Population dynamics and life-history plasticity of mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) within the vicinity of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands

• Main Authors: Maschette, D, Welsford, DC
• Other Authors: Welsford, D, Dell, J, Duhamel, G
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: Australian Antarctic Division 2019
• Subjects: bycatch; icefish; Heard Island; McDonald Islands; population dynamics; Antarctic; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Kerguelen; Indian; Heard; Antarc*; Icefish
• Online Access: https://eprints.utas.edu.au/31677/; https://eprints.utas.edu.au/31677/1/133806%20-%20Population%20dynamics%20and%20life-history%20plasticity%20of%20mackerel%20icefish.pdf; http://heardisland.antarctica.gov.au/research/kerguelen-plateau-symposium/the-kerguelen-plateau-marine-ecosystems-and-fisheries

Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari)are found associated with sub-Antarctic islands andcontinental shelves in the Atlantic and Indian sectorsof the Southern Ocean between the Polar Front andthe Southern Boundary of the Antarctic CircumpolarCurrent. Mackerel icefish are one of the most commonfishes encountered across the shallow (<500 m) KerguelenPlateau north of 60°S. The species was targetedin this area by unregulated fisheries in the 1970s untilfishing ceased due to low catch rates, the declarationof the French exclusive economic zone (EEZ) aroundIles Kerguelen and the Australian Fishing Zone aroundHeard and McDonald Islands (HIMI). Commercial fishingof mackerel icefish by Australian vessels at HIMIcommenced in 1997 and continues to this day. Catchesare characterised by high interannual variability, due inlarge part to the population being dominated by a singleyear class, resulting from recruitment that occurs on athree-year cycle.