Summary
Patterns of fishing ground selection were characterised using STATLANT and CCAMLR fine-scale data. Among the 15 small-scale management units (SSMUs) within Subareas 48.1, 48.2 and 48.3, including the pelagic SSMUs, only one-third were identified as major contributors to the total catch. A recent shift in operational timing towards later months within fishing seasons was observed in Subarea 48.1 (December–February to March– May). However, operational timing has remained relatively constant in Subareas 48.2 (March–May) and 48.3 (June–August). In 25 years of krill operations in Area 48, patterns of SSMU usage have changed. Three different patterns of seasonal SSMU selection were characterised using a cluster analysis. Frequently used SSMUs did not always match the areas of high krill density observed by scientific surveys, and possible reasons for this mismatch are further discussed. A revised format for data submission is suggested in order to accommodate possible developments in fishing techniques.