WG-FSA-03

Studies of Patagonian toothfish size composition in fishing area 48.3 were made to determine size at maturity for male and female individuals.A considerable amount of original data indicated that male Patagonian toothfish attained maturity being of a smaller size than female individuals. Half the males became mature when 73-75 cm long, while females matured when 94-96 cm long. Toothfish Read More
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The main characteristics of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) catch dynamics off the South Georgia Island and Shag Rocks (sub-area 48.3) for the 1989-2003 period are given. Taken the intensity of fleet operation as an example in the sub-area, it was confirmed a decrease in catches both for 1000 hooks and vessel/day. The given objective long-term data evidenced a substantial Read More
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The Age-Structured Production Model (ASPM) presented to previous meetings is refined to allow the estimation of a selectivity-at-age function that decreases at larger ages. This is, in particular, to accommodate the view of the August 2003 meeting of the Subgroup on assessment methods that 0.2 yr-1 is likely the largest value of natural mortality M that is plausible for toothfish. Catch, catch Read More
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This year the Subgroup on assessment methods (SAM) requested that WG-FSA consider whether a shorter CPUE time-series would be preferable for use in its annual assessments. (WG-FSA-03/40 2003, paragraph 2.27). This paper explores some of the consequences of shortening the dataset in the application of the usual assessment method. In addition we investigate the incorporation of uncertainty in Read More
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Operational interactions between marine mammals and the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery were assessed in southern Chile through 7 surveys with observers on board industrial vessels between April 2002 and March 2003. Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) occurred in higher frequency than any other species during fishing operations. In 60% of all monitored sets sperm Read More
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The rate of foraging attempts by black–browed albatross on baited hooks during Spanish-system (demersal) longline setting operations, and a range of environmental and operational variables were used to investigate the relationship between their foraging behaviour and their mortality level. Logistic regression highlighted that a complex range of environmental and operational variables and black Read More
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Specifically tasked seabird observers recorded seabird interactions during shooting, trawling and hauling operations for 157 days onboard finfish trawlers in the Falkland Islands in 2002/03. It is estimated that >1,500 seabirds, predominantly black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris), were killed by finfish trawlers during this period. Significant levels of mortality were also Read More
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This paper presents a protocol for the tag and release of toothfish (Dissostichus sp.) by fishers operating in the Ross Sea longline fishery in 2003-04. The protocol describes tag types, tag treatments and data recording requirements for the programme. Examples of reporting forms for release and recaptures are appended.

