Cuttlefish in ICES subdivisions VIId, e (English Channel), Demersal otter trawls

Cuttlefish in the English Channel (ICES Divisions 7d and e) has been scored a low risk.  This is because the stock is exploited at levels close to maximum sustainable yield.

This result has to be treated with caution. There appear to changes in the distribution, spawning behaviour and targeting of the stock by the fishers. Further work is needed to fully elucidate these effects on the stock.  

The management of cuttlefish in Divisions 7d and 7e has been scored a high risk. This is because there are some management measures in place, but the effectiveness of these measures remains unclear.  Cuttlefish in Divisions 7d and 7e have been assessed usingin 2019 with methods derived from ICES Data limited-Limited Stocks methods during 2019. However, there is no formal advice and the results of the assessment are not subject to a management response. 

The bycatch risk of this fishery is scored as high risk. This is because otter trawls have the potential to take relatively high quantities of bycatch of non-target and vulnerable species (> 30% of catch weight), including demersal elasmobranchs and protected, endangered and threatened (e.g. sharks and rays) species in certain circumstances. However, the incoming EU landings obligation is intended to reduce discarding.

The habitat risk of this fishery is scored as a moderate risk. This is because, although otter trawls are considered to have a potential to cause significant habitat damage, damage to vulnerable and sensitive marine habitats is likely to be minimised given that the footprint of the fishery is within core areas, typically historically fished ground.   Spatial management to reduce potential interactions with vulnerable habitats are being developed, but there remains uncertainties about the location of some sensitive seabed habitats and therefore some risk of further impact.