Biology and harvesting of Dissostichus eleginoides around Kerguelen Island (Division 58.5.1)

Dissostichus eleginoides is becoming an increasingly important species in the fisheries of the Southern Ocean. In Division 58.5.1, a directed trawl fishery has been in operation since 1984/85 and has expanded in the deep western sector of the Kerguelen shelf. This fishery harvests the sub-adult/adult part of the stock. Fishing effort and corresponding catches are very variable from one year to another and highly dependent on the harvestable resources of C. gunnari. Vital biological information for population dynamics, as well as demographic structures and trends observed in an abundance index are provided. Prospects for exploitation are discussed with respect to the development of fishing methods.