Progress report for the fourth year of the research fishery for Dissostichus spp. in Subarea 48.6 being jointly undertaken by Japan and South Africa in the years 2013–2016

A multi-year research plan as outlined in CM 41-04 (2012, 2013 & 2014) was initiated in Statistical Subarea 48.6 by Japan and South Africa during the 2012/13 fishing season. Two vessels participated in the research project in each of the three fishing seasons and the progress achieved during the first 3.5 years is reported.

The emphasis of the progress report is on block 486_2, since more tag returns have been recovered from this block and a preliminary stock assessment has been conducted using data mainly from block 486_2.