Proposed Atlantic (Rockall) Cod Fisheries Management Plan

Executive Summary

The Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), hereafter referred to as ‘Rockall’ cod, fisheries management plan (FMP) is one of 43 FMPs set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). The FMP has been developed by the Scottish Government in collaboration with UK scientists, regulators, statutory nature conservation bodies (SNCBs) and stakeholders.

This FMP sets out the policies and actions to manage the Rockall cod stock at sustainable levels. The FMP sets out a number of actions to improve the scientific evidence base underpinning the stock, along with actions to improve management, in particular actions to be undertaken in collaboration with other Coastal States. The FMP applies to the sustainable management of the Atlantic cod fishery within UK waters in International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) area 6.b (Rockall), and has been developed in line with the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020 (the ‘2020 Act’) and as required by the JFS.

This FMP covers the Rockall cod fishery in UK waters. Overall management of this fishery is shared with the EU. This international context is important to understand, particularly when considering actions relating to improving the evidence base for the stock. Fishing opportunities for Rockall cod are managed principally by total allowable catches (TACs), and a specific bycatch condition is in place (in UK licence conditions) to ensure that the stock is not targeted. A range of other technical measures are also in place. The setting of TACs can be an effective way of managing fishing pressure on stocks, however, this is undermined when the scientific evidence base used to set those TACs is poor.

There is a significant shortfall in the data available for Rockall cod and it is classified by ICES as data limited (Category 6). This means that ensuring the right fisheries management measures are in place is difficult, as the overall health of the stock cannot currently be determined. The stock itself is caught as part of a mixed fishery with fishing vessels that target Rockall haddock and anglerfish (stocks that are healthy and abundant in the area). Therefore, there are significant socio-economic considerations to be taken into account when setting fishing opportunities for Rockall, and consequently fishing opportunities for Rockall cod are currently often set above the ICES advice. Whilst this is permitted under fisheries management rules, it is sub-optimal. The actions within this FMP are therefore focussed on improving the evidence base for Rockall cod, so that an accurate assessment of stock health can be undertaken, and fishing opportunities set at appropriate levels in the future. Areas for action also include those which support the wider delivery of policies within the JFS and which contribute to the delivery of the objectives contained within the 2020 Act. It should also be noted that we regularly take account of the Rockall cod stock in the context of wider management of other stocks caught in the Rockall area, particularly Rockall haddock. Specific management measures for Rockall haddock are set out within the relevant FMP for that stock.

Sustainable management of the Rockall cod stock is dependent on the evidence base being strengthened, with actions focussed on restoring (if required) and then maintaining the stock at sustainable levels.