Stock assessment of the mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari (Lönnberg, 1906) in Subarea 48.3 for the 1991/91 season, using virtual population analysis

An assessment of the Champsocephalus gunnari fishery in sub-area 48.3 using VPA from 1976/77 to 1990/91 is presented. The analysis was tuned to abundance indices derived from fishery independent stock assessment surveys between 1986/87 and 1990/91. The results indicate a very different situation to assessments in 1989/90 with a decrease in overall biomass and recruitment over recent years. Potential TAC levels are calculated, based on the F0.1 management strategy, however, the wisdom of limiting catches in the near future on the basis of a target F is questioned