Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in Division 5.a (Iceland grounds)

In the absence of defined reference points, the state of the stock cannot be evaluated. Based on the most recent estimate of fishing mortality (in 2008) ICES classifies the stock as at risk of being harvested unsustainably.SSB increased from 2001 to 2005 due to several strong year classes. Since then the spawning stock has decreased.

Recruitment was high for the year classes 1998 2003, with five strong year classes and the 2003 year class very strong.

Recruitment has been around the long-term average since year class 2004. In recent years growth has reduced

considerably and at the beginning of 2009 the mean weight of most age groups was near a historic low as it has been for the last 3 years (Figure 2.4.3.3). The large 2003 year class grows especially slowly.