New information regarding vulnerable habitats in the NEAFC Regulatory Area

ICES advises no additions to or extensions of the existing closed areas to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) in the NEAFC Regulatory Area are warranted at this time.
Further records of VME indicators were obtained inside and around the Haddock Box on the Rockall Bank. Assuming that the Haddock Box remains closed, ICES does not consider that any changes are needed to the boundaries of NEAFC bottomfishing closures in this area.