Results of fish stock assessment survey, South Georgia region, November - December 1986
Biomasses and length compositions of eight stocks from South Georgia are described based on results of a stratified random bottom trawl survey. A total of 124 tows were undertaken between 29 November and 17 December 1986 by the R.V. Professor Siedlecki using a Polish B-454 otter trawl. Biomass was estimated based on stratified swept-area calculations. Estimates of biomass of Notothenia rossii and Patagonotothen brevicauda guntheri were an order of magnitude lower than observe by Kock in 1985. Abundance of Dissostichus eleginoides and Pseudochanichthys georgianus appeared lower in 1986/87 than 1984/85, although not by an order of magnitude. Abundances of Notothenia gibberifrons and Chaenocephalus aceratus as estimated by this study and Kock were roughly equal. Abundance estimates of Champsocephalus gunnari were larger in 1986/87 than 1984/85, probably due to good recruitment of 1983/84 and 1984/85 year classes. Coefficients of variation ranged from 67.9% (Notothenia squamifrons) to 12.6% (C. aceratus).