A preliminary assessment for mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) in Division 58.5.2, based on results from the 2022 random stratified trawl survey

The annual random stratified trawl survey was undertaken in Division 58.5.2 in the vicinity of Heard Island and McDonald Islands during April 2022. Based on data from this survey, this paper provides a preliminary assessment for mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) population structure, abundance and yield in Division 58.5.2 using standard CCAMLR methods (CMIX and Generalized Yield Model).

The 2022 survey showed a large 3+ cohort in the population and a high biomass. Based on the Grym implementation, catches of 2 616 t in the 2022/23 season and 1 857 t in the 2023/24 season satisfy the CCAMLR decision rules.