Report of the Working Group on Widely Distributed Stocks (WGWIDE)

The Working Group (WG) on Widely Distributed Stocks (WGWIDE) met in ICES headquarters, Copenhagen 2 – 11 September 2008. Participants were scientists from Spain, Russia, UK (Scotland, England & Wales), Netherlands, Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal and France.

The WG reports on the status and considerations for management of NEA Mackerel, Sardine and Blue Whiting, Southern and Western Horse Mackerel stocks and Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring. The advice for North Sea horse mackerel was not updated this year.

Special requests from Norway/EC/Faroe Island and Ireland regarding the management of mackerel in the North‐East Atlantic which included a review of reference points; long term management of Blue whiting which included references to the stock structure were also addressed by WGWIDE and reported here.