The objective for the Multinational Large-Scale Krill Synoptic Survey in CCAMLR area 48 in 2019 is to provide an updated estimate of the biomass of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) used in models to estimate sustainable yield. The planned survey follows, as close as possible, the design of the CCAMLR 2000 survey, that was undertaken in the year 2000. The basis for comparisons will depend on the degree of coverage and methodology and equipment available. The survey will involve the collaborative efforts of Norway, Association of Responsible Krill fishing companies (ARK: companies from Norway, Korea, China and Chile), United Kingdom, Ukraine, Korea and China, and hopefully also other nations that still needs to confirm their participation.
The current survey plan organization is presented for consideration by SG-ASAM. Norway has volunteered to co-ordinate the survey with other members dedicating personnel to specific tasks. It is requested that members who has already made commitments on ship time, also allocate contact personnel as proposed.
This paper has been developed after a wider consultation extending beyond the authors list. It discusses some specific organizational and technical challenges to be considered by SG-ASAM. We request advice from ASAM on “minimum requirements” regarding acoustic instrumentation and sampling gear to achieve approximate consistency with the CCAMLR B0 data collection protocol.