Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in divisions 3.a, 4.b-c, and 7.d (Skagerrak and Kattegat, southern and central North Sea, eastern English Channel)

The data available for this stock do not change the perception of the stock and do not give reason to change the advice from 2007. The advice on this stock for the fishery in 2010 is therefore the same as the advice given in 2007 and reiterated in 2008. The advice on this stock for the fishery in 2010 is therefore the same as the advice given in 2008 for the 2009 fishery: ICES reiterates the recommendation made since 2002 to limit the catches to below the 1982 1997 average of 18 000 t. It is necessary to constrain the fishery until there is more information about the structure of horse mackerel stocks, and sufficient information to show that higher exploitation rates are sustainable.

ICES advice is based on the time period when the catches in Division VIId were small. In recent years, catches in

Division VIId have remained stable at a higher level but without a trend. However, the sustainability of these catches cannot yet be assessed and the basis of ICES advice remains unchanged.

The advice for horse mackerel assumes that all catches are counted against the TAC for each stock separately. In 2008 and before, the TAC covered only part of the distribution and fishing areas (EU waters). ICES advises that the management areas correspond to the distribution areas which include all EU, Norwegian, and Faroe Islands waters where horse mackerel are caught.