The stock sizes for five research blocks (5841_1, 5841_2, 5841_3, 5841_4 and 5841_5) were estimated by the Petersen estimator and the CPUE x seabed analogy method using updated CCAMLR C2 data and reference area sizes. The stock size using the Petersen estimator was generally different from that using the CPUE method in each block.
As we proposed at the last WG-SAM meeting, since we have yet to obtain enough evidence to estimate plausible stock size, and accordingly have yet to estimate appropriate catch limit, we propose to continue the current research operation for at least 3 years with the same sample size as decided at the last CCAMLR meeting in the current research blocks, in order to promote successful stock assessment. On the other hand, we preliminarily estimated sample sizes for 2014/15 using the CPUE analogy method for each block except for block 5841_5 where Petersen method was applied following the procedure recommended at the last WG-FSA meeting. The results of calculations were generally consistent with the current sample sizes.
In addition, we propose to allow flexibility (i.e. carried-over and buffer zone) in cases of research operations under extraordinary adverse ice-conditions, as detailed in in the research plans for Subarea 48.6 in WG-SAM-14/01 (2014) and WG-FSA-14/XX (2014).