Update report on marine mammal interactions in Division 58.4.4

Fishing activities targeting Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) occurs in Division 58.4.4 and killer whales have been observed to interact with the vessels until 2014. Interaction rates between areas and seasons vary greatly (from 0 to 70%). Depredation rates were updated for subdivisions 58.4.4bB (16%), 58.4.4bC (1.5%) and 58.4.4bD (0%). Photo-identification effort has been conducted in 2012 and 2014, analyses show that 13 individuals have been interacting with the vessel. The three individuals observed in 2014 were observed again in 2018 on the west part of Crozet’s EEZ along with two other individuals including a young calf. This document provides an update of the interaction and depredation rates and the first insight into individual’s identifications for Division 58.4.4.