A preliminary assessment for mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) in Division 58.5.2, based on results from the 2023 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 March/April 2023. 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 2023 survey showed a large 3+ cohort in the population and a high biomass. Based on the Grym implementation, catches of 714 t in the 2023/24 season and 599 t in the 2024/25 season satisfy the CCAMLR decision rules.