PelAC has raised concerns over North East Atlantic mackerel Stock Components and EU Regulation 2019/1241. Photo: Norwegian IMR
Pelagic Advisory Council Raises Concerns Over North East Atlantic Mackerel Stock Components and EU Regulation 2019/1241
In a letter addressed to Ms. Charlina Vitcheva, Chairman of the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC), Sean O’Donoghue voiced concerns regarding recent findings on North East Atlantic Mackerel stock components and their implications for EU Regulation 2019/1241.
The PelAC, representing its members, highlighted apprehensions stemming from a report published in March on the 2023 meeting of the workshop on the evaluation of North East Atlantic Mackerel stock components (WKEVALMAC). The report’s insights have already been integrated into the ICES stock advice for 2024.
Of particular concern is the apparent discord between these findings and the technical measures outlined in EU Regulation 2019/1241. Given the ecological and economic significance of North East Atlantic mackerel, the PelAC stressed the importance of aligning management practices with robust scientific evidence and enforcing technical measures to safeguard the stock’s sustainability.
The ICES WKEVALMAC report flagged significant concerns regarding North East Atlantic Mackerel stock components. Notably, it highlighted the absence, for the first time in twenty years, of separate stock components within the 2024 mackerel advice. This departure from previous assessments poses a substantial challenge, particularly for PelAC, which has relied on such assessments to inform discussions and adapt technical measures over the years.
In response to these developments, the PelAC urged the European Commission to carefully consider how the ICES WKEVALMAC report findings would influence forthcoming revisions of EU Regulation 2019/1241 on Technical Measures. Clarity is sought on how these outcomes will shape future management strategies and regulatory measures aimed at ensuring the fishery’s sustainability.
In conclusion, the PelAC respectfully requested the European Commission to prioritize this matter and take proactive steps to address the concerns highlighted by the ICES WKEVALMAC report. Despite the single stock scenario proposed in the workshop, participants raised additional points requiring further investigation. These include the need for more genetic samples and data from Portugal concerning the southern part of the distribution, as well as the potential role of the Cantabrian Sea as a juvenile nursery area for the species.