ICES ADVICE 2014 AVIS DU CIEM Books 1–10

Report of the ICES Advisory Committee 2014

Book 7 Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian Waters

International Council for the Exploration of the Sea Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer

H.C. Andersens Boulevard 44-46 DK-1553 Copenhagen V Denmark Telephone (+45) 33 38 67 00 Telefax (+45) 33 93 42 15 www.ices.dk [email protected]

Report of the ICES Advisory Committee 2014.

Books 1–10 December 2014

Recommended format for purposes of citation:

ICES. 2014. Report of the ICES Advisory Committee 2014. ICES Advice, 2014. Book 7. 249 pp.

For permission to reproduce material from this publication, please apply to the General Secretary.

ISBN 978-87-7482-217-2

BOOK 7

Section Page

7 BAY OF BISCAY AND IBERIAN SEAS ...... 1 7.1 The Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters Ecosystem ...... 1 7.1.1 Overview ...... 1 7.1.2 The status of fish stocks and fisheries ...... 1 7.2 Ecosystem Assessments and Advice ...... 14 7.2.1 Assessment and advice regarding protection of biota and habitats ...... 14 7.2.2 Assessments and advice regarding fisheries ...... 14 7.2.2.1 Multispecies advice ...... 14 7.2.2.2 Mixed fisheries advice for the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters ...... 14 7.2.3 Special requests ...... 15 7.2.3.1 EU request for clarification on the request for the evaluation of the harvest control rule for sole in the Bay of Biscay, October 2013 ...... 15 7.3 Fish stock advice ...... 22 7.3.1 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay) ...... 22 7.3.2 Anchovy in Division IXa (West of Galicia, Portuguese coast and Golf of Cadiz) ...... 31 7.3.3 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters) 41 7.3.4 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters) .... 49 7.3.5 Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2 (Azores) ...... 56 7.3.6 Grey gurnard in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ... 62 7.3.7 Hake in Division VIIIc and IXa (Southern stock) ...... 63 7.3.8 Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in Division IXa (Southern stock) ...... 75 7.3.9 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 82 7.3.10 Lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) in Divisions VIIIa,b,d (Bay of Biscay) ...... 92 7.3.11 Lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 93 7.3.12 Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 95 7.3.13 Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FUs 23–24) ...... 105 7.3.14 Nephrops in Division VIIIc (North Galicia and Cantabrian Sea, FU 25s and 31)...... 111 7.4.14.1 Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25) ...... 114 7.4.14.2 Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31) ...... 120 7.3.15 Nephrops in Divisions IXa (West of Galicia, Portuguese coast and Golf of Cadiz)...... 126 7.4.15.1 Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FUs 26–27) ...... 130 7.4.15.2 Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29) ...... 136 7.4.15.3 Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30) ...... 143 7.3.16 Plaice in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 149 7.3.17 Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 151 7.3.18 Skates and rays in Subareas VIII and IX (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 154 7.3.18.1 Blonde ray (Raja brachyura) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) ...... 164 7.3.18.2 Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea) .. 168 7.3.18.3 Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) ...... 174 7.3.18.4 Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea) ...... 180 7.3.18.5 Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) ...... 185 7.3.18.6 Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay) ...... 190 7.3.18.7 Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIc (Cantabrian Sea)...... 195 7.3.18.8 Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) ...... 199 7.3.18.9 Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division VIIIc (Cantabrian Sea) ...... 204 7.3.18.10Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) ...... 209 7.3.18.11 Common skate (Dipturus batis) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 214

7.3.18.12 Other skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 218 7.3.19 Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 222 7.3.20 Sardine in Divisions VIIIa,b,d and Subarea VII ...... 230 7.3.21 Sole in Divisions VIIIa, b (Bay of Biscay) ...... 231 7.3.22 Sole in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 241 7.3.23 Whiting in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)...... 243 7.3.24 No Stock ...... 7.3.25 European sea bass in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay) ...... 245 7.3.26 European sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters) ...... 247

7 BAY OF BISCAY AND IBERIAN SEAS

7.1 The Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters Ecosystem

7.1.1 Overview

This Section has not been updated in 2014. The most recent ecosystem overview is available in ICES Advisory Report 2008, Section 7.1. This overview can also be found on the ICES website: http://www.ices.dk/committe/acom/comwork/report/2008/2008/7.1- 7.2%20Bay%20of%20Biscay%20and%20Iberian%20ecosystem%20overview.pdf.

7.1.2 The status of fish stocks and fisheries

ICES provides advice regarding the following stocks in this ecoregion.

