Herring (Clupea harengus) in Subarea 4 and divisions 3.a and 7.d, autumn spawners (North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, eastern English Channel)

ICES advises that when the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) approach is applied, catches in 2026 should be no more than 287 772 tonnes for North Sea autumn-spawning (NSAS) herring (Subarea 4 and divisions 3.a and 7.d).

The fishery for NSAS herring includes individuals from the western Baltic spring-spawning (WBSS) herring stock component, which is below Blim. To be consistent with ICES advice, WBSS herring catches in 2026 should be zero tonnes. The fishery for NSAS herring can avoid WBSS herring by not fishing in the eastern parts of divisions 4.a and 4.b or in Division 3.a.