THE AUTOLINE SYSTEM – AN UPDATED DESCRIPTIVE REVIEW OF THE METHOD WITH RECOMMENDATIONS TO CLARIFY CCAMLR CONSERVATION MEASURES REGULATING LONGLINE FISHERIES WITHIN THE CONVENTION AREA

The paper updates Fenaughty and Bennett (2005), Longlining Operations on New Zealand Autoline Vessels Fishing for Toothfish in CCAMLR Waters. Additional information is included listing and discussing circumstances and scenarios occurring with the method. A definition of the fundamental unit of gear (a ‘line’) for longlines is proposed for the purposes of regulation and management. Current Conservation Measures dealing with longline fisheries carried out within the Convention Area are reviewed and changes are suggested clarify understanding of these measures. The paper includes a recommendation for a review of Annex 41-01/B (2007) governing research within exploratory fisheries by WG-FSA with a view to assessing the option of simplifying this Measure in a similar manner to that successfully implemented in the exploratory fisheries in Subareas 88.1 and 88.2.