Blue ling (Molva dypterygia) in subareas 1, 2, 8, 9, and 12, and in divisions 3.a and 4.a (Northeast Atlantic)

ICES advises that when the precautionary approach is applied there should be no directed fisheries for blue ling in theseareas for the years 2016 and 2017, and a reduction in bycatches should be considered until the scientific information is sufficient to prove the fishery sustainable. Measures should be implemented to minimize the bycatch. Closed areas to protect spawning aggregations should be maintained and expanded where appropriate.