The methodology of modern trawl surveys carried out the ICES responsibility area is discussed in the context of discussion at the Scientific Committee and the CCAMLR Commission in 2018 regarding the longline survey methodology in Division 58.4.1. It is shown that the methodology of modern bottom trawl surveys requires a standardized design of the spatial location of trawl samples and standard fishing gear as a data collection tool. Moreover, the use of standard fishing gear should be accompanied by standard procedures for trawl adjusting and monitoring of its parameters. These procedures are mandatory for all ships participating in the survey.
At the same time, methodological aspects of the multi-year international research program implemented in Subdivision 58.4.1., such as the lack of standardized design of longline settings, the use of various types and constructions of gears and fishing efforts by years and research blocks do not allow obtaining scientific-based data for understanding the abundance, population structure and productivity indices, toothfish distributions and dependent species in accordance with the goals and objectives of the research program in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2.
The solution of the current methodological problems of toothfish research in Division 58.4.1 by only improving statistical data processing is unacceptable. For Division 58.4.1 and 58.4.2. we propose a toothfish researches to be carried out by the vessels based on standardization of sampling longline gear and survey design