Conservation and Management Measure for Exploratory Fishing for Toothfish in the SPRFMO Convention Area (CMM 14-2016). Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2016 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Data collection/reporting Monitoring Exploration Total allowable catch Seasons Ecosystem preservation Marine area Protection of species Marine mammals Abstract This Measure of the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) provides with respect to exploratory bottom longline fishing for toothfish in the Convention Area for the purpose of obtaining scientific data and allows for the evaluation of the long term fishery potential for a toothfish fishery in the Convention Area. It also concerns evaluating the possible impacts on the target stocks, associated or dependent species, and marine ecosystems and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. The CMM aims at ensuring that the bottom longline exploratory fishery is developed on a precautionary and gradual basis according to the best available science. This measure applies to exploratory fishing for toothfish as described in a New Zealand's proposal l (SC-03-DW-01_rev2). Fishing for toothfish, using the bottom longline method, may be conducted in the exploratory fishing areas as specified. A fishing season and Total Allowable Catch are specified. Because the stock and stock status are not known, if during the exploratory fishing, the stock indicators show sustainability concerns, the exploratory fishing should cease. Because of the likelihood of shared stocks of toothfish, fishing pursuant to this measure shall, as far as possible, be conducted consistent with relevant measures in force in the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Area. A vessel fishing pursuant to this measure shall use the specified mitigation methods for the protection of marine mammals, seabirds, turtles, and other species of concern. The CMM also provides for monitoring and data collection/reporting. Full text English Website www.sprfmo.int