New information regarding vulnerable habitats in the NEAFC Regulatory Areas

ICES advises to maintain the existing bottom‑fishing closures to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). No addition to, or extension of, the existing closed areas to protect VMEs in the NEAFC Regulatory Areas are advised.

ICES advises that any bottom-contact fishing on VME habitats using static or mobile bottom‑contacting gears will result in damage to these habitats and poses a risk of significant adverse impacts (as described by FAO [2009]). 

ICES advises that the inclusion of gear code in the daily catch reports would greatly improve the VMS data and understanding of potential adverse impacts of bottom-fishing activity on VMEs.