Research plan for the exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus spp. in Division 58.4.3a in 2014/15

Historical catch and effort data recorded by all effective vessels were analyzed using the latest CCAMLR C2 and observer data toward the development of research plan for the 2014/15 exploratory fishery of Dissostichus eleginoides in Division 58.4.3a.

The stock size for block 5843a_1 was estimated using the Petersen estimator and the CPUE x seabed analogy method using effective data on tagging experiment and appropriate reference area (north of Subarea 48.4) for the CPUE method recommended at the last WG-FSA meeting. The stock size using the Petersen estimator was largely different from that using the CPUE method. Predicted number of tag recaptures from the estimated stock sizes using the Petersen methods was consistent with the observed number in 2013/14 season. However, the Petersen estimate was based on tags released and recaptured only at the western end of the block, as pointed out at the last WG-FSA meeting (paragraph 6.66 of SC-CAMLR ANNEX 6, 2013).

We propose to set the sample size at current 32 tonnes for at least 3 years, which is likely to result in sufficient tag recaptures to substantially refine the stock assessment, as well as constituting a sufficiently low risk harvest rate as suggested at the last WG-FSA meeting.