Recommendations
We recommend the catch limits in Conservation Measure 42-02 be set at 1528 t in the 2021/22 season and 1138 t in the 2022/23 season.
Abstract
The annual random stratified trawl survey was undertaken in Division 58.5.2 in the vicinity of Heard Island and McDonald Islands during April 2021. Based on data from this survey, this paper provides a preliminary assessment for mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) population structure, abundance and yield in Division 58.5.2 using standard CCAMLR methods (CMIX and Generalized Yield Model).
The 2021 survey showed a large 3+ cohort in the population and a high biomass. Based on the Grym implementation, catches of 1528 t in the 2021/22 season and 1138 t in the 2022/23 season satisfy the CCAMLR decision rules.