NEAFC and OSPAR joint request on the status and distribution of deep-water elasmobranchs

In response to a joint request from NEAFC and OSPAR, ICES reviewed existing information on deep-water sharks, skates and rays from surveys and the literature. Distribution maps were generated for 21 species, showing the location of catches from available survey data on deep-water sharks and elasmobranchs in the NEAFC and OSPAR areas of the Northeast Atlantic. Shapefiles of the species distribution areas are available as supporting documentation to this work. 

This advice sheet presents a summary of ICES advice on the stock status of species for which an assessment is available, as well as current knowledge on the stock status of species for which ICES does not provide advice. 

An overview of approaches which may be applied to mitigate bycatch and to improve stock status is also presented. ICES recognizes that, despite their limitations, prohibition, gear and depth limitations, and TAC are mechanisms currently available to managers to regulate outtake; therefore, ICES advises that these mechanisms should be maintained. Furthermore, ICES advises that additional measures, such as electromagnetic exclusion devices, acoustic or light-based deterrents, and spatio-temporal management could be explored.