The diet of black-browed albatrosses was studied at Gonzalo Island, Diego Ramirez, Chile, during the early chick-rearing period of 2000, 2001 and 2002. Diet composition was determined by sampling chick stomach contents during January and February of each year. Reconstituted meal mass was similar throughout the study, with diet being dominated by fish in all three years. Overall, the main items Read More
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The monitoring program of demersal fish at inshore sites of the South Shetland Islands has continued in Potter Cove from 2000 to 2003, covering a continuous sampling period of twenty years and in Harmony Cove, Nelson Island, in the austral summers from 2001 to 2003. The decline in trammel net catches of fjord fishes of the species Notothenia rossii and Gobionotothen gibberifrons in relation to Read More
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The elemental structure of growth increments in the otoliths of fish reflects the composition of water passing across the gills: as a result, elemental signatures can potentially be used to reconstruct the environmental history experienced by fish. To test whether the otolith elemental signatures of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) can discriminate spatial differences, we Read More
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Using the High Resolution laser-ICPMS at Old Dominion University, we sampled the edge of otoliths from Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), and examined whether the elemental signatures could discriminate between geographic locations along the Scotia Arc and along the eastern South American continental shelf near the Falkland Islands. Furthermore, we examined the elemental Read More
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To obtain a representative sample of the catch taken by toothfish longliners, CCAMLR observers are recommended to sample a quota of the first 30 fish that are caught during a sampling session. Since toothfish are often aggregated on a line, this means that fish within aggregations are sampled with less catch effort than those outside; or more generally, sampling effort is applied in inverse Read More
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Water transported by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) in the Southern Ocean may provide opportunities for Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) to move downstream between island groups with little energetic cost, and may constrain movement in other directions, influencing population structure and richness. To test whether toothfish stocks were connected or segregated, we used Read More
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A tagging programme for Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) was initiated at South Georgia and Shag Rocks early in 2000. A total of 2486 have been tagged and released during trawl surveys, experimental pot fishing and longline fishing. Some of the fish tagged on longliners in 2002 were injected with oxytetracycline (OTC) to mark the otoliths for age validation purposes. The Read More
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During January 2000 a baited video camera system was deployed fifteen times at depths of 719-1518 m around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Four species of lithodid (Anomura: Lithodidae) crab (Paralomis formosa, P. spinosissima, Lithodes sp. and Neolithodes diomedeae) were attracted to the baits of which Paralomis formosa was the most abundant. Using arrival rate at baits, Read More
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During January 2000 a baited video camera system was deployed fifteen times at depths of 719-1518 m around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Four species of lithodid (Anomura: Lithodidae) crab (Paralomis formosa, P. spinosissima, Lithodes sp. and Neolithodes diomedeae) were attracted to the baits of which Paralomis formosa was the most abundant. Using arrival rate at baits, Read More
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The scavenging fauna of the South Georgia slope was investigated from 41 baited camera deployment at depths of 471-2235 m during research cruises in September 1997 and January 2000 and 2003. The scavenging fauna was dominated by lithodid crabs, with Patagonian toothfish seen at most deployments. Other scavenging fauna included grenadiers (Macrourus sp.), morids and skates. The data indicate Read More
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On the basis of the results of the trawl-acoustic survey in February-March 2002, the microstructure analysis of otoliths of juvenile icefish of 5.5-13.3 cm in length was carried out. Fish studied represent a mixture of two year-classes of 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. The mean width of the daily growth zone in the first 100 days of fish life was 6 ?k at fish length of 4 cm. By the 200th day the Read More
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Mackerel Icefish Champsocephalus gunnari Lönnberg is an important component of the ecosystem at South Georgia where its diet is dominated by Antarctic Krill Euphausia superba, it is an important prey species for a number of upper trophic level predators, and is the target of commercial fisheries. Data on the frequency and size structure of C. gunnari in the diet of Antarctic fur seals Read More
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Currently, three Australian commercial fisheries operate around Heard and McDonald Islands in CCAMLR Statistical Division 58.5.2. These comprise a trawl and a longline fishery for the Patagonian toothfish, Dissostichus elegionoides and a trawl fishery for mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari. This paper presents available by-catch information for the three fisheries including estimates of Read More
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Based on data on movements of Patagonian toothfish derived from tagging experiments and analysis of toothfish DNA from Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), Kerguelen, Crozet and Marion/Prince Edward Islands regions a possible metapopulation model for the region is postulated. In this model some or all of the subadult fish at HIMI migrate northwestwards to Kerguelen and Crozet. Larval fish Read More
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Globally, by-catch is recognised as one of the most significant issues affecting fisheries management. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (the Commission) has adopted an ecosystem approach to managing fisheries which takes into account the direct and indirect impacts of harvesting on non-target taxa. There are many approaches to reduce by-catch. Current Read More
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Further data arising from the tagging programme on Patagonian Toothfish at Heard and Macquarie Islands are presented, along with a summary of results since the beginning of the programme. Results from the programme of archival tagging of toothfish are also presented.

