Preliminary assessment of mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari, in the vicinity of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (Division 58.5.2), based on a survey in May–June 2006 using the Generalised Yield Model

A survey of mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari, was undertaken in Division 58.5.2 in the vicinity of Heard Island in May-June 2006 to provide the information for an assessment of short-term annual yield in the 2006/2007 CCAMLR season. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of yield for the area of Division 58.5.2 to the west of 79°20’ E using standard CCAMLR methods. A lack of evidence of strong year classes recruiting to the population has led to a significant decrease in the estimated biomass of mackerel icefish, and a recommended catch over the projection period nearly an order of magnitude less than that set in 2005. Taking into account the fact that the 4+ year class, which contributed an estimated 80% of the biomass present during the survey, are unlikely to be available to the fishery next year, yield estimates for 2006/07 are a further 70% lower.