Japan and France made the next season’s (2017/18) research plan in research blocks 58.4.4b_1 and 58.4.4b_2 using the latest CCAMLR C2 and Observer data.
The estimated median stock size in block 58.4.4b_1 and 58.4.4b_2 was 855.39 and 1120.40, tonnes respectively, in Chapman method considering tags released in the last three years as effective for the biomass estimation. The estimated median stock size in block 58.4.4b_1 and 58.4.4b_2 was 485.65 and 500.05 tonnes, respectively, in CPUE analogy method (reference area: HIMI) using the relevant information of reference area (recent median CPUE, estimated biomass and updated area size) recommended in the WG-SAM-16/18 Rev.1.
We propose to continue the current research operation for the next fishing season with the same survey design and total sample size of 70 tonnes to further strengthen the stock assessments in the area. On the other hand, Japan will examine the change of survey design from 2017/18 season considering change of CCAMLR's regulatory framework.