The Australian-flagged longliner Eldfisk was approved by CCAMLR to undertake an exploratory fishery for D. mawsoni in Division 58.4.2 in the 2002/03 season. The results of the fishery involving 140 sets between 5 February and 25 March 2003 are summarised. Total catch from the three SSRUs fished was 111.8 tonnes, of which 88.7% overall was D. mawsoni. Principal bycatch species were macrourids (10.2% overall), skates (0.34%) and Muraenolepis sp. (0.27%). The length range of D. mawsoni caught was between 500mm and 1650mm total length, and most fish were in gonad state 1 to 3. Length at first maturity is estimated at 1000mm for males and 1300mm for females.
There were marked differences between the SSRUs in catch composition and D. mawsoni length frequency.
The Australian exploratory toothfish fishery in CCAMLR
Division 58.4.2 in season 2002/03
Document Number:
WG-FSA-03/68
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Abstract