First report of the Prince Edward and Marion Islands Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem by-catch data, collected in the 2009-2023 fishing seasons

To attain conservation objectives and conserve the Southern Ocean's biodiversity, a wide range of ecosystems must be safeguarded. Identification of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) is a critical component of the management framework for bottom fishing activities. Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem within CCAMLR and all Member tates adopt CCAMLR Conservation Measures as important consideration when bottom fishing operationare planned or in established fisheries that uses bottom fishing. Fisheries operations are a recurring activity, which increases chances of encountering many marine wonders that could be classified as VMEs due to their sensitivity or vulnerability to human disturbances. In the context of fisheries, it is imperative to develop management measures that are effective and limit the adverse effect of fishing operations on VMEs. This study therefore investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) by-catch within the PEI region, an area that does not often report on fishing impacts of operations on VMEs. Using spatial data from 2009 to 2023, we analysed the frequency of occurrences and diversity of VME species and the total weight of by-catch observed per segment. The methodology included performing spatial joins with VME observation data and mapping the results to identify key patterns. In this study, we present these data for the first time, revealing distinct spatial trends in VME occurrence and species diversity, with nine segments intersecting a potential "risk area" as defined by the CCAMLR Conservation Measure (CM) 22-07, paragraph 3-4. This study highlights critical improvements needed in data capture processes and outlines future actions to enhance the integrity of such data. Implementing the proposed recommendations will provide significant insights into the ecological dynamics of benthic fauna in the PEI region, contributing to a robust methodological framework for future assessments under CCAMLR’s conservation mandate. The findings emphasize the importance of spatially explicit management strategies to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean.