Review of the fishery, biological research, assessment and management of Golden redfish (Sebastes marinus) in Icelandic waters

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Golden redfish (Sebastes marinus) is one of the most important fishery resources in Icelandic waters. It has been exploited since the early 1920s, but it was not until after World War II that the fishery expanded. There were soon signs of overfishing as redfish species are in general vulnerable to overfishing. In large part, this vulnerability is a product of their life history, which is characterized by a long‐lived, slow‐growing, and late‐maturing cycle. Available survey indices (since 1985) revealed a decline in stock size until the mid‐1990s but a slow increase since then. Following various protection measures and a reduction in fishing effort since the mid‐1990s the golden redfish stock is now considered within safe biological limits. Here, we review the golden redfish fishery, assessment, the status of the stock, advice, and management. We also review the protection measures taken to protect juvenile redfish, recent biological changes such as growth and maturity, and the relationship between golden redfish populations of Icelandic and East Greenland waters.