Atlantic Cod, Iceland, Demersal longline

Icelandic cod has been scored a very low risk. This is because the spawning stock biomass is inside safe levels and exploitation levels are optimal. The spawning-stock biomass (SSB) of Icelandic cod is increasing and is higher than has been observed over the last five decades. Fishing pressure has declined in the last two decades and is presently at a historical low. Year classes are estimated to have been relatively stable since 1988, but with the mean around the lower values observed in the period 1955 to 1985.

The management of Icelandic cod has been scored a very low risk. This is because the stock is assessed annually by ICES, a management plan is in place and the fisheries are effectively managed by the Icelandic government.

The bycatch risk for this fishery has been assessed as a low risk. The fisheries’ targeting, selectivity and management measures all militate against bycatch risks; discarding is banned and all commercial species are landed. Some vulnerable species such as grey (common) skate are caught at low levels and there is a need for further information to assess the risks to these stocks. Although there are measures designed to reduce bycatch of seabirds, more information is required on seabird mortalities in this fishery.

The habitat impact of this fishery has been scored a low risk. The only potential risk is from snagging of seabed structures.