EU and NEAFC request for clarification regarding assessment of occurrence and catch levels of grenadier species in areas where roundnose grenadier is caught
Given the uncertainty in the species composition of the reported grenadier catches it is currently not possible to provide advice on a fishery for roughhead grenadier. The fishery data since 2010 is insufficient to provide catch advice for this species. If managers wish to explore the possibility of managing this fishery there is a need for more comprehensive catch and effort data, ideally through an extended observer programme and confirmation of species landings in the future.
There are considerable differences, of more than an order of magnitude, between the relative proportions of roundnose and roughhead grenadier reported in the official landings, and the observed catches and scientific surveys in the areas where the fishery for roughhead grenadier currently occurs. However, the observed catches and scientific surveys are spatially and temporally limited.
History
Published under the auspices of the following ICES Steering Group or Committee
- ACOM