Research plan for exploratory fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in 2016/17 in Division 58.4.1 by France

Exploratory fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in Division 58.4.1 began in 2003. Robust stock assessment and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for this Division. France notifies its wish to collaborate in this research fishery with the other participants over the coming years in order to participate in the tagging program and achieve a robust stock assessment. The aim is to collect sufficient data to provide an advice on a catch limit according to CCAMLR decision rules. This paper presents a proposal for a research plan for 2016/2017 developed under Conservation Measure 41-11. The biomass for each in the Division was estimated during WG-FSA 2015 using CPUE x seabed analogy. In the absence of an assessment using the CCAMLR decision rules, the catch limit should remain unchanged at 660 tonnes for 2016/17 to maximize the expectation of tag-recapture and the approach of allocation and collaboration between Members should be maintained.