Krill Biomass (Areas 48 and 58) – Recalculation of FIBEX Data

Dear friends

In a time when the South Antarctic krill fishery has shown its “downs“, kindly supported by CEFAS, we hereby release CEFAS’s report “KRLL BIOMASS IN AREA 48 AND AREA 58: RECALCULATION OF FIBEX DATA“, written by P.N. Trathan, D.J. Agnew, D.G.M. Miller, J.L. Watkins, I. Everson, M.R. Thorley, E. Murphy, A.W.A. Murray and C. Goss.

FIBEX acoustic and length frequency data held in the BIOMASS database were used to provide estimates of mean density and biomass for the Indian Ocean sector and the West Atlantic sector as well as for FAO Statistical Area 41, and CCAMLR Subareas 48.1,48.2,48.3,48.6 and Division 58.4.2.

Density estimates were calculated using the target strength relationships used at the original FIBEX acoustic workshop. Estimates for the different areas were also calculated using the target strength relationships of Green et al. (1990). The new estimates were on average 4.76 times larger than the old estimates for those cruises (seven out of the nine considered) that used an echosounder frequency of 120 kHz.

Although an old research, it puts in perspective the good health of this fishery, and always abundant, with a sustainable long-term krill fishery.

Who is CEFASThe Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science is an executive agency of the United Kingdom government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It carries out a wide range of research, advisory, consultancy, monitoring and training activities for a large number of customers around the world.

Please see the report here.

 

Sincerely

Tharos Ltd

September 13, 2021

 

Dimitri Sclabos
Dimitri Sclabos

Founder and Co-owner