RESEARCH PLAN FOR TOOTHFISH BY SHINSEI MARU NO. 3 IN 2008/09

A proposal to undertake scientific research in CCAMLR Subarea 58.4.4 over the 2008-2009 seasons is introduced. The first survey has been undertaken by a commercial fishing vessel, Shinsei Maru No.3, in 07/08 season covering the whole SSRUs (Small Scale Research Units). In the course of this first year survey, important information, including information on distribution of toothfish, size composition of toothfish, and by-catch species, has been obtained. However, the information obtained by just the single year survey is not be sufficient in order to quantitatively assess the stock abundance and consider possibility of re-opening the area for new and/or exploratory fishery. Therefore, it is essential to continue the scientific research to accumulate scientific information on toothfish in this area. Furthermore, the presence of legal operators in this area could contribute to monitor and deter the activity of IUU vessels. In addition, tagging and sampling activities during the survey will particularly contribute to the future study on the distribution and population structure of Dissostichus spp.