EU standing request on catch scenarios for zero-TAC stocks: cod (Gadus morhua) in Subdivision 21 (Kattegat)

Technical Service  

There is no targeted cod fishery in the Kattegat at present. Cod is mainly taken as bycatch in the Norway lobster fishery, hence the fishing mortality on the cod stock is closely linked to effort directed to Norway lobster. It is not possible to forecast short‑term stock development. Catches and SSB have been declining in recent years, while mortality has increased. The 2021 catches of 50 tonnes are the lowest in the time‑series.

Since cod are bycaught in mixed fisheries, it is likely that a specific monitoring TAC would not be required for this stock.