Notification for scientific research in 2017/18: proposal to participate in research plan for Antarctic toothfish in Subarea 88.3

New Zealand proposes to contribute to a multi-member research plan to sample the toothfish population in Subarea 88.3. Although this has been written as a stand-alone proposal, the intention is to develop a single co-ordinated research plan with Korea and any other members who may wish to conduct research in this subarea. There is considerable uncertainty about the abundance of Antarctic toothfish in Subarea 88.3 and the Scientific Committee has requested members complete research in this area to address that uncertainty. There is also considerable uncertainty about the stock structure of Antarctic toothfish in this subarea – and their relationship to the rest of the Pacific Sector. Korea have already developed a research plan for this subarea, but there are several regions and features which are not currently being surveyed. This research proposal is designed to complement Korea’s research plan by focusing research on the abundance of toothfish on two of the northern features, as well as parts of the slope and southern shelf where little fishing has occurred. The two main objectives of the proposal are: (i) to determine the abundance of Antarctic toothfish in Subarea 88.3; and (ii) to improve understanding of stock structure of toothfish in this area. To complete the effort-limited survey a total of 65 sets is required. We estimate a maximum catch of 95 tonnes may be required to ensure the survey objectives can be met.