APPLICATION TO UNDERTAKE WINTER SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN CCAMLR SUBAREA 88.1 (SSRUS 88.1B, 88.1C AND 88.1G) IN THE 2008/09 SEASON

New Zealand proposes to conduct a scientific research survey during the austral winter in CCAMLR SSRUs 88.1B, 88.1C and, ice permitting, 88.1G in 2008/09, as the first in a three year time series. The proposal is for a targeted longline survey designed to cover critical gaps in the knowledge of the life cycle of D. mawsoni in the Ross Sea by collecting biological samples from a broad spread of locations across the northern Ross Sea during the austral winter. The survey is designed to collect information that should assist in the understanding of the early life history and reproduction of Dissostichus mawsoni in the Ross Sea region. In addition, tag data collected will give additional information on the spawning movements of mature D. mawsoni. The results of the research will lead to improved estimates of length/age of maturity, proportion mature that spawn, and contribute to an improved understanding of the Ross Sea D. mawsoni stock structure. Data collected during the survey will provide information that is likely to directly influence future assessments of D. mawsoni. The proposed research is in accordance with Conservation Measures 24-01, 33-03, 41-01 and 41-09.