CPUE values derived from Soviet fishery statistics as indicators of Antarctic krill density fluctuations in 1977–1991

The average CPUE values, annual and calculated for the periods of 1977-1986 and 1986- 1991 are considered. It is assumed that these values adequately describe trends in krill density fluctuations. Rather high stability of the values investigated is revealed. It is proposed that krill density of 170-200 g/m2 may be considered as an average characteristic value for the area 48. It was revealed, that interannual CPUEs variability is lower for the area 48 as a whole, comparing subareas, most probable due to the certain krill transport between subareas.