NWWAC has requested for a joint recommendation on management of the red mullet fishery in the Union waters of ICES subareas 4 and 7
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has submitted a formal request to Dr. Eric Banel of the Direction Générale des Affaires Maritimes, de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture, urging collaboration among member states to formulate a joint recommendation for the management of the red mullet fishery in European waters.
In their letter dated April 11, 2024, NWWAC Chairman Emiel Brouckaert highlighted the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the declining red mullet stock in ICES subareas 4 and 7. The red mullet, known for its rapid growth and sexual dimorphism, has seen a significant decrease in biomass in recent years, leading to concerns about overexploitation.
Citing the ICES stock assessment, which recommends a maximum catch limit of 1985 tonnes annually for 2024 and 2025, the NWWAC emphasised the importance of implementing technical measures to reduce the catch of juvenile fish and stabilize yields. Proposed measures include removing derogations for targeted squid fishing, improving gear selectivity, and establishing a minimum conservation reference size of 17 cm.
The NWWAC underscored the necessity of collaboration with the Scheveningen Group and attached a position paper by CNPMEM providing insights into the species biology and the French fishery targeting the stock.
Dr. Banel and the Direction Générale des Affaires Maritimes, de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture are urged to prioritize the request, acknowledging the critical role of joint efforts in safeguarding the red mullet fishery in the Channel and North Sea.