Iceland request to evaluate the current management plan for saithe in Icelandic waters, input data, and stock assessment

ICES has conducted a benchmark assessment, revised biological reference points, and evaluated the proposed harvest control rules (HCRs).

ICES advises that all three HCRs for saithe in Division 5.a proposed in the request are precautionary and meet the long-term catch criterion of ≥ 95% of maximum sustainable yield (MSY). However, R1 and R2 result in realized harvest rate above HRMSY.