CCAMLR

In the fall of 2002, the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) purchased 300 copies of Beached Birds for use by North Pacific Groundfish Observers deployed on commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. This new guide replaces a dichotomous key on looseleaf paper with black and white drawings. The purpose of using this new educational tool is to enhance the ability of fishery observers to accurately identify seabirds as they come up in the sampled fishing gear, typically wet and bedraggled birds---appearances much different than living specimens. A description of Beached Birds is provided as well as how this guide has been incorporated into observer training and data collection at the NMFS North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. A copy of Beached Birds is available in the CCAMLR Library.

The streamer line has become the primary seabird mitigation device prescribed and used in most longline fisheries throughout the world, based to a large degree on the precedent set by CCAMLR in 1991. This discussion paper responds to the interest of the IMAF working group to consider possible revisions to the CCAMLR streamer line requirement. Existing literature on the effectiveness of single and paired (or multiple) streamer lines is reviewed and CCAMLR streamer line performance and material standards are discussed and contrasted with recent Alaskan requirements.

This is a follow-up paper to WG-EMM-03/05. Suggestions on the applicability of the use of shags for monitoring fish populations are presented, providing potential answers to the questions posed by WG-EMM in its 2003 meeting.

Worldwide, the incidental capture or bycatch of marine organisms, especially mammals, turtles and seabirds, can pose serious threats to specific animal populations causing public outcry and regulatory attention. When such issues arise, especially in US fisheries, they can threaten fisheries and necessitate immediate solutions. Unfortunately, no standard mechanisms exist within stewardship and regulatory authorities to go beyond problem identification to crafting solutions. We have worked to devise solutions to seabird mortality in two fisheries: the Puget Sound drift gillnet fishery for sockeye salmon and the longline fisheries in Alaska for sablefish and Pacific cod. Although these fisheries are very different, the cooperative research model we have developed is the same and is proving successful in both. At the most basic level, this model includes communication and cooperation with all stakeholders, strict scientific protocols and development of effective and practical regulations. Although this model was developed with specific reference to seabird bycatch reductions, it is readily applicable to a wide range of conservation issues. There are three key elements: 1) Working with industry leaders through relevant industry associations to identify possible new technologies and/or operational practices that are practical and likely to solve the problem; 2) Testing the proposed solutions in a collaborative study on active fishing vessels using strict scientific protocols, and developing incentives for individual participants to: a) host scientists, who collect the necessary data, and b) adhere to a specific scientific protocol within their standard operation is key; 3) Crafting new regulations based on the results of the research program in cooperation with the industry, resource management agencies and conservation organizations. Our model results in proof at two levels. At the practical level, fisher’s ideas are tested in the context of an active fishery. At the scientific level, peer review and publication certify results for the regulatory, academic, and conservation communities.

The video portrays a variety of seabird species in flight and interacting with longline gear. Also demonstrates how to rig and deploy streamer lines – a seabird bycatch deterrent required on most Alaska longlines beginning in 2004.

This two-page flyer targets commercial longline fishermen in Alaska. Aspects of the streamer line developed in the course of research in Alaskan demersal longline fisheries are described including materials and performance standards.

Aspects of the ecology of the Bigeye grenadier, Macrourus holotrachys caught as bycatch in the Patagonian toothfish longline fishery conducted around South Georgia were investigated. Age estimates suggest that M. holotrachys is a long lived and moderately slow growing species, reaching ages of over 30 years and attaining lengths in excess of 80cm (Lt). Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated for females and closely matched those of the congeneic species M. berglax from the Northern hemisphere. The size at which 50% of females had started to mature (Lint 50) for M. holotrachys was 21cm (Lpa) and occurred at around 9 years old. Estimates of natural mortality and Pauly’s growth performance index were found to be low (M= 0.09 And ? = 2.82 respectively). Gonad maturity stage was described from macroscopic and histological investigation. Mature ovaries had oocytes at all developmental stages with between 22 and 55% likely to be spawned each year. Absolute fecundity ranged from 22,000 to 260,000 eggs, an average number for a macrourid of this size. A highly skewed sex ratio of 33:1 females: males was found for specimens caught by longlines but not for shallower trawl-caught specimens (1:1). It is suggested that females are far more susceptible to longline capture than males. M. holotrachys is a bentho- pelagic predator/scavenger that feeds on a wide range of fish and invertebrates.

This was the first deep-water trawl survey of the South Georgia Maritime Zone funded by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) as part of the South Georgia Project. The survey was focused primarily at providing new information on the distribution, biology and ecology of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) at South Georgia as well as providing information on bycatch species of the longline fishery, particularly grenadiers (Macrourids) and Skates (Rajids). A further key aim of the survey was to employ the AUDOS baited camera system to provide new information on the distribution and behavior of toothfish and other species found over the shelf edge at South Georgia.
The primary objectives of the survey were to: -
• Determine toothfish distribution and population structure in the South Georgia and Shag Rocks regions;
• Provide further information on the biology and ecology of toothfish;
• Commence tagging studies on rajids to contribute to our understanding of their stock structure, migrations, and growth;
• Investigate the biological characteristics of potential relevance to stock dynamics for all fish species in the area including by-catch species of the longline fishery ie macrourids; and
• Deploy AUDOS to investigate the distribution of toothfish at depths beyond which fishing is
undertaken