CCAMLR

Chile has submitted a notification for research fishing in Subareas 48.1 and 48.2 in 2014, 2015 and 2016 in accordance with Conservation Measure 24-01 (paragraph 3). The research will provide information on finfish distribution, abundance and size composition, with the objective of determining the current status of fish stocks in the study area. Research fishing will be limited to 100 tonnes of finfish per season. The notification was submitted on 4 June 2013.

Closed mostly within the Weddell Sea Subarea 48.5 is one of the closed data-poor CCAMLR subareas, where stock assessment should be carried out. In spite of hard ice conditions during most of the time of the year, this large water area is very similar with the Ross Sea. This similarity, which could be found in geographical location, bathymetric profile and current system, highlight the Weddell Sea as one of the most promising area for exploratory fishery of Dissostichus sp. However, fishery in subarea 48.5 is closed on the basis data on stock absence. The main objective of the present program is collecting data for reliable stock assessment and following estimation of precautionary limits in accordance with CCAMLR decision rules. The program contains schedule and research program of the second stage of Russian Federation multi-year research program in the Weddell Sea that are prospected for 3-5 years. Detailed plan of fishing operations, collecting and analysis of data will be provided for the Scientific Committee and Commission consideration.

Scientific observers on board vessels fishing in Kerguelen and Crozet EEZ have contributed to a whale photo-identification program for several years. This paper describes the gear used, camera settings, data checking at sea and the information needed to identify individuals and interactions, based on this experience. These guidelines have been assembled to help members wishing to start a photo-identification program. This document could be part of the resources provided by CCAMLR on its website.
 

We present our data on DNA-analysis of recent (2011-2013) samplings of Antarctic toothfish from CCAMLR Subareas – 48.5 (2013), 48.6 SSRU G (2011), 58.4.1 SSRU G and E (2011), 58.4.2 SSRU E (2011),  88.1 SSRU C (2011), 88.2 SSRU A(2011, 2012), and 88.3 SSRU C (2012). No significant genetic differences between geographic locations or between samples collected in consequent years were observed. Our results, based on analysis of SNP variation of the most informative subset of nuclear genetic markers presented in Kuhn and Gaffney, 2008, do not support temporary stable genetic differentiation of samples from Ross Dependency. Discrepancy in allelic frequency with previously published data was also found for several loci which demand further study on Atlantic toothfish genetics.

Among all validation methods of age determination in fish, release of known age and marked specimens gives the most reliable information. We carried out a tagrecapture experiment on Notothenia rossii at Potter Cove, to validate, for first time for this species using this method, the principle of annual deposition of an annulus in scales and otoliths. Of 132 juvenile specimens (TL = 22.1–38.1 cm) tagged and released in successive years from 2004 to 2010, 7 were recaptured at the same site after periods of 1–13 months. In scales of five specimens recovered after 10–13 months, one extra annulus was laid down, exhibiting an additional winter zone of closely spaced sclerites. Consistently, the same analysis in two individuals marked and recaptured during the same summer, after 1–3 months at liberty, did not show the deposition of an additional annulus.All the fish tagged or recaptured during the experiment period (December to March) showed in their scales an edge zone of widely spaced sclerites, in agreement with the known pattern of growth in summer. Likewise, an analysis in selected specimens showed good consistency between the numbers of sclerites deposited in scales and the time of fish release. The comparative analysis between scales taken at recapture and otoliths of the same individual allowed a simultaneous counting of the annuli with complete correspondence.The growth in length of fish ranged from 0.5 to 6.1 cm, depending on the time of release.

Data related to IUU (and probable IUU) activity submitted to the Secretariat were used to provide an overview of the potential spatial and temporal distribution of recent IUU activity in the CAMLR Convention Area. Combining all information available to the Secretariat indicates that IUU is concentrated in the Indian Ocean Sector; however, the spatial and temporal pattern of IUU activity based on sightings data alone provides a restricted view these activities. This combined analysis also indicates the presence of IUU activity in Subarea 48.6 and more persistent activity in the Indian Ocean Sector on Ob, Lena, Elan and BANZARE banks as well as on the boundary of the Kerguelen and Heard Island EEZs. With the information currently provided to the Secretariat it may not be possible to distinguish between an apparent decrease in IUU catch and a decrease in surveillance effort that results in fewer sightings. A potential approach to understanding the actual ‘surveillance’ potential of licenced fishing vessels, by developing a better understanding of the probability that another vessel will be detected, is provided.