types of bottom longline gear used in the Convention Area which are briefly described below: Autoline, Spanish and Trotline.

Autoline

Autoline gear is a variation of longline fishing gear that consists of an automated system to bait and deploy the fishing gear. The single sinking mainline is weighted either with internal weighting or by attaching weights to the line.

Spanish

Spanish longline fishing gear consists of a double line system which is typically used on rough ground, as the backbone line forms a secondary hauling line to prevent snagging on the bottom. The hooks are hand-baited and spaced along the line at specified intervals.

Trotline

Trotline longline fishing gear consist of a floating mainline that is held in place by a series of weighted branch lines and anchored to the seafloor. Clusters of hand-baited hooks are deployed on the branch lines, designed to be suspended near or just off the bottom.

For a compilation of longline gear configurations used in the Convention Area, see here: Longline gear library compilation (19.72 KB).

Trawls

Trawl gear is a type of fishing gear that is predominately used in CCAMLR-regulated fisheries to target Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), and toothfish. Trawling involves towing a large net through the water behind a fishing vessel and herding or overtaking animals in the water column. There are two main types of trawl gear used in CCAMLR fisheries: midwater otter trawl and midwater beam trawl. Additionally, demersal trawls are sporadically undertaken for research and stock assessment purposes in some areas. The two main methods of trawling are continuous and traditional. The continuous fishing system functions where the codend of the net is emptied via a pump connected to the vessel while the vessel is trawling and differs to the traditional system where the codend is hauled aboard.

Otter trawl

The midwater otter trawl consists of a large net towed through the water column which is held open by midwater hydrofoils that spread the net wide, while to top is help up by floats and the bottom held down by weights.

Beam trawl

The beam trawl consists of a solid horizontal beam from which an open net is suspended. The beam holds the net open, and the bottom is held down by weights.

A summary of the trawl gear configurations used by vessels operating in the Convention Area can be found below as an excel file. This datasheet provides specific details of the gear notified by the Member, and includes various details relating to the information provided on the exclusion device employed within the particular gear configuration. A link to both the vessel diagram and the marine mammal exclusion device is provided in this table should Members be seeking additional information or a schematic version. In some cases, various versions of the vessel exist and this is likely due to the Member providing a more up-to-date version of the vessel details, however may also include a duplicated vessel’s version effective date.

For a compilation of trawl gear configurations used in the Convention Area, see here: Trawl gear library compilation (20.14 KB).

Exclusion Devices

Marine Mammal Exclusion Devices (MMEDs) are devices designed to prevent marine mammals, such as seals and whales, from being caught in trawls.

The MMEDs are typically installed in the opening of the trawl net to prevent mammals from entering the body of the net and becoming entrapped. They may also be installed inside the net to remove animals that have been overtaken by the trawl. The device consists of a set of diversion barriers or sieves, which can be made of materials such as metal or plastic, depending on the device.

For a compilation of MMEDs used in the Convention Area, see here: Trawl gear library compilation (20.14 KB).

Pot Gear

Pot fishing is a fishing method used mainly to catch crustaceans such as crabs, however has also been used to target toothfish. The method involves the use of traps, known as pots, which are baited with fish or other food items and placed on the seafloor.

The pots are typically made of wire or twine mesh and are designed to allow the target species to enter the trap, but not escape. Mesh size is designed to retain target species while allowing smaller animals to escape. They are fitted with escape ports to create a large exit and prevent ghost fishing if the pot is lost.

For a compilation of pot gear configurations used in the Convention Area, see here: Pot gear library compilation (10.11 KB).