CCAMLR

An independent review of CCAMLR’s data management systems was conducted in early 2011 as part of the on-going work of the Commission to ensure that CCAMLR’s information assets are appropriately managed and that data and information are made available in accordance with CCAMLR’s rules for data access and use, and in an efficient manner to authorised parties. The review focused on determining risks that are relevant to the organisation’s information assets, assessing system controls, and mitigating identified risks using an appropriate international standard as a benchmark.

The review recommended changes to the Secretariat’s organisational structure, the development of IT and data strategies, the further development of procedures for data processing and quality assurance, improvements to application systems including the CCAMLR website, and upgrades to the Secretariat’s IT infrastructure and services. The reviewers proposed that these recommendations be implemented as part of the Secretariat’s review of its Strategic Plan and through the phased implementation of ten specific projects.

The Secretariat’s revised Strategic Plan has addressed recommendations dealing with improvements to the organisational structure. In addition, three projects identified by the review were initiated in 2011: redevelopment of the Secretariat’s document archive; development of an Enterprise Data Model; and redevelopment of the CCAMLR Website. The priorities, costs and key resources for the remaining projects are outlined, together with a proposed schedule for their implementation.

A survey was conducted in order to collect information for the stock status and various biological information on toothfish in Division 58.4.4a & b (Ob Lena Bank) by using a commercial bottom longline vessel, Shinsei Maru No. 3, from March 30 to May 2, 2011. The survey was undertaken according to the decision in the 29th CCAMLR Meeting of the Commission (CCAMLR-XXIX, 2010; paragraph 4.62). This report described the results during the survey in two SSRUs (B & C) of Ob Lena Bank. Total catch (excluding fish released alive) of Dissostichus eleginoides and other by-catch species was 37.8 tonnes in the survey area in 70 longline sets. D. eleginoides showed the highest catch of 35.4 tonnes, contributing 93.6 % to the total catch. CPUEs of D. eleginoides for 56 hauls where only trotline system was adopted in the SSRUs were 15.3 ± 1.1 indiv. / 1,000 hooks (mean ± SE) in terms of number and 111.2 ± 11.4 kg / 1,000 hooks in terms of weight. The CPUE in terms of weight in SSRU B (88.2 ± 13.5 kg / 1,000 hooks) was significantly lower than that (168.7 ± 22.2 kg / 1,000 hooks) in the same SSRU in the 2009/10 survey, although the CPUE in terms of number was same level between the years. This may be due to the catch of small fish in the shallow area < 500 m in the 2010/11. The smaller size of fish tended to be caught in the shallower area over the SSRUs. The operation was scarcely conducted in such shallow area and the average size of fish was larger in the 2009/10. The maturity index Stage I (immature) was dominant for both sexes of D. eleginoides during the 2010/11 survey. A total of 189 individuals of toothfish with good physical condition were tagged and released during the survey, and 4 D. eleginoides, which were tagged and released in SSRU C during the 2007/08 and 2009/10, were recaptured in the same SSRU. The overlap of size between the fish released with tag and that of overall catch was considerably high (θ=95 %).

In accordance with the Conservation Measure 41-07 (2010), a survey was conducted in order to collect information for the stock status and biology of toothfish in the southeast sector (24 allocated hauls) of Division 58.4.3b (BANZARE Bank), using a commercial bottom longline vessel Shinsei Maru No. 3, from May 7 to 16, 2011. Shinsei Maru Trot line system was used as fishing gear for 19 hauls. Comparison test using trotline and Spanish line systems were made for 5 hauls. Total catch (excluding fish released alive) of Dissostichus spp. and other bycatch species was 12.0 tonnes in the SE sector, where the catch limit of 15 tonnes was set. Dissostichus spp. made up 90.3 % in terms of weight of the whole fish caught. CPUE of Dissostichus spp. was 105.9 ± 16.2 kg / 1,000 hooks (mean ± SE) for the hauls where trotline system was employed. This was lower than 125 ± 13.1kg / 1,000 hooks in the 2009/10 survey, although there was no significant difference. Among two species of toothfish, Dissostichus mawsoni was dominant (79 % in weight to the total toothfish). D. mawsoni was mainly caught at 1300-1700 m depths while D. eleginoides at 700-900 m depths. Both maturity index and relative weight of gonads to body weight for D. mawsoni. were higher than those recorded in the previous two fishery periods conducted in earlier seasons (December-February in 2008/09 and 2009/10). However, those indices for D. eleginoides did not varied among the three years. Total of 62 individuals of toothfish with good physical condition were tagged and released during the survey. No toothfish was recaptured. The overlap of size between the fish released with tag and that of overall catch was considerably high (85 % for D. mawsoni and 79 % for D. eleginoides).
We propose to continue the survey focusing the mark recapture experiment for the next 2011/12 survey with the same designs as in the 2010/11.