ICES Data Full name of stock Assessment Type 2014 Category 2014 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in 1 Surplus production model (ASPIC) Divisions VIIIc and IXa Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in Subarea VIII Two-stage Bayesian biomass dynamic 1 (Bay of Biscay) model (CBBM) assessment Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in Division IXa Survey based assessment without catch 3 (Atlantic Iberian waters) advice White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions 1 Length-based model (SS3) VIIIc and IXa Sea bass in Divisions VIIIab (Bay of Biscay) 5.2 Landings-based Sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian 5.2 No assessment waters) Grey gurnard in Subarea VIII and Division IXa 6.20q No assessment Length–age analytical assessment Hake in Division VIIIc and IXa (Southern stock) 1 (GADGET) Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in Division IXa 1 Analytical assessment (AMISH model) (Atlantic Iberian waters) (Southern stock) Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in 3 Trends based assessment Subdivision Xa2 (Azores) Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions 1 Age-based assessment (XSA) VIIIc and Ixa Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions 1 Age-based assessment (XSA) VIIIc and Ixa Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FU 23, 3.2 Survey trends 24) Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25) 3.14 Trends from commercial cpue Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FU 26- 3.14 Trends from commercial cpue 27) Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FU 28-29) 3.2 Trends from commercial cpue Nephrops in Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30) 3.2 Trends from commercial lpue Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31) 3.14 Trends from commercial cpue Plaice in Subarea VIII and Division Ixa 5.20q No assessment Pollack in Subarea VIII and Division Ixa 5.2 No assessment Other skates and rays in Subarea VIII and Division IXa 5.2 No assessment (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) Common skate (Dipturus batis) complex (flapper skate (Dipturus cf. flossada) and blue skate (Dipturus cf. 6.3 No assessment intermedia)) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters) Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Subarea VIII (Bay of 3.2 Survey-based trends Biscay and Cantabrian Sea)

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 1 ICES Data Full name of stock Assessment Type 2014 Category 2014 Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Division IXa (west of 3.2 Survey-based trends Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) Blonde ray (Raja brachyura) in Division IXa (west of Cpue-based trends. Length-based cohort 3.2 Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) analysis Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Subarea VIII (Bay of 3.2 Survey-based trends Biscay and Cantabrian Sea) Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Division IXa (west of 3.2 Survey-based trends Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division VIIIc 3.2 Survey-based trends (Cantabrian Sea) Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division IXa (west 3.2 Survey-based trends of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay 6.3 No assessment of Biscay) Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIc 6.3 No assessment (Cantabrian Sea) Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Division IXa (west of 6.3 No assessment Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in Divisions VIIIa,b,d 3.2 Trends based assessment and Subarea VII (Bay of Biscay and Celtic seas) Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in Divisions VIIIc and 1 Age-based analytical assessment (SS3). Ixa (Bay of Biscay) Black-mouth dogfish (Galeus melastomus) in in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and na na Atlantic Iberian waters) Sole in Divisions VIIIc and IXa 5.2 No assessment Sole in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay) 1 Age-based analytical assessment (XSA). Lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) in 3.2 Survey- and landings-based trends Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters) Lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) in 3.2 Lpue- and landings-based trends Divisions VIIIa,b,d (Bay of Biscay) Whiting in Subarea VIII and Division IXa 5.20q No assessment

The state and advice of the individual stocks are presented in the stock sections. An overview of the status of the stocks for which information on fishing mortality and Spawning–Stock Biomass is available, as assessed for 2013 in 2014, is presented in Table 7.1.2.1.

2 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.1.2.1 Status of data-rich stocks (n= 7) for the Bay of Biscay and Iberian waters Ecosystem stocks relative to MSY and PA reference points for Fishing Mortality (F) and Spawning–Stock Biomass (SSB). Table shows percentage of stocks per stock status. Values in brackets denote the number of data-rich stocks per stock status. Does not include anchovy (1 stock) and sardine (1 stock).

Spawning–Stock Biomass

is at or above MSY is below MSY Btrigger Btrigger SSB2014 < MSY is not defined SSB2014 > MSY Btrigger Btrigger

Fishing Mortality

is at or below MSY 29% (2) - 29% (2) (F2013 < FMSY)

MSY is above MSY 14% (1) 14% (1) 14% (1) Approach (F2013 > FMSY)

- - - is not defined is at or above PA is at increased risk is below limit is not defined SSB2014 > Bpa Bpa > SSB2014 > Blim SSB2014 < Blim

Fishing Mortality

is at or below P - - -

- (F2013 < Fpa)

is at increased risk - 14% (1) - - (Flim > F > Fpa)

