Proposed West Coast of Scotland Whiting Fisheries Management Plan
The West Coast of Scotland whiting 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 stock at sustainable levels providing positive socio-economic benefits to the UK.
Stock Assessment and MSY
Scientific Advice
The following evidence has been collated from the most recent ICES assessment working group report (ICES 2024)[5] and the associated ICES stock annex[6].
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 West of Scotland whiting. ICES advice is organised according to categories, ranging from 1 (the most information available) to 6 (the least). West of Scotland whiting 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. The West of Scotland whiting stock was the subject of an ICES benchmark assessment in 2021[7] which resulted in the provision of MSY-based Category 1 advice for the first time in several years. This also enabled the setting of a dedicated whiting TAC in the area, rather than the previous bycatch TAC provision.
Assessment of evidence
As set out above, West of Scotland whiting 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 West of Scotland whiting stock.
The West of Scotland whiting stock is currently being fished sustainably within MSY limits. Fishing pressure is below the MSY level (FMSY) and catch limits have been set below ICES advice in recent years (2022-2024).
Contact
Email: FMPs@gov.scot