Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Mackerel, Horse Mackerel, Sardine and Anchovy (WGMHSA), Sec 13

The European Commission has requested ACFM to consider:

Question 1: Is it at present possible to positively identify mackerel or mackerel spawning products caught in the North Sea as originating from the North Sea spawning component from the North East Atlantic mackerel stock?

Question 2: If not, what is the basis for the recommendations relating to seasonal and geographical closures for fishing mackerel in ICES Sub-area IV and ICES Division IIIa repeated by ICES since 1987?

Question 3: If so, and recalling that managers have been unable to agree on conditions in strict compliance with these recommendations, is there reason to consider alternative and/or augmented recommendations?