Atlanto Scandian Herring Fisheries Management Plan

Glossary

Atlanto‑Scandian herring (ASH) – A group of herring stocks in the North East Atlantic, dominated by Norwegian spring-spawning herring.

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) – The largest long-term average catch that can be taken from a stock without compromising its sustainability.

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) – The maximum quantity of fish that can be caught annually, agreed through international negotiations.

Stock - A population of a species that is managed as a unit.

Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) – The total weight of mature fish available for reproduction.

Harvest Control Rule (HCR) – A management framework that sets out how fishing pressure is adjusted in response to stock status.

Long-Term Management Strategy (LTMS) – An agreed multi-year approach to managing a stock, including defined reference points and rules.

Reference Points (Blim, B_PA, MSY Btrigger, FMSY) – Biological thresholds used to assess stock health and guide management decisions.

Precautionary Approach – Managing fisheries conservatively where there is uncertainty, to avoid stock depletion.

Pelagic Fishery – Fishing targeting species that live in the water column rather than near the seabed.

Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) – Onboard cameras and sensors used to monitor catches and compliance.

Marine Protected Area (MPA) – A designated marine zone where human activities are managed to protect ecosystems.

Priority Marine Feature (PMF) – Species or habitats recognised as being of conservation importance (Scotland).

Bycatch – Non-target species caught unintentionally during fishing.

Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management – An approach that considers the broader marine ecosystem, including predator–prey relationships.