Support to Aker for MSC certification for krill

This project involved MRAG supporting the MSC certification of the Aker-Biomarine Krill fishery. It integrated the work necessary to meet Conditions 1 and 2 during years 1 and 2 of the Certification.  It consisted of the following three elements:

1. Development of a methodology for observer-based acoustic recording

   An observer was placed on the krill vessel Saga Sea to collaborate with acousticians taking part in an annual survey as part the Norwegian-Chinese (NorChiK) programme.The observerinvestigated ways in which a protocol could be developed for observer-based recording of acoustic data. A report was produced as a background paper to a Workshop to develop a methodology for CCAMLR in April/May 2011. This Workshop will be expanded to include activities associated with meeting Conditions 1 and 2 of the Certification (see below).

    

2. Meeting MSC Condition 1: Limit and Target Reference Points

   Estimate the precautionary fishing mortality and biomass levels consistent with the catch trigger level of 620 000t and (as this is a low trophic level species) assess the associated risk of over fishing according to the predator and recruitment criteria.

3. Meeting MSC Condition 2: Larval Fish Bycatch

Assess the risk that the main retained species are beyond biologically based limits as a result of larval fish catch at current and trigger levels; concentrating on C.gunnari and N.rossii but with consideration for other species which may be of concern. If the risk is unacceptable a strategy should be tested and then implemented which would be expected to maintain the fish species at levels which are highly likely to be within biologically based limits or to ensure the krill fishery does not hinder their recovery and rebuilding.