Last year, WG-FSA discussed further work on the survey database. It was agreed that the Secretariat would distribute documents and specifications to Members to allow them to create software that exports data from their databases in CCAMLR format. It was also agreed that Members should consider the data requirements of the new CCAMLR survey database, and ensure that all essential data are Read More
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This review paper summarises available information on the Somniosus (sleeper shark) subgenus, comprising three species; S. microcephalus, S. pacificus and S. antarcticus. Taxonomy, distribution, life history, biological characteristics and exploitation by fisheries is discussed. Somniosus antarcticus is caught as by-catch in Australian subantarctic fisheries at Heard and McDonald Islands ( Read More
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The Australian-flagged longliner Eldfisk was approved by CCAMLR to undertake an exploratory fishery for D. mawsoni in Division 58.4.2 in the 2002/03 season. The results of the fishery involving 140 sets between 5 February and 25 March 2003 are summarised. Total catch from the three SSRUs fished was 111.8 tonnes, of which 88.7% overall was D. mawsoni. Principal bycatch species were macrourids ( Read More
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Molecular markers were employed to investigate the fine-scale stock structure of Patagonian toothfish in the west Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean. Four collections of toothfish from the Kerguelen (n=1), Crozet (n=1) and Prince Edward and Marion (n=2) Islands were typed genetically using two fragments of mtDNA and seven nuclear microsatellite loci. MtDNA haplotype diversity was Read More
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We measured sink rates of longlines using two different methods: one was string wrapped around bottles and the other electronic time-depth recorders (TDRs). Bottles provided faster sink rates TDRs. Results obtained from the bottle method were more variable, and hence less reliable, among individual deployments than TDRs requiring repeated deployments on a longline. Sink rates measured to 2 m Read More
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The summer diet of two species of icefishes (Channichthyidae) from the South Shetland Islands and Elephant Island, Champsocephalus gunnari and Chaenocephalus aceratus, was investigated from 2001 to 2003. C. gunnari fed almost exclusively on krill (Euphausia superba) in all years. The importance of other taxa (Themisto gaudichaudii, mysids, myctophids) in the diet was negligible. The average Read More
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We studied the food and feeding of five species of icefish in the Elephant Island – South Shetland Islands region in March-early April 2003. C. gunnari took primarily krill. C. aceratus fed on krill and fish with some differences found between Elephant Island and the South Shetland Islands. The bulk of the diet of C. rastrospinosus consisted of krill and fish. Diet intensity, however, was low Read More
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Summary information on CCAMLR fisheries of relevance to the work of WG-FSA is presented. Additional fishery-related information can be found in WG-FSA-03/7 (survey database), 03/63, 03/64 and 03/65 (summaries of observer data), SC-CAMLR-XXII/BG/1 (catches in the Convention Area) SC-CAMLR-XXII/BG/9 (summary of notification for new and exploratory fisheries), SCIC-03/5 (estimates of IUU catches Read More
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The 2002/2003 fishing season was the first in which three new policies for rays were tried:
• It was the first in which vessels were asked to cut off all rays at water level to assist survival and conservation of rays;
• It was the first in which very good quality information was available from all observers’ tally periods on the catch rates of rays cut off the line;
• In Read More
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Skate post haulage survival experiments were conducted by one Chilean fishing vessel throughout the months of May and June, during 2003 toothfish fishing season in Subarea 48.3. From these results we can conclude that depth has a significant influence on the mortality of skate, with a predicted mortality of 0% for skate caught in waters of less than 1100m. A predicted mortality of 65% for Read More
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Estimates of bird catches by IUU fishing made using the new method presented by Agnew and Kirkwood last year (WG-FSA-02/4 & 5) are updated to take account of the comments of the working group. Last year we suggested that the Isabel data from 1997 were rather atypical of bird catch rates in the illegal fishery, and that these were more likely to be similar to the bird catch rates made by Read More
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Reasons of differences in icefish distribution and biomass assessment during two surveys made by STM “Atlantida” are revealed. Availability of large icefish concentrations in 2000 in the northwest shelf area in 10-100m layer resulted in formation of adult fish aggregations in water column. The year 2002 was characterized by krill distribution in near-bottom layer, causing icefish presence near Read More
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The significant similarity of Kerguelen and South Georgia icefish Ch.gunnari populations ecology has been revealed. Fish of all lengths and ages are planktonphages. Fish of the first two age groups have been continuously found in the pelagic layer off South Georgia and Kerguelen-Heard. Immature fish also partially distribute in the pelagic layer both in the daytime and at night. Mature fish, Read More
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Data on bottom trawl catch of tagged fish are presented as well as results of tagging of some Antarctic fish in Subarea 88.1. Use of marked trawl hooks as an additional method of fish tagging is proposed for discussion.

