New information regarding vulnerable habitats in the NEAFC Regulatory Area

ICES advises to maintain the existing closed areas to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). No additions to, or extensions of the existing closed areas to protect VMEs in the NEAFC Regulatory Area are advised 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.
ICES notes that fishing activity is taking place outside of the existing NEAFC bottom-fishing areas in the Barents Sea and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.