The NWWAC has issued advice to DG MARE on management measures for “Northern” seabass in 2025
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has released its recommendations for managing northern seabass stocks in 2025.
Following a series of discussions and consultations, the advice seeks to balance the recovery of vulnerable seabass populations with the socio-economic realities of the fishing sector.
Background and Stock Status
The latest assessment from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) suggests cautious optimism for the seabass stock in the central and southern North Sea, Irish Sea, English Channel, Bristol Channel, and Celtic Sea. Fishing mortality has fallen below the sustainable threshold, but spawning stock biomass (SSB) growth has stalled since 2019. While improvements have been noted, the stock remains vulnerable, and years of strong recruitment are needed to rebuild to safe levels.
Key Recommendations
The NWWAC proposed maintaining the current management framework, with adjustments to reduce socio-economic waste while adhering to sustainable fishing limits.
For Commercial Fisheries
- No Targeted Fishing: Continue the prohibition on directed seabass fishing, except for hook-and-line fishers.
- Bycatch Management: Emphasise avoidance of bycatch and allow some unavoidable discards to be landed. This aims to reduce waste and improve compliance with management measures.
- National Disparities: Highlighting the particular challenges faced by Irish vessels, which are forbidden to land seabass under national legislation, the NWWAC calls for a reassessment of this restriction.
For Recreational Fisheries
Recreational fishing accounts for 24% of total seabass catches. The NWWAC recommends extending the 2024 restrictions into 2025 and stresses the need for improved data collection on recreational removals to inform stock assessments.
EU-UK Coordination
The NWWAC underscores the importance of harmonising seabass management between the EU and UK, particularly given differences in regulations that complicate compliance for fishers. It encourages collaboration through forums like the Inter-AC Brexit Forum and urges progress on long-standing issues, such as catch reporting for shore netters in Wales.
Minority Opinions
While the majority of the NWWAC supports ICES’ advice for total removals of 2,620 tonnes in 2025, minority groups argue for stricter measures. They recommend reducing total removals to 1,469 tonnes, a 26% reduction, to facilitate stock rebuilding.
Looking Ahead
The NWWAC’s advice reflects a delicate balance between ecological recovery and the economic needs of the fishing community. By emphasising collaboration, robust data collection, and cautious management, the council aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of northern seabass stocks.
With the seabass stock at a critical juncture, the next steps from policymakers will be pivotal in safeguarding this iconic species and supporting the livelihoods dependent on it.