In November 2010, the Secretariat allocated 1405 random starting positions for research hauls in order to facilitate research fishing by seven vessels which had notified their intention to participate in exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus spp. in Subarea 48.6 and Divisions 58.4.1, 58.4.2 and 58.4.3a in 2010/11. The positions were allocated in accordance with Conservation Measure 41-01 and the advice of the Scientific Committee, and using information held by the CCAMLR Data Centre. Vessels were provided with three random lots of starting positions for research hauls in each SSRU. These random lots were provided by the Secretariat, on request from the notifying Member or its vessel, and prior to the vessel’s arrival at the SSRU.

As of the end of June 2011, five vessels (Hong Jin No. 701, Insung No.7, Koryo Maru No. 11, Shinsei Maru No.3 and Tronio) conducted research fishing in the exploratory fisheries in 2010/11. The vessels completed a total of 124 research hauls and, in all instances where commercial fishing was subsequently conducted, each vessel completed the requirement of ten research hauls prior to fishing.

In general, vessels were able to deploy their research hauls by at least 5 nmiles apart, and use between 3500 and 5000 hooks per research haul and allow soak times of at least six hours. A small number of completed research hauls did not meet all of these criteria: two vessels were not able to meet the minimum separation distance due largely to the availability of suitable fishing areas and depths and/or extent of sea-ice; and one vessel hauled some lines which had soak times < 6 hours. In most instances, vessels were able to complete their research hauls at the assigned positions. However, some vessels were unable to reach the allocated starting positions due to sea-ice and had
deployed hauls in alternative locations determined by the vessel. 

AFRICAN IUU CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP AND EXPENDITURE FROM THE CDS FUND
- REPORT TO CCAMLR-XXIX
Abstract
This paper provides a report in accordance with Conservation Measure 10-05, Annex 10-05/B, paragraph B2(ix) on the progress of a proposal for expenditure from the CDS Fund to conduct an African capacity building event aimed at combating IUU fishing. The proposal was submitted to CCAMLR-XXVIII in CCAMLR-XXVIII/38.
Summary
1. Representatives from twelve African coastal States attended this capacity-building event focusing on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the CCAMLR Convention Area. The workshop was successful in raising awareness of IUU fishing and CCAMLR more widely and identified opportunities and strategies to strengthen controls. The commitment and positive response of those present gave encouragement for the improved deterrence of IUU for the longer term, and raised the prospect of holding similar regional events in future years.
Background
2. At CCAMLR-XXVII the Commission endorsed SCIC’s recommendation to amend Conservation Measure 10-05 so as to link the CDS Fund and the Policy to Enhance Cooperation between CCAMLR and non-Contracting Parties. The Commission hoped this link would assist and encourage those Members wishing to help non-Contracting Parties, in particular developing States, to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing in the Convention Area.

ABSTRACT
The paper presents an estimate of IUU catches of toothfish during the 2009/10 fishing season, using the
standard, compliance derived methodology.
The paper was revised on 4 October 2010 to take into account new information submitted in
respect of two vessels fishing in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.4a. Changes from version 1 are
highlighted in bold.

ESTIMATION OF IUU CATCHES OF TOOTHFISH INSIDE THE
CONVENTION AREA DURING THE 2009/10 FISHING SEASON
BACKGROUND
The Secretariat has prepared an estimate of IUU catches of Dissostichus spp. in the
Convention Area for the 2009/10 season using the existing compliance-derived methodology.
This methodology calculates total IUU catch levels as a product of the fishing time of IUU
vessels and likely daily catch rates. The fishing time of IUU vessels is based on reports on
the presence of IUU vessels in the Convention Area. Verified reports of undocumented
landings and trade may also be taken into consideration if they show that IUU fishing for
toothfish has occurred and which has not already been attributed to a sighting report.
Information on the estimated number of days fished has generally been obtained from reports
of patrols and inspections, the CDS database or from the logbooks of IUU vessels where
available. Catch rates of IUU vessels are generally based on catch and effort reports from
licensed longline fisheries from the same area unless more precise information is available,
eg. information from IUU vessels.
2. At CCAMLR-XXVIII, the Secretariat was also requested to provide revised estimates
for gillnet catches for previous years and estimates of IUU catches of both D. eleginoides and
D. mawsoni (CCAMLR-XXVIII, paragraph 9.12).

