NSAC calls for better quality assurance and stakeholder engagement in ICES fisheries advice after significant quota revision
NSAC Calls for Quality Improvements in ICES Fisheries Advice
The North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) has raised concerns regarding recent revisions to fishing advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
In a letter dated 30 January 2025, the NSAC highlighted significant changes in the quotas for cod, sole, and whiting, stressing the need for more robust quality assurance and stakeholder engagement in the advisory process.
The adjustments included a 19.7% reduction in cod catch advice, revised from 19,321 tonnes to 15,511 tonnes, due to predictions of higher natural mortality. Sole quotas saw a slight increase, while the initially projected 148% rise for whiting was revised down to a 97% increase.
Concerns Over Cod Stock Assessment
NSAC expressed specific concerns about ICES’ stock assessment model for cod. The model assumes full mixing of three cod sub-stocks (Northwestern, Viking, and Southern components) and relies on uncertain genetic data regarding the differences between these sub-stocks. Environmental factors, such as water temperature, were also not fully considered, which could affect the recovery of the southern cod stock.
“We take note of the ICES explainer regarding the error but underline that such revisions undermine confidence in the quality assurance of ICES outputs,” NSAC stated in its advice to Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance the credibility of future advice, NSAC recommended the following measures:
- Stronger peer review of assessment models to prevent significant retrospective changes.
- Increased stakeholder engagement to provide more input and transparency during the advisory process.
- Earlier scheduling of ICES’ Mixed Fisheries Working Group meetings to allow for greater scrutiny of data and methodologies.
The NSAC acknowledged that ICES had already implemented and planned further improvements to their quality assurance mechanisms. However, the council urged continuous monitoring to ensure that advice revisions do not negatively impact stakeholders’ trust in fisheries management.
Looking Ahead
The NSAC emphasised its commitment to collaborating with the European Commission, ICES, and other stakeholders to secure sustainable and effective fisheries management in the North Sea. Regular updates and consultations are expected as part of ongoing efforts to refine and stabilise stock assessment methods.
The revised quotas and advice will play a key role in determining fishing opportunities for 2025, affecting both environmental sustainability and economic livelihoods across the region.