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). On the basis of new information on the distribution of VMEs submitted to ICES in 2023, no addition to or extension of the existing closed areas to protect VMEs in the NEAFC regulatory areas (RAs) are advised.

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

ICES advises that access to and accurate reporting of gear types used in all NEAFC regulated bottom fishing activities would greatly improve the utility of the VMS data and understanding of potential adverse impacts of bottom fishing activity on VMEs.