Fishing for toothfish using pots: results of trials undertaken around South Georgia, March–May 2000

摘要

During the period March to May 2000, the UK undertook trials of a pot fishing method to catch Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) around South Georgia (Subarea 48.3). This method has the potential to minimise, or eliminate, incidental bird mortality when compared to the standard longline method. This paper describes the trial and the results, and discusses the commercial viability of this fishing method for toothfish fisheries in the CCAMLR Convention Area. While the method successfully caught D. eleginoides, there was a large by-catch of crab species. The catch rate of toothfish was notably lower than that achieved in the longline fishery. Importantly, the use of pots eliminated bird by-catch. To capitalise on this feature, there is a need to improve the commercial viability of the method and minimise the quantity of by-catch. A number of potential changes are suggested to this end.