The New Zealand toothfish fishery in Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 from 1997/98 to 2001/02

Results from the 2002 season of the New Zealand toothfish fishery in Subarea 88.1 & 88.2 are reviewed and compared to previous seasons. Catch and effort data and biological information for Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) and Patagonian toothfish (D. eleginoides) are presented. The catch for the 2002 season was almost double that for 2001, and CPUE was the highest for any year. The principal bycatch species continues to be the rattail Macrourus whitsoni, with skates, particularly Amblyraja georgiana, the only other significant bycatch.