Sandeel in Subarea IV excluding the Shetland area

According to the most recent estimate of SSB (2009), ICES classifies the stock as being at risk of reduced reproductive capacity. Fishing mortality decreased between 2001 and 2007 and increased in 2008 and 2009, but the present absolute level is uncertain. In the absence of an F reference point, the state of the stock cannot be evaluated with regard to sustainable harvest.