Sardine in the Celtic Sea (ICES Sub Area 7), purse seine

Celtic Seas sardine has been scored a high risk. This is because the stock has a moderate vulnerability score of 36/100 (FishBase, 2014), and biomass trend is unknown.   The ICES data limited assessment in 2017 resulted in precautionary advice to reduce catches by 20% implementing the precautionary buffer in the ICES data limited approach. However, although catches and biomass trends are poorly described at present work is under way to improve this situation and improve the data provision from the fishery.

The management of sardine in Subarea 7 has scored a moderate risk.  Although the stock status relative to possible reference points is unknown and there is no TAC to limit the sardine uptake, there are localised management measures which are rational in relation to the current state of knowledge of this stock.  Although there is no international management of this stock, the rules which are in place are considered to be enforced.

The bycatch of this fishery has been scored a low risk. Although purse seines have the potential to capture marine mammals, birds, elasmobranchs and turtles a log book scheme operating in the Cornish fishery since 2006 has not reported any serious issues with bycatch.

The habitat risk of this fishery has been scored a very low risk. This is because there is little to no impact of the gear on the seabed.