A preliminary assessment of mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) in Division 58.5.2, based on results from the 2013 random stratified trawl survey

The annual Random Stratified Trawl Survey was undertaken in Division 58.5.2 in the vicinity of Heard Island during April 2013. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of mackerel icefish population structure, abundance and yield for the area of Division 58.5.2 to the west of 79° 20’ E using standard CCAMLR methods. A large cohort of fish, estimated to be 3+, dominates the population in both abundance and biomass. Two scenarios for harvest are presented – a typical two year projection of the population, and a projection accounting for the fact that the abundant 3+ year class is likely to be unavailable beyond 2013/14. Under the first scenario, a catch limit of 764 t is recommended for 2013/14 and 571t for 2014/15, while under the second scenario, a catch limit of 1267 t is recommended for 2013/14 and 0 t for 2014/15.