Published references to work on mackerel icefish are listed in alphabetical order of author. This listing was originally tabled at WAMI associated with WG-FSA 2001 and has been updated since that time.

On the grounds of data analysis collected by one of the authors – Prutko V.G. in December, 2002-March, 2003 in Subarea 88.1, we determine Antarctic toothfish body length at maturity of 50% females -128-130 cm, males -117-120 cm.
To estimate maturity stages of post-spawning individuals we suggest using double designation, and to control visual estimation of maturity stages number of Read More
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Detailed materials are presented collected by the author in Subarea 88.1 in December, 2002-March, 2003 on penetration of sub-Antarctic species D.eleginoides, L.immaculatus to polar latitudes (to 72° S). Supposition is expressed that Ross’s rotation conditions mixing of Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish distribution areas and appearance of opah in the polar Ross Sea.

This paper provides an update on seabird research underway in New Zealand. Details of population research including methods and relevant references are provided. Foraging range tracking programme details are also provided, along with details of recorded visits to the CCAMLR area (nil).

Data on maturity, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and length weight of Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni were collected from Sub-area 88.1 in the 2002-2003 season by the New Zealand bottom longline vessels Janas, Avro Chieftain and San Aotea II operating in the Exploratory Fishery. The first spawning fish were found in April, a month earlier than in the previous season.

An update on the BioRoss research programme is provided for information purposes. The update includes progress to date, planned research and the future of the programme.

An exploratory fishery for Antarctic toothfish (D. mawsoni) has been in operation for six seasons in Subarea 88.1 and for two seasons in Subarea 88.2. A large amount of data on both toothfish and associated bycatch from the fishing operations has been collected. The purpose of this report is to present the analysis of data collected in the toothfish fishery for the 2003 season (this is part of Read More
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A toothfish fishery has operated during the Antarctic summer (December - May) from 1997 to 2003, in Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 in the region of the Ross Sea. A preliminary standardised analysis of toothfish CPUE (catch (kg) per baited hook per set) carried out last year compared three alternative toothfish CPUE analyses for the 1998 to 2002 seasons. The analysis of a data subset including only the Read More
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Scientific observers collected maturity data from skates caught by New Zealand longline vessels targeting toothfish in the Ross Sea during 2002–03. Sample sizes were small, making it difficult to obtain accurate estimates of the length at 50% maturity. Results were compared with data collected in the previous season.
The length at 50% maturity for male Amblyraja georgiana is about 92 cm Read More
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Information on mackerel icefish that has been presented at WG-FSA is summarised and the information augmented by reference to published papers. The New Zealand government has released a draft National Plan of Action – Seabirds. The plan will apply to commercial and non- commercial fishing in New Zealand fisheries waters. It will also apply to high seas fisheries in which New Zealand flag Read More
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Information on mackerel icefish that has been presented at WG-FSA is summarised and the information augmented by reference to published papers.

