Haddock in the North-East Arctic (ICES subarea 1 and 2), Gillnets
- Content last updated
- 27 March 2019
- Stock
- Haddock in the North-East Arctic (ICES subarea I and II)
- Management
- Russia and Norway
- Stock Status
-
Low risk
- Management
-
Very low risk
- Bycatch
-
Low risk
- Habitat
-
Very low risk
Stock status
North East Arctic Haddock (ICES Subareas 1 and 2) has been scored low risk. This is because the stock is at safe levels and although exploitation is not optimal it is inside safe biological limits. The spawning-stock biomass (SSB) has been above MSY Btrigger since 1989. Due to the strong recruitment-at-age 3 in 2007–2009 (2004–2006 year classes) the stock reached an all-time high level around 2013. SSB is now decreasing, along with advised catches, but remains well above MSY Btrigger, the action level. Fishing mortality has increased in recent years and is now above FMSY, which is the target for optimal fishing, but below Fpa which is the at risk level.
Management
Northeast Arctic Haddock in ICES Subareas 1 and 2 has been scored a low risk. This is because a scientific stock assessment is carried out annually based both on fishery dependent and independent data and there is management plan for the stock. There is also adequate enforcement of fishery control rules by Norway and Russia regulated by agreement through the Joint Russian–Norwegian Fisheries Commission (JR-NFC).
Although there has been a reduction in the TAC for 2019 to counter the declining stock biomass, the agreed TAC has been set ~13% higher that advised in the current precautionary JN-RFC management plan
Bycatch
The bycatch in the Northeast Arctic Haddock (ICES Subareas 1 and 2) by gillnets has been scored a low risk. This is because the Arctic haddock itself is a minor bycatch in the cod gillnet fishery. Bycatch of non-commercial unregulated species is minor and there are virtually no discards. Seabird and marine mammal mortality rates due to incidental capture are very low.
Habitat
The habitat impact of the gillnet fishery for Northeast Arctic haddock has been scored a very low risk. It is because habitat impact is limited and is due mostly to that from anchors of anchored gillnets. There is a system of designated marine protected areas, in proximity to which fishery is prohibited. There is adequate enforcement.