EU request to ICES on the assessment of a new rebuilding plan for western horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in ICES Subarea 8 and divisions 2.a, 4.a, 5.b, 6.a, 7.a–c, and 7.e–k

ICES advises that the evaluated rebuilding plan as proposed by PELAC shows potential to reach the specified target (three consecutive years > B_pa) within the time frame specified in the plan (< ten years) and is considered to be precautionary in the long term. The time frame to rebuild the stock is estimated to be two years longer following the rebuilding plan (by 2028) compared to zero catch (by 2026) given current starting conditions. Once rebuilding is achieved, ICES advises that alternative harvest control rules (HCRs) should be examined for long-term management of the fishery to satisfy maximum sustainable yield (MSY) objectives.