On the need to determine the level of krill escapement mortality in the Antarctic krill fishery

The krill escapement mortality and the methods to determine it are closely connected with the need to have systematic observer coverage in the Antarctic krill fishery. Experiments to estimate krill escapement mortality should be introduced on all krill fishing vessels that carry scientific observers onboard. To provide krill escapement mortality experiments it is proposed that data on speed of trawling are added in form C1. It is proposed to add appropriate regulations to the Scientific Observers Manual and new suitable section to the Observer Cruise Report. The need to have observers collecting data on krill escapement mortality emphasizes the need to have a comprehensive observer program in place for the Antarctic krill fishery.