STANDING STOCK, SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION, AND BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF DEMERSAL FINFISH FROM THE 2009 U.S. AMLR BOTTOM TRAWL SURVEY OF THE SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS (SUBAREA 48.2)

A random depth stratified bottom trawl survey of South Orkney Islands (CCAMLR Subarea 48.2) demersal finfish was completed during February-March, 2009 during the U.S. AMLR Program field season. Detailed information is presented for several of the most abundant demersal finfish species, including spatial distributions, size compositions, diet compositions, gonad development, and standing stock biomass within the 500 m isobath of South Orkney Islands. Spatial distribution of standardized finfish densities demonstrated substantial contrast across the shelf area, with most finfish biomass occurring on the northwest sector of the shelf area. The highest densities of demersal finfish occurred at stations north of Inaccessible and Coronation Islands, and the highest mean densities occurred within the 150-250 m depth stratum. Estimates of biomass for nine abundant species were generally low. Standing stock biomass of Champsocephalus gunnari, the primary species targeted by the commercial fishery from the late 1970’s through the 1980’s, has increased since the last survey conducted in 1999, though remains severely depressed, and has not recovered to pre-exploitation levels.