Although the IATTC does not have an established observer program in its longline fisheries, one does exist for a US-based pelagic longline fishery for tuna and swordfish. These vessels are subject to pertinent US regulations as well as under the purview of IATTC. In response to a CCAMLR query in 2002, IATTC informed CCAMLR of this US observer program. Information about seabird bycatch observed Read More
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The United States Antarctic Marine Living Resources (U.S. AMLR) program has conducted bottom trawl surveys of the South Shetland Islands (Subarea 48.1) during the 1998, 2001, and 2003 austral summers. Information on species and size composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and dietary patterns from the 2003 survey is presented. The spatial distributions and standardized densities for Read More
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The Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) breeds only at the Tristan da Cunha archipelago and Gough Island in the central South Atlantic Ocean, and is threatened by mortality from longline fisheries operating in the South Atlantic. Demographic data have been collected from two study colonies on Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha for 20 years. Annual variation in the Read More
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Mortality in longline fisheries is a critical global threat to some seabird species. Identifying
andmainstreaming seabird avoidance methods that not only have the capacity to minimize bird interactions, but
are also practical and convenient, providing crew with incentives to employ them consistently and effectively,
will help resolve this global problem. Cooperative research Read More
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A set of procedures for modelling catch and effort data using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) including data analytic methods for examining the appropriateness of model structure and parameter values was presented in WG-FSA-SAM 03-12 using Dissostichus eleginoides in Subarea 48.3 of the CAMLR area as an example dataset. The application of these procedures to trawl catches of Read More
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A set of procedures for modelling catch and effort data using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) including data analytic methods for examining the appropriateness of model structure and parameter values was presented in WG-FSA-SAM 03-12 using Dissostichus eleginoides in Subarea 48.3 of the CAMLR area as an example dataset. Further development of these procedures is presented in this Read More
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A preliminary assessment of yield of Patagonian Toothfish, Dissostichus eleginoides, for Heard Island Plateau (Division 58.5.2) was done, using the standard CCAMLR methods, based on the result of a randomly stratified trawl survey completed between 16 April and 10 May 2003. The 2003 estimate of abundance of recruits indicates a continuation of a period relatively low recruitment since 1999. A Read More
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A preliminary assessment of yield of Champsocephalus gunnari for Heard Island Plateau (Division 58.5.2) was undertaken using the standard CCAMLR methods, based on the result of a randomly stratified trawl survey completed between 16 April and 10 May 2003. The 2003 estimate of abundance was approximately 20% of the 2002 estimate. This decline in abundance is consistent with the passage of the Read More
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This note describes the activities of an alliance of New Zealand government, fishing industry and environmental groups that has formed to promote fishing practices that avoid seabird capture by fishing fleets in the southern hemisphere.

Following a finding that a small sample of aged Dissostichus mawsoni from McMurdo Sound (76° S) fell consistently below the von Bertalanffy curves calculated predominantly from data collected between 67 and 74° S, an investigation to test for latitudinal differences in growth rates was conducted. Length-at-age of Dissostichus mawsoni was compared across five zones in a 15.5° latitudinal range Read More
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This paper provides a review of the boundaries of the small scale research units (SSRUs) used to manage the exploratory fishery for D.mawsoni in Subarea 88.1. In determining appropriate SSRU boundaries we considered the physical and geographical features of the Subarea including the impact of sea ice on fishing practices, as well as the distribution and abundance of the target and bycatch Read More
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This report presents results from a pilot study to determine the feasibility of conducting acoustic surveys for toothfish and rattails in the Ross Sea. Acoustic data were collected during the 2002–03 exploratory fishery. Data were recorded continuously from 28 December to 2 February 2003, then during line setting only from 5–22 February 2003. Analyses were carried out to assess data quality, Read More
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Killer whale (Orcinus orca) and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) interactions with longline fishing operations were recorded by CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) observers between 2000 and 2002 at South Georgia (Subarea 48.3) in the Southeast Atlantic Ocean. Demersal longlines, targeting Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), were Read More
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The former fishing ground off Joinville – D’Urville Island was revisited in the course of the Antarctic Expedition ANT XIX/3 with RV ‘Polarstern’ in February 2002. Five hauls were conducted north of Joinville Island – D’Urville Island at 149 m to 282 m depth on 21 February 2002. Published and unpublished reports by the Fischkombinat in Rostock (ex- German Democratic Republic), Sea Fisheries Read More
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While work to develop solutions to reduce the bycatch of seabirds and sea turtles by longline gear has begun, fishermen, managers and scientists recognize that these efforts must be enhanced and collaboration must be pursued internationally as these species are highly migratory, inhabiting the waters of many nations during their life cycle. To further this cause, the Western Pacific Fishery Read More
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In the fall of 2002, the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) purchased 300 copies of Beached Birds for use by North Pacific Groundfish Observers deployed on commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. This new guide replaces a dichotomous key on looseleaf paper with black and white drawings. The purpose of using this new educational tool is to enhance the ability Read More
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The streamer line has become the primary seabird mitigation device prescribed and used in most longline fisheries throughout the world, based to a large degree on the precedent set by CCAMLR in 1991. This discussion paper responds to the interest of the IMAF working group to consider possible revisions to the CCAMLR streamer line requirement. Existing literature on the effectiveness of single Read More
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This is a follow-up paper to WG-EMM-03/05. Suggestions on the applicability of the use of shags for monitoring fish populations are presented, providing potential answers to the questions posed by WG-EMM in its 2003 meeting.

