This paper provides local biomass estimates for D. mawsoni and D. eleginoides in the research nlocks in Subareas 48.6 and 58.4 using the methods agreed to at WG-SAM-16. The methods used to generate the biomass estimates are fully documented from the provison of data extracts (with associated metadata) through to the final results.

Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, and precautionary management arrangements are in place as set out in Conservation Measures 41-11 and 41-05. Multiple exploratory fishing research plans are currently in place by Australia (commenced 2015/16), France (commencing 2016/17), Japan (commencing 2016/17), Republic of Korea (commenced 2012/13) and Spain (commenced 2012/13). To facilitate progress towards stock assessment for Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, WG-SAM-16 welcomed plans for increased coordination between all proponents of research in these Divisions (WG-SAM-16 para. 3.12). Accordingly, a single consolidated research plan in being developed that outlines the collective research objectives and activities of Australia, France, Japan, Republic of Korea and Spain (hereafter referred to as the participating Members). This research plan has been submitted as a companion paper to WG-FSA-16. Separate reports on the progress of data collection and/or preliminary data analyses were presented by individual participating Members to WG-SAM-16 (WG-SAM-16/09; 16/01; 16/02; 16/04; 16/05; 16/17 and 16/10). The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of all exploratory fishing activities and the volume of data collected up to the 2015/16 season in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, and evaluate the collective progress towards stock assessments. A total of 897 research lines were completed over 10 fishing expeditions between 3 November 2011 and 14 April 2016. Total catches of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) and Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) were 894.5 and 2.3 tonnes, respectively. Macroscopic evaluation of maturity stage indicated that both immature and mature (gonad stage ≥ 3) D. mawsoni were present across all Research Blocks. The most commonly caught bycatch group was grenadiers (Macrourus spp.), followed by icefish (Channichthyidae), moray cods (Muraenolepis spp.) and violet cod (Antimora rostrata). Target and bycatch species were sampled for total length, whole weight, sex and gonad stage in accordance with Conservation Measure 41-01. A total of 4585 D. mawsoni and 49 D. eleginoides were tagged and released between 5 January 2008 and 20 March 2016, and 19 D. mawsoni were recaptured. The 2015/16 season also included the deployment of underwater video cameras by Australia, along with CTD recorders, to improve our understanding of toothfish habitat use along East Antarctica.

Exploratory fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in East Antarctica (Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2) began in 2003. Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for these Divisions. Multiple research plans are currently in place by Australia (commenced 2015/16), France (commencing 2016/17), Japan (commencing 2016/17), Republic of Korea (commenced 2012/13) and Spain (commenced 2012/13). WG-SAM-16 welcomed plans for one consolidated research plan to be presented by all proponents of research in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 to WG-FSA-16 (WG-SAM-16 para. 3.12). The Working Group also requested that measurable research milestones be developed to progress an assessment of toothfish stock/s in the area (WG-SAM-16 para. 3.13). We present here an updated research proposal including the research plans of Australia (WG-SAM-16/09), France (WG-SAM-16/01 & 16/02), Japan (WG-SAM-16/04 & 16/05), Republic of Korea (WG-SAM-16/17) and Spain (WG-SAM-16/10). The continuation of standardised longline surveys, in conjunction with fish tagging, biological measurements, aging and genetic approaches will be used to develop stock assessments and inform the necessary considerations of spatial structure, biomass and connectivity of toothfish populations. Environmental data from CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) loggers, benthic video cameras (BVC) and archival tags will contribute to models of toothfish habitat use. These models will inform spatial management approaches for toothfish, and the conservation of representative areas of benthic biodiversity. Additional outcomes include improving our understanding of trophic relationships and ecosystem function through a stable isotope study; providing information on the distribution, relative abundance, and life histories of bycatch species; and mapping of the bathymetry of fishable areas.

In response to the request from SC-CAMLR-XXXIV, the Secretariat has provided area-specific information on IUU activity that could be incorporated into the relevant Fishery Reports.

The inaugural COLTO Depredation Workshop took place in Punta Arenas, Chile, 15-18 March 2016.  Results were an enhanced understanding on the current state of depredation in toothfish fisheries, as well as a vision of what is required in the short-to-medium term to better understand and evaluate depredation.  “Next steps” regarding studying and minimising depredation were established for all toothfish fisheries, and it was agreed that the scientists who participated in the workshop would produce a peer-reviewed paper, encompassing a global review on depredation in high latitude fisheries; and operational guidelines in regards to depredation.

A second depredation workshop is planned for 2018, aimed at presenting how depredation research and mitigation has evolved, and what findings resulted from the issues that were addressed in the inaugural workshop.

Since the workshop, two separate post-doctoral depredation projects have been developed and will begin in October 2016.  The first, a 4-year project covering the Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Crozet Islands toothfish fisheries; and the second, a 2-year project covering other toothfish fisheries.

The annual Random Stratified Trawl Survey was undertaken in Division 58.5.2 in the vicinity of Heard Island during April 2016. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of mackerel icefish population structure, abundance and yield for the area of Division 58.5.2 to the west of 79^o 20’ E using standard CCAMLR methods (CMIX and Generalized Yield Model). A large 2+ cohort is dominating the population. These projections indicate that catches of 561 t in the 2016/17 season and 402 t in the 2017/18 season satisfy the CCAMLR decision rules.

In 2014, the Scientific Committee endorsed a proposal from South Africa that the Secretariat be tasked with developing a proposal for funding support from the Global Environment Facility to build capacity among GEF-eligible CCAMLR Member countries to strengthen their participation in CCAMLR (SC-CAMLR-XXXIII, paragraph 10.30).  This report updates CCAMLR Members on developments during 2016.