Fish stock assessment survey in Subarea 48.3, 2004

This report describes the activities and preliminary results of the 9th UK fish stock assessment survey within CCAMLR Statistical subarea 48.3 (South Georgia) which was carried our by MRAG and British Antarctic Survey scientists during January and February 2004. In addition to the random stratified bottom trawl survey the research was extended by a week in order that further investigations into the use of acoustic methods for the determination of icefish biomass could be undertaken. Following the recommendations of the CCAMLR subgroup on fisheries acoustics (WG –SFA) emphasis was to be put on obtaining information on the target strength and length composition of the pelagic component of the icefish biomass. A continued emphasis on providing information on bycatch species gave a further key aim to the survey.