New research plan for Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) under CM 24-01, paragraph 3 in Subarea 88.3 by Korea and Ukraine from 2024/25 to 2026/27

The stock structure of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in Area 88 is being examined to understand stock boundaries for fishery management. It reveals ontogenetic progression in the Ross, Amundsen, and Bellingshausen Seas, with juveniles showing distinct distribution patterns. Korea initiated a research plan in Subarea 88.3, joined by New Zealand, focusing on tagged fish release areas and exploring new zones. Following Ukraine's proposal to join, a joint plan was developed to integrate research efforts from 2017/18 to 2023/24. Subarea 88.3 is designated as a prohibited area of direct fishing for toothfish (CCAMLR CM 32-02), and it remains an area where stock assessments have never been attempted. Therefore, this research plan aims to establish the first stock assessment for Antarctic toothfish in the data-limited area, based on extant and forthcoming scientific data and results, thereby enhancing ecosystem understanding. Secondary objectives are to improve the understanding of biology of Antarctic toothfish including abundance, distribution and stock structure, to identify information on bycatch species, and to improve the understanding of trophic relationships and ecosystem changes to assist the development of ecosystem-based fisheries management approaches. This is a notification for a new international research plan in Area 88.3, which builds upon previous research.