Joint research proposal for the Dissostichus spp. exploratory fishery in East Antarctica (Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2) by Australia, France, Japan, Republic of Korea and Spain

Exploratory fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in East Antarctica (Divisions 58.4.1 and58.4.2) began in 2003. Robust stock assessments and catch limits according to CCAMLRdecision rules remain to be determined for these Divisions. Multiple research plans arecurrently in place by Australia (commenced 2015/16), France (commencing 2016/17), Japan(commencing 2016/17), Republic of Korea (commenced 2012/13) and Spain (commenced2012/13). WG-SAM-16 welcomed plans for one consolidated research plan to be presented byall proponents of research in Divisions 58.4.1 and 58.4.2 to WG-FSA-16 (WG-SAM-16 para.3.12). The Working Group also requested that measurable research milestones be developed toprogress an assessment of toothfish stock/s in the area (WG-SAM-16 para. 3.13). We presenthere an updated research proposal including the research plans of Australia (WG-SAM-16/09),France (WG-SAM-16/01 & 16/02), Japan (WG-SAM-16/04 & 16/05), Republic of Korea(WG-SAM-16/17) and Spain (WG-SAM-16/10). The continuation of standardised longlinesurveys, in conjunction with fish tagging, biological measurements, aging and geneticapproaches will be used to develop stock assessments and inform the necessary considerationsof spatial structure, biomass and connectivity of toothfish populations. Environmental datafrom CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) loggers, benthic video cameras (BVC) andarchival tags will contribute to models of toothfish habitat use. These models will inform spatialmanagement approaches for toothfish, and the conservation of representative areas of benthicbiodiversity. Additional outcomes include improving our understanding of trophicrelationships and ecosystem function through a stable isotope study; providing information onthe distribution, relative abundance, and life histories of bycatch species; and mapping of thebathymetry of fishable areas.