Skip to main content

    Molecular and morphological identification of Macrourus species caught as by-catch in the toothfish longline fisheries in CCAMLR Subareas 48.3 and 48.4.

    Request Meeting Document
    Document Number:
    WG-FSA-12/35
    Author(s):
    E. Fitzcharles, K. Brigden, S. Gregory, M. Belchier and J. Brown (United Kingdom)
    Submitted By:
    Sarah Mackey (CCAMLR Secretariat)
    Abstract
    • Genetic identification of grenadiers taken as bycatch in the toothfish longline fishery at South Georgia was compared with results of morphological identifications made by scientific observers and fisheries biologists.
    • There was generally good agreement between methods although issues exist in the ability to morphologically distinguish between M. carinatus and M. holotrachys.
    • Four species of Macrourus were identified genetically in the Southern Ocean and confirmed the presence of a recently described new species M. species.
    • M. holotrachys was indistinguishable genetically from the Northern hemisphere species, M. berglax.
    • There is a clear latitudinal separation of Macrourus species in the Southern Ocean.
    • Latitudinal gradients in Macrourus distribution at the South Sandwich Islands reflect the patterns observed in toothfish spp.