Publication Abstract

North Sea cod recovery?

J.W. Horwood , C.M. O'Brien and C. Darby

Recovery of depleted, marine, demersal, commercial fish stocks has proved elusive worldwide.  As yet, only a few shared or highly migratory stocks have been restored.  Here we review the current status of the depleted North Sea cod, the scientific advice to managers, and the recovery measures in place.  Monitoring any progress of North Sea cod recovery is now hampered by considerable uncertainties in stock assessments associated with low stock size and inaccurate catch data.  In addition, questions arise as to whether recovery targets are achievable in a changing environment for the cod.  We show here that current targets are achievable with fishing mortality rates that are compatible with international agreements.  Further, recent collations of data on international fishing effort have allowed estimation of the cuts in fishing mortality achieved by restrictions on North Sea effort.  By the beginning of 2005, these restriction are estimated to have reduced fishing mortality rates by about 37%.  This is insufficient to ensure recovery of the North Sea cod over the next decade.  The study not only presents a new analyses, but it puts into the mainstream of publications much material which is generally difficult to access.

Reference:

J.W. Horwood , C.M. O'Brien and C. Darby (2006) North Sea cod recovery? ICES Journal of Marine Science, 63(6): 961-968