The survey indicates that the SSB is close to the lowest observed level. Recruitment has declined over the period 1984-2002 and has remained low since.
Management advice
The 2009 data do not change the perception of the stock and give no reason to change the advice from that given last year: Given the low spawning stock biomass (SSB) and recruitment for this stock, no catch should be taken from this stock in 2011 and a recovery plan should be developed and implemented. The survey indicates that the SSB is close to the lowest observed level. Recruitment has declined over the period 1984-2002 and has remained low since. Recruitment is clearly impaired at present SSB.
Comments by IMR
IMR supports the ICES advice. The recovery plan can be an important step towards a safer coastal cod management.
Key figures
Critical level of spawning stock (Blim) = Not defined
Precautionary level of spawning stock (Bpa) = Not defined
Critical level of fishing mortality (Flim) = Not defined
Precautionary level of fishing mortality (Fpa) = Not defined
Level of fishing mortailty agreed by the coastal states:
Expected fishing mortality in 2010: Uncertain
Expected SSB in 2011: Uncertain
Relative stock measures from survey. Broken line: Total stock. Solid black line: Stock of 4 year old and older fish. Blue line: Spawning stock. Green line (and right axis): VPA-estimated spawning stock.
