Haddock in the Irish Sea, Midwater otter trawl

Irish Sea haddock has been scored as a very low risk. The spawning stock biomass at safe levels and the stock is underexploited 

This is because the spawning stock biomass is well above precautionary levels (above Bpa and MSYBtrigger) and the Fishing Mortality is well below that which is required for Maximum Sustainable Yield (F_MSY).

A recent benchmarking has improved the assessment of the stock which was previously categorised as data-limited. 

The management of Irish Sea haddock has been scored a low risk. This is because management decisions are informed by a full analytical stock assessment and agreed catches are within the range specified by scientific advice. Haddock catches have been strongly controlled by changes to fleet activities associated with the long term cod management plan which appears to have benefited both stocks. An important issue has been the level of discarding in some fisheries on this stock. However discard rates appear to be declining with the implementation of technical measures.

The bycatch in the mid-water trawl Irish Sea haddock fishery is assessed as very low risk. This is because the bycatch is less than 10% of the total catch, of which more than 90% of the non-targeted species are processed and utilized. Observer rates are high and management measures are in place to limit the impact of the fishery on other species such as cod.

The habitat impact of the mid-water trawl Irish Sea haddock fishery has been scored a low risk. This is because mid-water trawls only occasionally interact with seafloor habitats, and there is therefore no requirement for a spatial management plan to restrict the footprint of this gear.