Worldwide, the incidental capture or bycatch of marine organisms, especially mammals, turtles and seabirds, can pose serious threats to specific animal populations causing public outcry and regulatory attention. When such issues arise, especially in US fisheries, they can threaten fisheries and necessitate immediate solutions. Unfortunately, no standard mechanisms exist within stewardship and Read More
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The video portrays a variety of seabird species in flight and interacting with longline gear. Also demonstrates how to rig and deploy streamer lines – a seabird bycatch deterrent required on most Alaska longlines beginning in 2004.

This two-page flyer targets commercial longline fishermen in Alaska. Aspects of the streamer line developed in the course of research in Alaskan demersal longline fisheries are described including materials and performance standards.

Aspects of the ecology of the Bigeye grenadier, Macrourus holotrachys caught as bycatch in the Patagonian toothfish longline fishery conducted around South Georgia were investigated. Age estimates suggest that M. holotrachys is a long lived and moderately slow growing species, reaching ages of over 30 years and attaining lengths in excess of 80cm (Lt). Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were Read More
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This was the first deep-water trawl survey of the South Georgia Maritime Zone funded by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) as part of the South Georgia Project. The survey was focused primarily at providing new information on the distribution, biology and ecology of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) at South Georgia as well as providing Read More
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A dietary overlap analysis between notothenioid species was carried out among three fish assemblages at the South Shetland Island area. Using tyler’s (1972) method, the reoccurrence of main and secondary prey among fish predators was 33% in summer and 37% over the year at Potter Cove; 25% in summer and 7% in winter at Admiralty Bay; and 20% in autumn/winter around Elephant Island. Likewise, Read More
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Notothenia rossii was the first target species of the fishery in the Southern Ocean. The species has been heavily fished at the beginning of the 1970’s. The closure of the fishery for this species was one of the first conservation measures CCAMLR adopted in 1985. Fish biomass within a CCAMLR Subarea or part of a subarea is commonly estimated targeting a number of species including N. rossii at Read More
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This project involved the large-scale deployment of electronic monitoring (EM) systems on the 2002 British Columbia halibut longline fishery to evaluate the feasibility of EM as an alternative to observer-based at-sea monitoring. EM systems were deployed on 59 regular halibut fishing trips involving 19 fishing vessels, providing about 700 usable sets, 1,000 hours of imagery, and 350,000 Read More
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A previously un-described population of black-browed albatrosses (Thalassarche melanophrys) is reported at the Evangelistas Islets, Straits of Magellan, Chile. The population was censused from aerial photographs taken on 13 October 2002 which yielded an estimate of the number of breeding pairs. A combined total of 4,670 pairs of black-browed albatrosses were found nesting at Elcano and Lobos Read More
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