Results of the research fishing activities conducted by Chile in Management A of Subarea 48.3 from 2005–2008: the importance of conserving the big older fishes

This research makes a contribution to the Agenda Item 8 of the WG-FSA. (Biology, ecology and demography of target and by-catch species) and shows the response of the local population of Dissostichus eleginoides (TOP) from the Area management A (subarea 48.3), after 4 year of closure (2004 to 2008). We noted an increase in the CPUE overtime, mainly associate with the increase in the median size of fish caught, at a mean rate of approximately 1 kg per year/per individual. This result suggests that the sampling in this area should not stop because of its high interest in the monitoring of the recovery of the spawning biomass of the local population in relation to the BOFFFF hypothesis (Big Old Fat Fecund Female Fish), which is very important for strengthening CCAMLR precautionary management in this species.