New information on vulnerable habitats and fisheries activities in the NEAFC regulatory areas

Based on new information on the distribution of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) submitted to ICES in 2024, ICES advises to maintain the existing bottom fishing closures to protect VMEs. No addition to, or extension of, the existing closed areas to protect VMEs in the NEAFC regulatory areas are advised.

ICES advises that access to, and accurate reporting of, gear types used in all NEAFC-regulated fishing activities would greatly improve the utility of the vessel monitoring system (VMS) data. Assessment of significant adverse impacts (SAIs) of bottom fishing in VME habitats would improve with such data.