Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Subarea IV, and Divisions IIIa and VIId (North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat and eastern English Channel)

The advice given in 2012 for this stock is valid for 2013–2015: “Based on ICES approach to data-limited  stocks,  ICES  advises  that  catches  could  be  increased  by  a  maximum  of  20%.  However,  ICES  does  not  advise  that an individual TAC be set for this species, at present.

Additional  measures  should  be  identified  that  can  regulate  exploitation  of  this  species.  Such  measures  may  include  seasonal and/or area closures, technical measures, and tailored measures for target fisheries. Such measures should be developed by managers through stakeholder consultations, considering the overall mixed fisheries context.”

NB:  The  advice  for  2015  is  the  same  catch  advice  than  for  2013  and  2014  (even  if  it  cannot  be  quantified)  not  that  a  further 20% increase in catch be implemented. 

NB: new Advice will be provided in 2015.