Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) – one of the most common and widespread species of Antarctic fish. Ukraine proposes survey of Champsocephalus gunnari at previously scheduled stations (trawlings) points in the statistical Subarea 48.2. The main objective of the research is to determine the distribution and abundance of mackerel icefish in Subarea 48.2.

The experience of the use of methods by Ukrainian vessels to search for lost longliness in the CCAMLR Convention Area is presented.

The issues of longlines geo-referencing during the exploratory fisheries of the toothfish in the Convention Area are discussed. Cases of differences in the coordinates of settings and haulings are considered. The estimation of the maximum possible variation of the coordinates in the depths range of 550-3000 m was performed. It is shown that the differences of coordinates of settings and haulings increases in the areas with large depths and high velocities of sea currents in the high seas. The data indicate the necessity of revising the radius of risk areas around points of potential VMEs, taking into account scattering of longlines geo-referencing.

The Russian Federation proposes, in accordance with Measure 21-01, on establishment   a new craboid fishery using pots in Subareas 88.2 (SSRU 882 H, C, D, E, F) and 88.3 (SSRU 88.3 B, C, D) in the 2019/20 season. The initiating a new craboid fishery in Subareas 88.2 and 88.3 would be consistent with  CCAMLR’s regulatory framework.

Catch per unit effort (CPUE) is developed for subarea 48.6 from data covering 2004/2005 to 2017/2018 fishing seasons. General Linear Models and General Linear Mixed Models were applied to these data to extract annual time series trends that may be of use in the fitting of stock assessment models for Dissostichus mawsoni (D. mawsoni) in the area.  The entire fishing area in 48.6 which is covered by various research blocks is treated as a single area and the developed trends are for the entire subarea. The trends from these models reflect stable to a slight increase in CPUE since 2013 which might be reflection better management since research block were introduced in 2012/2013 fishing season.

Antarctic Toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) is one of the target species that CCAMLR sets catch limits in the Southern Ocean. Due to their broad distribution relating to their life cycle and difficulties of in situ observations, life cycle with their spatial and temporal distribution is yet to be fully understood. Especially in early life stage, the process of successful egg/larval transport pattern from spawning ground to nursery ground is poorly known in the East Antarctic region. This project investigates the transport pattern of egg/larvae of toothfish using particle tracking scheme uses more than 10 years unique satellite product data and ocean model output data. This work examines not only passive particle drift but also the effects of multiple physical and biological factors (such as eddy, sea ice, egg buoyancy and swimming activity of larvae) on their distributions. Using this sensitivity analysis, we explore possible transport process of egg/larvae in the East Antarctic region and it will contribute to developing CCAMLR’s stable management of Antarctic Toothfish.

To achieve the milestone “Updating biological parameters for the population, suitable for inclusion in CASAL: Age Length Key (ALK), growth curves, maturity ogives” (SC-CAMLR-37 Report, para 3.130), this paper represents the updated length-weight relationship, growth curve, ALK, and maturity ogives as biological parameters of Dissostichus mawsoni at Subarea 48.6 up to the 2017/18 fishing season collected from a collaborative research program among Japan, South Africa, and Spain.

Due to the lack of sufficient aging data, it is not possible at present to calculate annual and sex-specific growth curve, ALK, and maturity ogive. Continuing both data collection and otolith aging will lead to the implementation of CASAL stock assessment with rich biological information.

The Scientific Committee considered the assessment of Dissostichus spp. in data-poor fisheries to be of a high priority (SC-CAMLR-XXIX, paragraphs 3.125 to 3.145). The use of different gear types for the implementation of a multi-Member research on   Dissostichus spp.  in East Antarctica (Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2) carried out in the seasons 2011/12 - 2017/18  is a critical factor for their   efficiency and reliability. In the context of the discussion of the Scientific Committee (SC-CAMLR-XXXVII p.3.338-3.144) related to the methodical  problems and analysis issues of  the above said research   we propose the research program on Dissostichus spp by the  multi-vessels  in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 for seasons 2019/20-2021/22 based on standardization of sampling longline gear  and survey design.

Russian program provides proposals to continue investigations of the species composition, biology, life cycle, distribution and structure of craboids stock (Anomura, Decapoda) and assess their resource potential in the Bellingshausen Sea (Subarea 88.3) and Amundsen Sea (Subarea 88.2). Russian pilot research program of craboids (Anomura, Decapoda) in the Antarctic Pacific (Subareas 88.2 and 88.3) were carried out in March 2019 (vessel Volk Arctic) in full compliance with the Russian program (WGSAM-18/06; WGFSA-18/32 Rev.1) and recommendations of the Scientific Committee (SC-CAMLR –XXXVII, paragraph 4.3 (i-viii)).

Russian Federation is going to continue investigation  of life –cycle and resource potential for Dissostichus spp. in Ross Sea. This paper presents the   research program in the frame of the Research and Monitoring Plan for RSRMOR. 

The research program shall be conducted in the Special Research Zone during 2019 - 2027 or the first reference period for existence of the RSRMPA.   This program provides possibility   for collaborative investigations in the Special Research Zone by Russian vessels and vessel from other CCAMLR members.