Characterising catch and effort from data-poor toothfish fisheries in CCAMLR Divisions 58.4.3 – 58.4.4

A  preliminary characterisation of available fishing information regarding catches and effort in Divisions 58.4.4a, 58.4.4b, 58.4.3a and 58.4.3b is presented. Information analysed corresponds to fishing logbooks recorded in the exploratory fisheries carried out between July 2000 and March 2012. During this period, a total of 9 countries registered fishing operations in which 1811 sets were recorded (79.3\% 58.4.3; 20.7\% 58.4.4) accounting of 1605 tons of toothfish. Division 58.4.3b (Banzare Bank) accumulated the highest proportion of allocated effort in which a total of 948 sets (52\%) were performed. Catches of toothfish have declined since fishing season 2006 and total allowed catch assigned has not been completed in most of the recent fishing seasons. Soaking time showed high variability and no seasonal pattern was detected and spatial coverage of fishing operations showed a reduction across time. Baseline analysis presented in this report provides relevant information for the exploratory fisheries and also for future research and management plans.