FLAG STATUS OF SOME VESSELS ON THE NCP-IUU VESSEL LIST
In June 2010, the EU forwarded a report that Togo had instigated proceedings to
deregister the Togolese-flagged fishing vessels Bigaro, Carmela, Typhoon-1, Chu Lim, Rex
and Zeus which are all included on the NCP-IUU Vessel List.
2. According to the report, proceedings to de-register the vessels commenced in April
and concluded on 15 June 2010. All Members were informed via Comm Circ 10/63 and
CCAMLR's IUU Vessel List was amended on 24 June 2010.
3. Since that time, however, a number of reports have been received regarding the
activities of some of these vessels:
(i) Bigaro was sighted by France fishing inside Division 58.5.1 of the CCAMLR
Convention Area on 8 June. The vessel was identified by France as Togolese flagged and the
master of the vessel verbally advised that the vessel was operated by 'Americaga Laica' of
Lome, Togo. The vessel was using its Togolese call sign 5BVO3.
(ii) Chu Lim arrived in Singapore on 5 August 2010 after calling at Penang, Malaysia.
The vessel was reported by Singapore authorities to be flagged to Togo. The vessel was using
its Togolese call sign 5VCM2

Director-General of Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture
Subsecretaría General del Mar
Dirección General de Recursos Pesqueros y Acuicultura
To: Mr. Andrew Wright
Executive Secretary
CCAMLR
Copy to: His Excellency, Ambassador of Spain in Australia
DG.Marc - European Commission, Brussels
Subject: Presence of IUU vessel in Spanish port
S/REF: N/REF: 413/MM ()
Date: 21 October 2010
Dear Executive Secretary,
I am writing to inform you that the vessel TCHAW, flagged by Togo, was found in port in
VIGO on 14 October 2010.
The vessel sailed from Peniche (Portugal), where it was in dock for more than a year, and
arrived in Vigo with no cargo on board.
In view of the fact that the vessel is configured as a fishing vessel (i.e. bottom longliner), it
was decided to initiate legal proceedings against it, for not complying with the rules that
govern entry of fishing vessels flying a foreign flag into Spanish ports.
A finding of violation was issued against the ship, in accordance with Spanish legislation.
From the documents voluntarily submitted by the Shipping Agency that represents the vessel,
SUFLENORSA, it is inferred that the vessel was previously known as CISNE AZUL and was
flagged by Chile. Prior to that, it would appear that details correspond to the vessel REX,
included in the CCAMLR list of IUU vessels and in lists of other RFMOs..

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Exclusive Economic Zone
2009-10 IUU Catch Estimate for Patagonian Toothfish
Australia’s Southern Ocean patrol program, combined with its on-the-water cooperation with France, continues to prove a significant deterrent to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Heard Island and the McDonald Islands (HIMI). There have been no apprehensions for illegal fishing in the HIMI EEZ since the Maya V in January 2004. The most recent apprehension in the neighbouring French EEZ off Kerguelen Island was the Apache in June 2004.
Despite the deterrence to IUU fishing in the HIMI region, the Australian patrols have observed IUU fishing vessels active in the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) area during the 2009-10 fishing season. Two vessels observed are included in the CCAMLR IUU Vessel Lists for past IUU fishing activities. Details of these sightings have been previously communicated to the Secretariat.
Noting the IUU vessels were sighted operating in waters outside the HIMI EEZ by Australia’s Southern Ocean patrols, brief forays into the EEZ during the 2009-10 fishing season, while unlikely, cannot be fully discounted. The following IUU estimate for the HIMI EEZ makes an allowance for this possibility.
The estimated IUU catch of Patagonian toothfish in the period 1 December 2009 to 30 November 2010 in the HIMI EEZ portion of Statistical Area 58.5.2 is 0 – 96 tonnes.