EU standing request on catch scenarios for zero‑TAC stocks 2023: cod (Gadus morhua) in divisions 7.e–k (eastern English Channel and southern Celtic Seas). Replacing technical service provided in November 2023

Please note: the present technical service replaces the one released in November 2023.

Cod (Gadus morhua) in divisions 7.e–k is a target species in the EU multiannual management plan (MAP; EU, 2019). The zero-catch advice provided by ICES for this stock is based on precautionary considerations. This technical service provides illustrative catch scenarios consistent with the lower F_MSY range for the target stock (haddock) as detailed below.

For cod in divisions 7.e–k:

• 799 tonnes are estimated to be caught when haddock is fished at F_MSY; this would result in a cod spawning-stock biomass (SSB) of 1024 tonnes in 2025;
• 571 tonnes are estimated to be caught when haddock is fished at F_{MSY lower}; this would result in a cod SSB of 1361 tonnes in 2025.

The haddock F_MSY and haddock F_{MSY lower} scenarios result in an increase in cod SSB relative to 2024 (733 tonnes). Both scenarios result in a cod SSB below B_lim (4200 tonnes) in 2025. ICES is unable to estimate the probability of biomass being below B_lim at the end of the projection year for this stock.

Since cod are taken as bycatch in mixed fisheries, a specific monitoring TAC would likely not be required for this stock.