Plaice in Subarea IV (North Sea)

Based on the most recent estimate of SSB (in 2009) and fishing mortality (in 2008), ICES classifies the stock as having full reproductive capacity and as being harvested sustainably. SSB is estimated to have increased above the Bpa. Fishing mortality is estimated to have decreased to below Fpa and Ftarget. Recruitment has been of average strength from 2005 onwards. The recruitment in 2008 is just below the long-term average.