Joint report on exploratory fishing in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 between the 2011/12 and 2016/17 fishing seasons

Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLR decision rules remain to be determined for Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2, and precautionary management arrangements are in place as set out in Conservation Measures 41-11 and 41-05. WG-FSA-16/29 outlined the first multi-member toothfish exploratory fishery research plan for these Divisions, including research objectives, methods and milestones in accordance with ANNEX 24-01/A. In this paper we report on exploratory fishing activities undertaken by Australia, France, Japan, Republic of Korea and Spain between the 2012 and 2017 fishing seasons; including the quantity of data and samples collected, and an overview of progress toward research milestones. The associated research plan and reports relating to specific research milestones were submitted as companion papers. The summaries provided herein were generated using an R-Markdown document which can be made available to Members to facilitate reporting on data collection in CCAMLR's Exploratory Fisheries.