Research plan for exploratory fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in 2015/16 in Division 58.4.1

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. In 2008, only one vessel, Tronio, has conducted research fishing in accordance with a research plan submitted under CM 24-01. 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 2015/2016 developed under Conservation Measure 41-01. The biomass in the Division was estimated by research block during WG-FSA 2014 using CPUE x seabed analogy method. In the absence of an assessment using the CCAMLR decision rules, the catch limit should remain unchanged at 724 tonnes for 2015/16 to maximize the expectation of tag-recapture.