This paper represents the bycatch analysis results of a multi-Member longline survey on Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) at Division 58.4.3a by France and Japan. The data set, C2 and scientific observer data, was provided by the CCAMLR Secretariat on the 3th August, 2018. In this paper, the C2 data from 2012/2013 to 2016/2017 fishing seasons was used for the analysis because scientific observers have ceased recording number and weight of by-catch fish with some lines. ANT (Antimora rostrata), GRV (Macrourus spp.), RFA (Raja taaf), and SRX (Rajihormes spp.) are common by-catch species. These common by-catch species indicate some temporal change of their by-catch pattern.

This paper represents the by-catch analysis results of a multi-Member longline survey on Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) at Division 58.4.4b by France and Japan. The data set, C2 and scientific observer data, was provided by the CCAMLR Secretariat on the 3th August, 2018. In this paper, the C2 data from 2012/2013 to 2016/2017 fishing seasons was used for the analysis because scientific observers have ceased recording number and weight of bycatch fish with some lines. ANT (Antimora rostrata), GRV (Macrourus spp.), and RFA (Raja taaf) are common by-catch species, which are caught at both research blocks 58.4.4b_1 and 58.4.4b_2. These common by-catch species indicate some temporal change of their bycatch pattern.

This paper represents the annual report of a multi-member longline survey on Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) at Division 58.4.4b in the 2017/18 fishing season by France and Japan. One fishing cruise by French vessel (Ile Bourbon) took place in March 2018 and caught 1.6 tonne of D. eleginoides in 58.4.4b_2. The data set, C2 and Observer data, was provided by the CCAMLR Secretariat on the 3th August, 2018. In this paper, the data set during current fishing season (2017/18) was used for reporting the quantity of data, samples collected, and results of quick analysis as a progress toward research millstones. The research operations at 58.4.4b have not yet been completed in the 2017/18 fishing season. Also, some data is not reflected in tables and figures because it is still under process.

Japan and France revised a plan to continue to investigate the populations of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) in the Division 58.4.4b during the next fishing season (2018/19) from 2017/18 onwards, using standardized longline gear, and established tagging techniques. The proposed research is relevant and take into account issues raised by the Scientific Committee (SC-CAMLR-XXXIII, paragraph 3.208), which requested that research activities be coordinated between France and Japan so that selectivity and catch rates can be standardized across the vessels and impacts of depredation be minimized.

Additional outcomes of the research relate to documenting the degree of depredation, tagging toothfish for biomass estimation and for stock linkage studies, and collecting information on distribution, relative abundance, and life history of bycatch species.

The plan represents a continuation of previous surveys by Japan and France, without significant change from the previous research activities. Summary of revised points from WG-SAM-18/03 is as follows:

- Updated the timeline table of milestones to get closer to the original timeline (WG-FSA-16/33) and to clarify the meeting to be reported

- Added the table to track the changes of milestones (Appendix 1)

- Added the list of comments/recommendations by WGs (Appendix 2)

Here we provide a progress update on the Antarctic toothfish genetic connectivity project (WS-DmPH-18/08). A total of 4237 tissue samples have been made available for this project from nine CCAMLR members with the vast majority of these collected during the 2017/18 season. Of the planned 550 sample sequences, DNA has been extracted so far from 473 samples with 304 samples containing sufficient quality and quantity to be sequenced. Genotype data has initially been collected from 90 samples using high throughput sequencing methods (DArTseq™ technology). We also make recommendations for future sample collections of Antarctic toothfish and recommend the CCAMLR data warehouse develops sample data storing capability to allow for better links between individual samples and corresponding data.

Data from South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and France were received for the 2018 marine debris monitoring season. Debris items collected during beach surveys remain predominantly packaging items and plastics. There is no evidence of an increase in debris at monitored sites, but it remains ubiquitous in the CCAMLR area. Due to the limited scope of submitted data, as well as the difficulty in identifying whether a debris item has originated from fishing or another human activity, the marine debris program will be expanded to include data on gear loss reported from vessels and observers.

CCAMLR has monitored marine debris in the Convention Area since the establishment of the marine debris program in 1989. In 2017, WG-FSA recommended that lost fishing gear reported from vessels be included in annual updates on marine debris. Rates of hook loss in longline fisheries revealed a significant variation in the reporting rates between CCAMLR fisheries. When gear was reported lost there was a higher proportion of gear loss in areas where interactions with sea-ice are more likely. To improve collection of data on gear loss it is recommended that the C1 data form be modified to include data on gear loss and for the C2 form to have a clearer definition of ‘hooks lost attached to sections’ and ‘other hooks lost’.

Following proposals submitted to WG-FSA-16 and WG-SAM-17, the following research objectives were identified as common for surveys in 48.2 (WG-FSA-16/40 Rev. 1, WG-SAM-17/24, WG-SAM-17/26): 

• Work towards quantifying regional biomass and distribution of D. mawsoni

• Develop stock identity and stock distribution hypotheses for D. mawsoni and D. eleginoides

• Assessments of biological parameters: sex, size, growth, maturity for D. mawsoni

• Oceanographic and bathymetric data collection

Additional specific objectives can be found in the individual research proposals (WG-FSA-16/40 Rev. 1, WG-SAM-17/24, WG-SAM-17/26).

Macrobenthos by-catch are used to identfy Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME). These VME indicators have been recorded as part of the C2 and also as part of observers data since CM 22.07 has been published in 2013. Here we report on VME bycatch in research blocks 58.4.1, 58.4.2, 54.4.3a and 58.4.4b. We looked at spatial variation of VME units at different scales, and analysed taxa spatial distribution. We also compared gear types in terms of number of VME units collected. We suggest that taxonomic diversity index and specimens count may also be considered as proxy to limiting fishing impacts on benthic ecosystems.

France and Japan revised a research plan to continue investigating the populations of Patagonian toothfish (D. eleginoides) in the Division 58.4.3a during the next fishing seasons from 2017/18 onwards, using standardized longline gear and established observation and tagging programs.

In this Division, research fishing has been conducted by France and Japan since 2012 in the research block by three vessels using longline: “Shinsei Maru No. 3” (Japan), “Saint André” (France) and “Mascareignes III” (France). The first Franco-Japanese exploratory longline fishery research plan for Dissostichus spp. in Division 58.4.3a (WG-FSA-16/55) was presented to WG-FSA-16, which included research objectives, methods and milestones in accordance with Conservation Measure 41-06 and associated measures.

In October 2017, the Scientific Committee agreed that the research plan was appropriate to achieve its objectives (SC-CAMLR-XXXVI, para. 3.121). France and Japan commonly notifies their intention to continue their exploratory fisheries in Division 58.4.3a over the coming years in order to contribute to the tagging program and to achieve a robust stock assessment. We present here a proposal for the continuation of the research plan as set out in WG-FSA-17/55, and taking into account the Scientific Committee’s recommendations.

Summary of revised points from WG-SAM-18/08 is as follows:

• Updates the timeline table of milestones
• Track changes of milestones
• Summary of previous recommendations by WGs and SC (Annex 1).