Vulnerable deep-water habitats in the NEAFC Regulatory Area

ICES has reviewed new evidence for the occurrence of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the NEAFC Regulatory Area. There are no changes to 2014 ICES advice. While the majority of bottom fishing takes place within NEAFC’s existing fishing areas, there is some evidence of fishing activity happening within areas closed to protect VME habitats as well as outside existing fishing areas on the Hatton and Rockall banks.