Proposed Atlantic (Rockall) Cod Fisheries Management Plan
The Atlantic (Rockall) cod FMP is one of 43 UK FMPs set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). It sets out the policies and actions to manage the fish stock at sustainable levels, to improve the scientific evidence underpinning the stock and to improve management with other Coastal States.
Stock Assessment and MSY
Scientific advice
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.
The following evidence has been collated from the most recent ICES assessment working group report (ICES 2024)[6] and the associated ICES stock annex.[7]
The biannual Scottish research vessel surveys catch very few cod; and with a very restrictive TAC and poor observer coverage, commercial catch data are viewed as unreliable. Therefore, ICES do not have a basis on which to conduct a stock assessment, and advice is provided under the ICES Category 6 framework. Category 6 stocks are defined as bycatch stocks for which only potentially unreliable landings data exist. Category 6 advice is considered precautionary, and is not based on MSY. It would be preferable for any stock such as Rockall cod to be managed based on full Category 1 advice, but current available evidence precludes this.
There are no current plans for an ICES benchmark for Rockall cod. The evidence base needs to be significantly strengthened before a benchmark exercise can take place, in order to ensure that a sufficient level of information is available to inform the outcomes.
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.
Assessment of evidence
As set out above, Rockall cod is a data limited stock. There is insufficient scientific evidence for the relevant fisheries policy authorities to make an MSY assessment of the Rockall cod stock.
Fisheries policy authorities are therefore committed to improving the data relating to this stock, as well as considering management measures required to ensure the sustainable management of Rockall cod. These steps and measures are outlined under the ‘FMP policies’ section.
Contact
Email: FMPs@gov.scot