WG-ASAM-2024

The Working Group will review the Terms of Reference and the workplan set out in SC-CAMLR-42, Annex 15.

The Working Group will recommend appropriate methods, procedures, and reporting requirements for calibration of echosounders on fishing vessels used for acoustic data collection.
The working group will develop guidelines for collection of relevant data to assess acoustic calibration methods which make use of seafloor backscattering.

Review and finalise Annexes 12 and 13 from SC-CAMLR-42 on guidance for conducting surveys (SC-CAMLR-42 paragraph 2.28).
The Working Group will identify transects grids for each management area in Subarea 48.1 and develop a list and a map of the transect start and end locations.
The Working Group will review the metadata reporting requirements developed during WG-ASAM 2023.

The Working Group will consider the data collection needs to support krill biomass estimation from vessels undertaking acoustic surveys for krill. It will consider updates to the CCAMLR 2000 scientific net protocol and requirements for krill length frequency data and weight data, including data collected by scientific observers on board fishing vessels.

The Working Group will develop protocols for the collection of CTD data, including metadata requirements.

The Working Group will consider database and storage needs for acoustic data including data submission guidelines and formats.

The Working Group will review the spatial management units for biomass estimation relative to ongoing data collection and management needs.
The Working Group will review procedures to update krill biomass estimates in Subarea 48.1 using the workflow described by WG-ASAM-2023 Appendix E.

The Working Group will review the content and quality assurance required for dedicated acoustic surveys to deliver krill biomass estimates to CCAMLR for use in management, including the use of exemplar datasets to benchmark processing software and models.
The Working Group will collate and appropriately document test datasets to benchmark processing software and methods.

The Working Group will review existing acoustic data collected along nominated transects and methods for estimation of biomass.

The Working Group will discuss the estimation of krill biomass in the revised krill management strata and any adjustments necessary.

The Working Group will review survey results for biomass estimates from East Antarctic surveys.

The Working Group will consider design and analysis methods to examine temporal and spatial variability of krill distribution by observations from various sources (e.g., gliders, moorings, and acoustic data collected during routine fishing activities).

The Working Group will consider papers submitted regarding the design, analysis or results of biomass surveys for finfish such as mackerel icefish.

The Working Group will consider the workplan in SC-CAMLR-42 Annex 15 and identify any reprioritisation or revision for discussion by the Scientific Committee.

The Working Group will consider any other business, including acoustic survey data from research conducted under CM 24-01.