Preliminary results of Exploratory Fishing targeting Dissostichus eleginoides and Macrourus sp on the High Seas of the South West Atlantic

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A Pilot Action of Exploratory Fishing was carried out on the High Seas of the South West Atlantic from November 2007 to April 2008 by a Spanish bottom longliner targeting Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides and, secondarily grenadier, Macrourus sp. It was coordinated by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in close collaboration with the ship owner with the objectives of studying the performance of a new gear design aimed at reducing depredation by cetaceans, analysing interactions of fishing activities with marine mammals, seabirds and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), and evaluating the viability of a commercial fishery on these fish species in the study area. Fishery and biological data were collected by a scientific observer on board the vessel. Preliminary results showed that the highest concentrations of Dissostichus eleginoides were found south of parallel 53ºS between 1000 and 1600 m depth. There were no incidental catches of seabirds or cetaceans with the new gear design and depredation by sperm whales appeared to be reduced. It was observed the presence of several organisms characteristic of vulnerable marine ecosystems, providing evidence on the existence of areas hosting VMEs and confirming the presence of ecosystems not previously affected by fishing. Results will inform future fishery and conservation management decisions.