This paper describes an updated CASAL based assessment and stock projection for Patagonian toothfish (D. eleginoides) in Subarea 48.4.

This working document provides details of a modification in the method of calculating length distributions used in the assessment of Champsocephalus gunnari from the length distributions of individual hauls. The effect of these changes in method have little impact on the catches that would have been permitted based on the 2011 and 2013 surveys, but has a larger impact on the catch limits derived from the 2015 and 2017 surveys.

After many years of close to zero incidental seabird mortality in the longline fishery throughout the CCAMLR Convention Area, recent years have seen an increase in Subarea 48.3 and in Division 58.5.2. At the same time, concern has been expressed about the suitability of the method used to raise the observer data and to estimate total seabird mortality. Given the high profile of this issue in CCAMLR, there is a need for clarity in the data and methods used to report seabird mortality totals.

We present preliminary results on age and growth of Dissostichus mawsoni for the third season (2015/16) of the Spanish research fishing in the 58.4.1 Division obtained for growth rings on otolith readings. It is included the growth parameters estimates by sex. Growth parameters obtained using length-age pair values are: L∞: 208.2, k: 0.074 and t0: 0.564 for females; L∞: 173, k: 0.089 and t0: -0.1771 for males; and L_∞: 226.4, k: 0.05673 and t₀: -0.745 all combined. Values differ with the previous estimates, and comparisons are made between seasons, all seasons together as well as with the parameter values used in the Ross sea assessment.  

The three years of survey and observations of Dissostichus spp. in statistical Subarea 48.2 on board the Ukrainian vessel SIMEIZ. Survey was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Scientific Committee and Commission. Obtained data will be used for the future biomass estimation of the target species and making decision for the possible future fishing on that fishing ground. 

Ukraine is responsible for support and providing the CEMP Fund cameras and satellite transmitter projects in gentoo and Adelie penguin colonies at the Galindez, Petermann, and Yalour Islands. The activity in the Ukrainian Vernadsky Antarctic Station area on service of CEMP cameras and installation ARGOS satellite tags in penguin colonies as part of the CEMP projects run by USA, Argentina, Poland and Ukraine is reported. The pictures of gentoo colonies at the Galindez and Petermann Islands, and Adelie colonies at Yalour Island have been processed according to coordinated by US scientists, protocol and methods. Information on copulation, egg lay, maximum number of eggs, hatch, maximum number of chicks, date os cheche, and the maximum number of adults have been obtained during breeding season 2016/2017 from the photos of the all nine cameras and have been sent for analysis. Data for 2015/2016 breeding season have been received for three cameras at Galindez Island only and also processed. Note that the cameras were installed at Galindez colony late breeding 2015/2016 season therefore the data obtained do not allow to receive full phenology information. The attempt to provide visual observations for the cameras photo validation was unsuccessful due to overloaded research program of biologists at the station. ARGOS satellite tags have been installed successfully at fifteen adult gentoo penguins in Galindez Island colony. 

1. The 2017 UK groundfish survey took place over the South Georgia and Shag Rocks shelf on the FV Sil between the 30th January – 7th February 2017.

2. 72 random hauls were completed covering depths of between 100 and 350m.

3. Overall biomass of Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) was calculated at 91,049 t with a lower 1-sided 95% interval estimate of 37,514t. Mackerel icefish density was highest on the fishing grounds on the moraine banks of the NW stratum.

4. Clear regional differences in C. gunnari diet composition were observed. Krill were almost absent from fish sampled at Shag Rocks, at low levels in the northern strata of South Georgia and more abundant in the Southern strata. Although comprising 42% of diet by mass across all strata, the index of relative importance (IRI%) for krill was low (18%) whilst the amphipod Themisto sp. dominated diets (IRI% 77%).

5. Catches of juvenile Dissostichus eleginoides were low. A small peak in the length frequency distribution was present at lengths of 58-63cm (TL) indicating the presence of a cohort of 5+ fish.

6. Estimated biomass for the other icefish species were very similar to results obtained in 2015. However, the estimated biomass of Notothenia rossi was lower than observed in 2015 but was still the third highest seen in the survey time series.

7. HD camera footage was obtained from a headline-mounted camera at 12 trawl locations.

In this paper, COLTO and ASOC highlight important enforcement and compliance actions undertaken since CCAMLR XXXV and recommend further steps that CCAMLR can take to demonstrate leadership in compliance and enforcement as well as in environmental protection, including additional regulations for transhipments in the Convention Area; tightening legal loopholes for those involved in IUU fishing; implementing a system of satellite monitoring; supporting collaborations between industry and science; contributing to Interpol’s Project Scale; and considering ways to reduce the emissions produced by CCAMLR meetings.

ASOC commends CCAMLR for its historic decision in 2016 to designate a large-scale marine protected area (MPA) in the Ross Sea region, which will come into force on December 1^st this year. To continue momentum, CCAMLR Members must realize the extent of the commitment they made in 2009, and again in 2011 (CM 91-04) toward establishing a representative system of MPAs in the Convention Area. To realize this commitment, ASOC recommends that CCAMLR designate an MPA in East Antarctica this year, and in the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula in 2018. Here ASOC provides an overview of these proposals and recommendations to ensure they meet their respective conservation objectives.