Report of the North Sea Flatfish Working Group

At the 77th Statutory Meeting, it was decided (C.Res.1989/2:4:23) that the North Sea Flatfish Working Group should meet with the following terms of reference:

1) assess the status and provide catch options for 1991 within safe biological limits for the stocks of sole and plaice in the North Sea and English Channel and sole in Sub-area VIII;

2) review existing technical measures to reduce the level of exploitation of young flatfish;

3) review the relationships between stocks of plaice and sole in the North Sea and in Divisions VIId and VIIe, and advise on the appropriate units for assessment and management purposes.