The main objective of this project is to provide advice to the SIOFA Scientific Committee on the design of a genetic stock discrimination project to understand the stock structure of Patagonian toothfish in the SIOFA Area, including linkages to Patagonian toothfish in the CCAMLR Convention Area.

SIOFA CMM2018/01 (paragraph 6a) requires the SIOFA Scientific Committee to provide advice to the Meeting of Parties on the status of stocks of deep-sea fishery resources, including Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides). In 2020, the SIOFA Scientific Committee (SC3) conducted the first Patagonian toothfish stock assessments in the SIOFA region and provided to the Meeting of Parties on the stock status and sustainable yields.

The project “Establish a framework for scientific observation of SIOFA fisheries” aims to ensure that the scientific observers working in SIOFA fisheries operate using a consistent set of standards for observation and measurement, resulting in high-quality data that will inform scientific advice for conservation and sustainable management of SIOFA fisheries addressing the following five main objectives:
1. Analysis of CCPs observers’ programmes.