Progress report on the Korean exploratory longline fishery for Dissostichus spp. in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 in 2016/17 season

The research fishing was conducted in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 from 12 January 2017 to 14 March 2017 in 2016/17 fishing season. One additional national observer was on board to perform various scientific researches. The total catch of D. mawsoni was 153,084 kg with 4,360 individuals. The CPUE of D. mawsoni recorded 0.22 kg/hook. 805 individuals of D. mawsoni were tagged and released and additionally satellite archival tags were attached to 5 individuals of D. mawsoni. In Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, tagging rate with tag overlap statistics of D. mawsoni were 5.22 with 88% and 5.51 with 74%, respectively. Seven individuals of tagged D. mawsoni were recaptured. The research vessel, Kingstar has encountered unknown fishing gears during research fishing in SSRU G and E of the Division 58.4.1 and reported the information to the Secretariat. To get biological information of species, otolith, stomach contents, gonad and muscle were collected from each individual of D. mawsoni. Total 35 times of plankton sampling were conducted in the areas of Division 58.4.1 and 58.4.2. Two compact CTDs (Micro CAT, SBE37SMP) were used along with protective frames that would prevent the CTD connector from being damaged. Water temperature and salinity were collected from 33 data profiles during the survey in the areas of Division 58.4.1 and 58.4.2.