Approach is above PA - - - - Precautionary (F2013 > Fpa)

is not defined 29% (2) - - 57% (4)

Although there is considerable variation between stocks and large year-to-year variation for most stocks, the overall fishing mortality has been decreasing over the last couple of decades. The biomasses have overall in the last few years been increasing (Figure 7.1.2.1).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 3

Figure 7.1.2.1 Trend in fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total biomass or abundance) relative to the average for each over the time for which such estimates are available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

4 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Figure 7.1.2.2 The status of fish stocks relative to reference points (FMSY, MSY Btrigger) for those stocks for which such estimates are available. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast. The dotted line represents the ratio 1. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 5

Figure 7.1.2.3 Trend in fishing pressure (fishing mortality) and Spawning–Stock Biomass relative to the average for demersal stocks (black-bellied anglerfish, white anglerfish, and hake) over the time for which such estimates are available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the demersal stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast coregion.

6 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Figure 7.1.2.4 The status of demersal fish stocks relative to reference points (FMSY and MSY Btrigger) for those black-bellied anglerfish, white anglerfish, and hake stocks for which t such estimates are available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The dotted line represents the ratio 1. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 7

Figure 7.1.2.5 Trend in fishing mortality and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass or total biomass) relative to the average for flatfish stocks (four-spot megrim, megrim, and sole) over the time for which such estimates are available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

8 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Figure 7.1.2.6 The status of flatfish stocks relative to reference points (FMSY and MSY Btrigger) for those four-spot megrim, megrim, and sole stocks for which such estimates are available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The dotted line represents the ratio 1. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 9

Figure 7.1.2.7 Trend in fishing mortality and Spawning–Stock Biomass relative to the average for pelagic stocks (anchovy, horse mackerel, and sardine) over the time for which such estimates are available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

10 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Figure 7.1.2.8 The status of pelagic stocks relative to reference points (FMSY, MSY Btrigger) for those anchovy, horse mackerel, and sardine stocks for which such estimates available in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The thick grey line represents the average for all the stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian coast ecoregion. The dotted line represents the ratio 1. The depicted F and SSB as legend of the y-axis refer to fishing pressure (fishing mortality or harvest rate) and stock size (Spawning–Stock Biomass, total-stock biomass or abundance).

Of the stocks for which information exists, fishing mortality are still for some stocks above FMSY. Of the stocks for which information exist all except one are now above MSY Btrigger (Figure 7.2.2).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 11 Large fish indicators

The amount of large fish of the Bay of Biscay (defined here as fish over 49 cm) has increased over the recent decade (Figure 7.1.2.3)

Figure 7.1.2.3 Community SBI of the Bay of Biscay. A) Overlaid haul stations in the survey area. B) Time-series of community fishing pressure (Fcom) averaged across the relevant commercial stocks. C) Time-series of the large fish indicator (LFI). D) Time-series of mean maximum length by weight (MMLW) and numbers (MMLN). E) Cross-correlation function (CCF) of Fcom vs. LFI. F) CCF of Fcom vs. MMLW. G) Prewhitened CCF of Fcom vs. LFI. H) Prewhitened CCF Fcom vs. MMLW. From ICES. 2013. Report of the Workshop on DCF Indicators, 21–25 October 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:38. 81 pp.

12 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

The amount of large fish Portuguese waters (defined here as fish over 30 cm) has fluctuated without a trend over the recent two decades (Figure 7.1.2.4).

Figure 7.1.2.4 Community SBI of the PT-IBTS. A) Overlaid haul stations in the survey area. B) Time-series of community fishing pressure (Fcom) averaged across the relevant commercial stocks. C) Time-series of the large fish indicator (LFI). D) Time-series of mean maximum length by weight (MMLW) and numbers (MMLN). E) Cross-correlation function (CCF) of Fcom vs. LFI. F) CCF of Fcom vs. MMLW. G) Prewhitened CCF of Fcom vs. LFI. H) Prewhitened CCF Fcom vs. MMLW. From ICES. 2013. Report of the Workshop on DCF Indicators, 21–25 October 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:38. 81 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 13 7.2 Ecosystem Assessments and Advice

7.2.1 Assessment and advice regarding protection of biota and habitats

In 2014, ICES has not provided advice regarding protection of biota and habitats for this area.

