The NWWAC has called for an urgent review of key fish stocks by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES)
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has submitted an official recommendation to the European Commission, urging the prioritisation of critical fish stocks for benchmark assessments in 2025.
These recommendations highlight growing concerns over the reliability of scientific advice and its implications for effective fisheries management.
Background on Stock Assessment Issues
The NWWAC raised concerns about current ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) assessments, particularly for stocks in Categories 5 and 6, which rely on limited catch data. These assessments are deemed unsuitable for providing accurate catch advice, resulting in significant challenges for fisheries management in the region.
NWWAC Chair Emiel Brouckaert emphasised the urgency of improving these assessments:
“The lack of robust and comprehensive data hampers effective decision-making and sustainable fisheries management. We strongly advocate transitioning these stocks towards more precise and reliable assessments.”
Key Stocks Recommended for Review
The council has identified four priority fish stocks for immediate attention, alongside broader concerns about all Category 3 to 6 stocks:
1. Sole (Areas 7h-k)
Currently assessed as a Category 5 stock, this fishery lacks abundance and exploitation data. NWWAC argues for a benchmark assessment to provide reliable scientific advice and improve its categorisation.
2. Whiting (Areas 7b-c, 7e-k)
Significant discrepancies exist between advice for Celtic Sea whiting and adjacent North Sea whiting stocks, creating challenges in sustainable management. NWWAC highlights the need for population genetics studies and updated technical data, such as mesh size modifications and selective devices, to address these inconsistencies.
3. Plaice (Area 7fg)
ICES advised a drastic 72% reduction in catches for 2025 based on Category 3 rules. Fishers report higher stock abundance, but current advice relies heavily on a single southern survey. NWWAC recommends a new benchmark to provide spatially comprehensive data and improve the scientific basis for management.
4. Lemon Sole (Areas 3a, 4, 7d)
A 30% decrease in biomass index contrasts sharply with fishers’ observations of stock abundance. NWWAC calls for a thorough review of assessment methods to reconcile this discrepancy and enhance management strategies.
Broader Implications for Fisheries Management
The NWWAC asserts that all assessments in Categories 3 to 6 require significant improvements to better reflect the true state of fish stocks. This effort would provide a stronger foundation for sustainable fisheries management across the North Western Waters region.
Path Forward
The NWWAC submission builds upon discussions held during its October plenary meeting and earlier exchanges with ICES representatives. The council is advocating for a phased approach to upgrading stock assessments and integrating all available scientific data to enhance the resilience of fisheries advice.
“By prioritising these stocks and refining assessment methodologies, we can ensure that fisheries management supports both industry sustainability and environmental conservation,” Brouckaert concluded.
The advisory council remains committed to collaborative efforts with ICES and other stakeholders to advance sustainable fisheries practices in the North Western Waters.