Proposed Atlantic Haddock Fisheries Management Plan
The Atlantic (Rockall) haddock FMP is one of 43 UK FMPs set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). It sets out the policies and actions to continue to maintain the relevant fish stock at sustainable levels providing positive socio-economic benefits to the UK.
Stock Assessment and MSY
Scientific evidence
The following evidence has been collated from the most recent ICES assessment working group report (ICES 2024)[7] and the associated ICES stock annex[8].
As set out in Section 3.2 of the JFS, the UK takes an evidence-based approach to fisheries management, making use of the best available scientific evidence. For the purpose of stock management and TAC setting, this tends to focus on the use of advice produced by ICES, although other sources of information, including data from the fishing industry, may also be used.
ICES provides annual advice for Rockall haddock. ICES advice is organised according to categories, ranging from 1 (the most information available) to 6 (the least). Rockall haddock is a Category 1 stock which means that it is considered to have full age- and size-structured data on which to base an assessment, and that MSY reference points are available to provide a framework for management action.
Benchmark exercises are a tool used by ICES to peer-review and incorporate new science or evidence into the stock assessment process. They are part of the process which ensures that ICES advice is based on the best available scientific evidence. ICES has recently completed an assessment benchmarking process for Rockall haddock:[9] This has resulted in a change to the advice basis, which is now Category 1.
Assessment of evidence
As set out above, Rockall haddock is a stock that has a high level of data available. On this basis, there is sufficient available scientific evidence for the relevant fisheries policy authorities to make annual MSY assessments of the Atlantic haddock stock.
The Rockall haddock stock is currently being fished sustainably within MSY limits. As of 2024 (which is the date of the latest ICES advice used to inform this FMP), the spawning stock biomass (SSB) for Atlantic haddock was above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield (MSY Btrigger). SSB has been above MSY Btrigger since 2014. Fishing pressure is below the MSY level (FMSY) and catch limits have been set in line with ICES advice in recent years (2022-2025).
Contact
Email: FMPs@gov.scot