7.2.2 Assessments and Advice regarding fisheries

7.2.2.1 Multispecies advice

7.2.2.2 Mixed fisheries advice for Bay the of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters

Mixed fisheries and fisheries interactions

This Section has not been updated in 2014. The most recent description on mixed fisheries and fisheries interactions is available in ICES Advisory Report 2008, Section 7.3. This description can also be found on the ICES website: http://www.ices.dk/committe/acom/comwork/report/2008/2008/7.3%20Bay%20of%20Biscay%20and%20Iberian%20S eas%20Fisheries%20Advice.pdf

Sources of Information

ICES. 2008. Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2008. ICES Advice, 2008. Book 7, 122 pp. ICES. 2012. Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012 ICES Advice, 2012. Book 7.

14 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.2.3 Special Requests

7.2.3.1 Special request, Advice March 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters SUBJECT EU request for clarification on the request for the evaluation of the harvest control rule for sole in the Bay of Biscay, October 2013

Advice summary

Table 7.2.3.1.2 presents the requested probabilities of the realised fishing mortality F being equal to or less than the FMSY rate in each of the requested years. Table 7.2.3.1.3 presents the requested probabilities that paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of the harvest control rule (HCR) will be applied for each year of the simulations. Table 7.2.3.1.4 presents the forecasted catch corresponding to the application of the harvest control rule in each year of the simulations.

This advice is a clarification of the original advice that was released in October 2013. This clarifying advice is therefore based on the same simulations as the 2013 advice and no additional biological assumptions have been investigated.

Request (letter from the European Commission dated 10 February 2014)

In in the course of several discussions concerning this advice, it has become apparent that certain different interpretations of ICES advice have arisen. Certainly some readers, including myself, found the advice confusing and open to misinterpretation as to the nature of the probabilities that are tabulated. As you know because of budgetary reasons, we are not currently in a position to request further advice concerning this stock, but if ICES were able to make some clarification of its existing advice, within the same financial allocation as has already been agreed, this would be extremely helpful to the advice recipients and stakeholders. Specifically, could ICES present:

1. a table of probabilities similar to Table 7.3.5.2.1, but this time setting out the estimated probabilities that the realised fishing mortality F is less than or equal to the Fmsy rate in each year? 2. table(s) of probabilities that, in each year of the simulations, paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the harvest rule will apply ? 3. a table of expected forecast catch corresponding to the application of the harvest rule in each year of the simulations ?

Some advice recipients have also expressed surprise that ICES advice seems to indicate that exploiting the stock at a fixed TAC close to catch levels seen over the previous decade will lead, with high probability, to substantial reduction in fishing mortality. If ICES could provide an explanation, this would be extremely helpful.

Elaboration on ICES advice

Point 1 in the 2013 request from the Commission detailed six clauses1 for the fixed-TAC scenario. These clauses are referred to throughout this advice by number.

1. Rules for setting the TAC for the stock of sole in the Bay of Biscay are defined with the objective to reach FMSY (i.e. F = 0.26) by 2020; 2. The TAC is set at a constant value until the fishing mortality is equal to FMSY. TAC levels in a range of 3500 to 4500 tonnes (by 100 tonne steps) are tested; 3. When fishing mortality is equal to FMSY, the TAC is set to give a forecast fishing mortality at FMSY (0.26); 4. When the rule of paragraph 3 applies, the TAC set for a given year shall not correspond to a variation of less than or more than 10% compared to the TAC of the preceding year; 5. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, if fishing mortality increases during the two years preceding the advice on the status of the stock, the TAC is reduced by 10% compared to the previous year. The TAC level set in this way becomes the reference TAC fixed for the application of the rule in paragraph 2; 6. If the Spawning–Stock Biomass is estimated to be less than the biomass limit (Blim = 13,000 tons), the TAC is set at a level corresponding to FMSY.

1 For clarity, ICES refers to “clauses” throughout this advice; however, in the Commission’s request to ICES they are referred to as “paragraphs” and in Merzéreaud et al. (2013) as “rules”.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 15 The information provided here is a clarification of the original advice that was released in October 2013. This clarifying advice is therefore based on the same simulations as the 2013 advice and no additional biological assumptions have been investigated. That said, further model checks were conducted to explore the effect(s) of the different clauses in the HCR.

Each of the questions posed by the European Commission in this request is answered below.

1) Probability of F≤ FMSY

Table 7.2.3.1.1 (extracted from Table 7.2.3.2.1 in ICES, 2013) shows the probability (in per cent, for initial fixed-TAC values between 3500 and 4500 tonnes) of experiencing a change from the fixed-TAC regime (Clauses 2 and 5) to the FMSY-target regime (Clauses 3 and 4). Table 7.2.3.1.1 does not give the probability of being above or below FMSY. Rather, Table 7.2.3.1.1 shows the probability that, by following the HCR, FMSY will have been reached during the preceding year and that management has shifted, for the given year, from a fixed-TAC regime to a FMSY-target regime.

