A time series of benthic invertebrate bycatch data from demersal longline fisheries targeting Dissostichus eleginoides near the Prince Edward and Marion Islands (2009–2023)

This dataset presents a time series of benthic invertebrate bycatch records collected during demersal longline fishing operations targeting Patagonian toothfish (<i>Dissostichus eleginoides</i>) in the sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean region from 2009 to 2023. The data were obtained from independent scientific observers aboard commercial vessels in accordance with Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Conservation Measure, which mandates the reporting of taxa associated with Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Each record includes haul-level bycatch weight, taxonomic identification, VME classification status (indication of whether species are VMEs, Not VMEs, or Unclear), and associated fishing effort, measured in terms of hooks. The groomed and validated dataset comprises 1788 records spanning 32 benthic morphotypes. This time series has been curated for reusability and is intended to support ecosystem-based fisheries management as reflected in CCAMLR Conservation Measure notwithstanding the exemptions given to the area by CCAMLR. In addition, the dataset may contribute towards trait-based vulnerability assessments, along with the refinement of benthic threshold detection protocols under CCAMLR frameworks. All data, metadata, and analysis scripts are being made openly available to enable reproducibility and secondary analyses.