This paper proposes an administrative realignment of the boundary between Statistical Subarea 88.1 and Statistical Subarea 88.2 in order to harmonise with the exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus mawsoni in those subareas and with other conservation measures in force. The proposal would move the boundary of Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 from 170°W to 150°W with small-scale research units (SSRUs) 882A and B being renamed SSRUs 881N and 881O. This proposal would simplify the administrative complexity that currently adds an administrative burden on Members and the Secretariat in respect of fishery notifications, vessel movements, catch reporting and the Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus spp. (CDS) (Conservation Measures (CMs) 21-02, 10-04, 10 05). Minor changes to CMs 41-10 and CM 41-09 would be required but these would have no material impact on the operation of fisheries in these areas.
The Secretariat recommends that the Commission endorse these changes for inclusion in revisions to the conservation measures.