EU Commission reaffirms ICES’ role in stock benchmarking, addressing NWWAC concerns on plaice, sole, and lemon sole assessments.
Commission Addresses NWWAC’s Call for Priority Stock Assessments
The European Commission has responded to the North Western Waters Advisory Council’s (NWWAC) recommendations regarding priority stocks for benchmarking by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). In a letter to NWWAC Chairman Emiel Brouckaert, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to science-based stock assessments but emphasised that ICES, not the EU, determines when and which stocks undergo benchmarking.
ICES Has the Final Say on Benchmarking
While acknowledging the economic and political importance of certain stocks, the Commission made it clear that benchmarking decisions are determined through a bottom-up process within ICES.
“The final decision on which stocks should be benchmarked, and when, rests with ICES,” wrote Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Benchmarking is only triggered when new data, improved modelling approaches, or concerns over existing methodologies warrant it. The Commission also reminded NWWAC that for stocks jointly managed with the UK, any benchmarking request to ICES must be agreed upon by both parties.
EU and UK Commit to Expert Groups on Key Stocks
The Commission acknowledged concerns over plaice (7fg), sole (7h-k), and lemon sole (3a, 4, and 7d), confirming that both the EU and UK agree that these stocks require improved categorisation.
Vitcheva highlighted this shared commitment, referencing the Written Record of Fisheries Consultations between the UK and EU for 2025, which specifically notes the need for better data on these species.
“Recognising that the decision to trigger a benchmark essentially rests with ICES, and acknowledging the concerns raised by the NWWAC and other affected stakeholders, the EU and the UK have agreed to establish technical experts’ groups under the Specialised Committee for Fisheries,” she wrote.
These expert groups, working alongside ICES, will identify data gaps and explore ways to enhance stock assessments.
The Commission assured NWWAC that this work will be discussed further during the next NWWAC meeting on 10 March 2025.
No Change in Whiting Stock Definition
NWWAC had also raised concerns regarding whiting stock definitions across the Celtic Sea, Eastern Channel, and North Sea. However, the Commission stated that ICES has reviewed stock structures during several previous benchmarks without finding justification to change stock definitions.
“Until such time that new stock identification evidence is made available and assessed by ICES, the current TAC and stock definitions will remain as present,” the Commission confirmed.
Future Collaboration and Next Steps
The Commission welcomed continued dialogue and invited NWWAC to remain engaged in the discussions.
“I am looking forward to our continued and productive cooperation,” Vitcheva concluded, encouraging NWWAC representatives to liaise directly with Dr Norman Graham and Ms Julia Rubeck, who coordinate advisory council communications.
With expert groups now forming under the Specialised Committee for Fisheries, further developments in stock assessment methodologies will be closely watched by the industry. The upcoming March 2025 NWWAC meeting is expected to provide further clarity on how these benchmarks will be shaped.