Brief report on results of experimental harvest regime for the exploratory fishery for crab in the area of the South Orkney Islands (CCAMLR Subarea 48.2) during the 2009/10 season

From March, 23 till April, 1, 2010 during the cruise of the Russian crabber vessel "Tamango" in CCAMLR zone, the searching operations were carried out in the area of the Southern Orkney Islands (subarea 48.2) according to the Conservation Measure (C.) 52-02. Experimental harvest regime for the exploratory fishery for crab by traps was carried out for the first time in statistical subarea 48.2. Judging by insignificant catch crabs, state of benthic fauna and very small fish by-catch in traps, one can assume that highly expressed seasonality is present in vital activity of benthos in the area of the Southern Orkney Islands. Probably, the absence of crabs at the in March was connected to their seasonal migration to other depths. At the end of March, biological productivity of this area is extremely low; and it is economically inexpedient to conduct fisheries for bottom organisms at this time. The present article is a brief report on the executed work.