New Zealand FV Janas conducted research in two research blocks (882A_5 and 882B_4) as part of a multi-year and multi-member research plan using standardised longline gear to sample toothfish populations in the northern areas (60°‑ 66° S) of Subarea 88.2 SSRUs A–B. Sampling strategy and data collection adhered to standards set in CM 41-10 (2014). A total of 49.85 t of Antarctic toothfish and no Patagonian toothfish were caught. Toothfish catch rates, size, sex ratio, and reproductive maturity status were similar to existing data from SSRU 88.1C. In contrast, the gonadosomatic index and the sex-specific Fulton’s condition factor observed in the northern region of SSRU 88.2B were lower than those observed in SSRUs 88.1C, northern 88.2A, and 88.2H. The percentage of fish with empty stomachs was high, but prey diversity and quantities of prey items were similar to those reported from the northern Ross Sea. Bathymetry data were collected during the survey and during transit across research blocks and have been provided to the CCAMLR Secretariat.
Results of the longline survey for toothfish in the northern Ross Sea region (Subarea 88.2 SSRUs A–B) by the FV Janas, New Zealand
Document Number:
WG-SAM-15/46
Submitted By:
Dr Rohan Currey (New Zealand)
Abstract