PelAC has called on the EU Commission and ICES for unified approach to horse mackerel stock assessments
The Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) has issued a call for the European Commission and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to coordinate and harmonise the assessment of horse mackerel stocks.
In a letter addressed to Ms. Charlina Vitcheva, Director General of the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Mr. Colm Lordan of ICES, PelAC Chairman Sean O’Donoghue highlighted critical concerns following a recent benchmark assessment of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) stocks.
PelAC Key Issues and Recommendations on Horse Mackerel Stock Assessments
Fragmented Assessments
PelAC expressed concerns about the current segmentation in the analysis and discussion of horse mackerel stocks. Currently, the southern horse mackerel is managed by the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WHANSA), while the western and North Sea horse mackerel are discussed within the Working Group on Widely Distributed Stocks (WGWIDE). This separation, according to PelAC, could lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in stock assessments. The council urged the European Commission and ICES to establish a unified framework for assessing these stocks collectively to facilitate more accurate data interpretation and coherent management strategies.
Data Deficiencies
The benchmark assessment underscored significant data deficiencies, particularly concerning the North Sea and western horse mackerel stocks. PelAC emphasised the need for more specific surveys targeting these stocks to address the gaps in data. The lack of robust data compromises the reliability of stock assessments and subsequent management decisions. PelAC recommended prioritising and adequately funding these targeted surveys to enhance data quality and coverage.
Ecosystem-Based Approach
PelAC highlighted the need to incorporate ecosystem elements and shifts, such as those driven by climate change, into the assessment of horse mackerel stocks. The complexity of marine ecosystems and species interactions necessitates an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. PelAC called for the European Commission and ICES to provide clear guidelines and support for integrating ecosystem considerations into stock assessment processes.
By-catch Total Allowable Catches (TACs)
The management of by-catch TACs remains problematic and unmanageable without a harmonised framework among member states. PelAC reiterated its previous recommendation (PelAC reference: 2223PAC75) for harmonising the implementation of by-catch TACs for horse mackerel. The council stressed the need for urgent attention to develop practical and effective solutions that minimise by-catch and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
PelAC Conclusion and Call to Action on Horse Mackerel Stock Assessments
In conclusion, the Pelagic Advisory Council called for the European Commission and ICES to coordinate efforts to harmonise the assessment and management of all horse mackerel stocks. Addressing the highlighted data deficiencies, improving survey efforts, and integrating ecosystem considerations are crucial steps toward sustainable fisheries management.
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. The new FV Quantus designed by Salt Ship Design will be fitted with the Brunvoll Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster. Illustration by Salt Ship Design
Brunvoll with Yet Another Fishing Vessel Contract
Brunvoll has recently signed contract with Westcon Yards for the delivery of a wide array of products to the new fishing vessel for owner M.V. Quantus Limited and Peter & J. Johnstone Limited, based in Peterhead, UK.
Included is the Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster, on its way to become an industry standard for fishing vessels. The vessel is designed by Salt Ship Design and will be delivered from the yard by the end of 2025.
The Brunvoll delivery for Quantus will consist of main propulsion and gear, the BruCon Propulsion and Thruster Control (PTC) system, an aft tunnel thruster, and a Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster in the bow.
The main features of the Combi thruster are to act as tunnel thruster in upper position, and as azimuth manoeuvring and propulsion unit when lowered. The Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster can provide value in various operations from added manoeuvring capability at port, to providing extra thrust and increased manoeuvrability in fishing operations by keeping the vessel on course in conditions which would else cause drift-off. The Combi thruster will also reduce fuel consumption by avoiding inefficient use of the rudder and main propulsion. The Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster has reportedly been used to bring the vessel and crew safely to port in cases where other vital systems have been out of operation.
Brunvoll’s Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster, becoming an industry standard for fishing vessels. Illustration by Brunvoll
Another reason for installing a Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster is as a propulsion unit further away from the fishing gear during hauling or pumping, helps to avoid damage and disruption. Further, using the Retractable Azimuth Combi during pumping operation at stern can allow for completely stopping the main propeller and avoid trawl rotation in the flow out from the propeller, often called propeller wake.
The customers M.V. Quantus Limited and Peter & J. Johnstone Limited have also earlier installed Brunvoll thrusters for their fishing vessels. This time they are placing their trust in Brunvoll to provide an even broader range of products and systems for their new asset. The Quantus will be a pelagic trawler, built for low emissions, safe workdays, and high fish quality operating out of Peterhead (UK), which is one of Europe’s largest white-fish ports.