Results from the 2022 random stratified trawl survey in the waters surrounding Heard Island in Division 58.5.2

During April 2022, the annual random stratified trawl survey (RSTS) around Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) was conducted in CCAMLR Division 58.5.2, with the completion of 165 stations. The survey was conducted on the FV Cape Arkona. Sampling protocols such as the design and the duration of the hauls were similar to recent surveys, but with a new set of randomly selected haul stations. The catch of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) was 36.2 t. The catch of mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) was 71 t which is the largest catch in the history of the survey. Biomass estimates for most of the managed by-catch species were similar to the survey averages in recent years whilst the biomass of Bathyraja murrayi has declined. Length and weight measurements were taken for 19,095 fish.