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

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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)
Agenda Item(s)
WG-FSA-12 - 8.1 - Fish bycatch
WG-FSA-12 - 9.2 - Scotia Sea Region
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.