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

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

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

For whiting in divisions 7.b–c and e–k:

• 8033 tonnes are estimated to be caught when haddock is fished at F_MSY; this would result in a whiting spawning-stock biomass (SSB) of 27 012 tonnes in 2025;
• 5545 tonnes are estimated to be caught when haddock is fished at F_{MSY lower}; this would result in a whiting SSB of 29 179 tonnes in 2025.

The haddock F_MSY and haddock F_{MSY lower} scenarios both result in an increase in whiting SSB relative to 2024 (26 361 tonnes). All scenarios result in an SSB below B_lim (36 571 tonnes) in 2025 with a high probability (93%, 91% and 88% respectively).

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