The CCAMLR Statistical Subarea 48.3 icefish assessment was conducted by applying the standard projection methodology that has been agreed for this stock by CCAMLR Scientific Committee and its Working Groups. The stratified bootstrap of the UK 2025 demersal fish survey icefish catch density and catch rate data indicate a precautionary biomass estimate of 78,124 tonnes (lower one-sided 5th percentile: 35,263 tonnes) within Subarea 48.3. Projections for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, applying the CCAMLR Decision Rule, imply catch limits (TAC) of 3,430 tonnes for 2026 and 2,230 tonnes for 2027.
The assessment would lead to a recommendation from Working Group FSA to the Scientific Committee that the catch limit for C. gunnari in Subarea 48.3 should be set at 3,430 tonnes for 2025/26 and 2,230 tonnes for 2026/27.