EU standing request on catch scenarios for zero TAC stocks 2023: pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in subareas 6–7 (Celtic Seas and the English Channel)

ICES has provided forecasts on the development of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in subareas 6–7 (Celtic Seas and the English Channel). There are no catch scenarios that will rebuild the stock above B_lim by 2025. ICES, therefore, advises zero catch in 2024.

Pollack is caught in demersal mixed fisheries although there are some fisheries targeting pollack in certain areas. Due to the large geographic range of this stock, regional differences in fishing practices, and the diverse range of species that are caught together with this stock, it is not possible to produce mixed‑fisheries scenarios for 2024.

For pollack in subareas 6–7:

• If catches are such that stock biomass is stable between 2024 and 2025, it would result in a catch of 1363 tonnes in 2024;
• If catches are such that stock biomass increases by +10% between 2024 and 2025, it would result in a catch of 1145 tonnes in 2024;
• If catches are such that stock biomass increases by +20% between 2024 and 2025, it would result in a catch of 925 tonnes in 2024;
• If catches are such that stock biomass increases by +30% between 2024 and 2025, it would result in a catch of 705 tonnes in 2024.

Pollack in subareas 6–7 is subject to a multiannual management plan (MAP), but F_MSY ranges are not available. Options are provided to increase the stock biomass.

Since pollack are taken as bycatch in mixed fisheries, a specific monitoring TAC is not required for this stock.