Table 7.2.3.1.2 gives the probability (in per cent) of the realised F being ≤ FMSY when following the HCR, for initial fixed- TAC values between 3500 and 4500 tonnes. Figure 7.2.3.1.1 and Table 7.2.3.1.3 show how the probability of F≤ FMSY is derived and how the different clauses in the HCR contribute to this total probability. Three options (3500, 4000, and 4500 tonnes) were selected from Table 7.2.3.1.2 to illustrate the range of options and are shown in Figure 7.2.3.1.1.The centre panels of Figure 7.2.3.1.1 show the probability (in per cent) of F being less than or equal to FMSY under the different HCR clauses and also when all clauses are applied in the HCR.

For all fixed-TAC options shown in Figure 7.2.3.1.1, the probability of F being less than FMSY (F< FMSY) increases over time under Clause 2. At an initial TAC of 4500 tonnes the probability under Clause 2 is initially quite low, rising to around 50% only by 2030. In contrast, at an initial TAC of 4000 tonnes the probability that F≤ FMSY under Clause 2 rises to 50% by 2020. An initial TAC of 3500 tonnes produces a more rapid response, with the probability that F≤ FMSY under Clause 2 rising to 50% by 2016. It should be noted that once Clause 3 is invoked, Clause 2 will never be invoked again even if the estimated F resulting from the other clauses should become higher than FMSY.

The right-hand panels of Figure 7.2.3.1.1 show the overall probability of F being less than FMSY under the HCR. The contributions of each part of the HCR are shown in different colours. An important contribution under Clause 2 (blue bars) to the total probability from exploitation at the beginning of the simulated period stems from uncertainty in the observations. The true magnitude of this contribution will depend on the actual magnitude and characteristics of the error in the assessment and advice. The present simulations were carried out with a simple error applied to F which may not mimic the true error in a real assessment. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly true that in some cases the fixed TAC is maintained though the true F has reduced; conversely, the transition to the FMSY-target regime will occur although F is still higher than FMSY, so the blue bars in the right panel of Figure 7.2.3.1.1 represent a real contribution to the probability of F≤ FMSY. The overall effect of the HCR is, in the medium term, to give higher than 50% probabilities of F being at or below FMSY. Two mechanisms are behind this: (1) error in observations coupled with a one-way transition from the fixed- TAC to the FMSY-target regime; and (2) the 10% constraint, which is expected to initially limit TAC increases more than TAC decreases.

2) Probabilities in each year of the simulations, that paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of the harvest rule will apply

Table 7.2.3.1.3 shows the probability by year of applying each clause when following the HCR with fixed-TAC options from 3500 to 4500 tonnes. Three of the initial fixed-TAC options (3500, 4000, and 4500 tonnes) have been selected from the table and are shown in Figure 7.2.3.1.1. The left-hand panels of Figure 7.2.3.1.1 show the percentage probability of following Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 as the HCR progressively switches from Clause 2 to Clauses 3 and 4. The blue bars (Clause 2) show how the transition from the 100% probability of a fixed TAC drops to around 5% by 2018, 2021, and 2026 for the initial fixed-TAC values of 3500, 4000, and 4500 tonnes, respectively. This transition table was provided in Table 7.2.3.2.1 of the original advice (ICES, 2013). In addition to the transition from Clause 2 to Clause 3, Figure 7.2.3.1.1 also shows that Clause 5 (10% reduction in the fixed target TAC) is rarely implemented when the starting TAC is 3500 tonnes. With a starting TAC of 4500 tonnes, the probability of Clause 5 being applied is estimated to be 13% in 2016 (the first year it can be applied, i.e. year 3 of the plan), with the probability increasing by more than 3% per year over the next five years (see the last row but one in Table 7.2.3.1.3 and the purple bars in the lower left panel of Figure 7.2.3.1.1). Overall this implies a 28% probability of a 10% reduction in the fixed TAC over these six years, with a small possibility of this including two 10% reductions in two of the years. The 28% probability drops to 9% with a starting TAC of 4000 tonnes, and 0.6% with a starting TAC of 3500 tonnes. Clause 5 is only implemented before the HCR transits to the FMSY- target regime (Clauses 3 and 4).

When the HCR transits from Clause 2 to Clause 3 the probability that F< FMSY increases with time; this probability rises to over 50% and then settles (slowly) at 50% as long as Clause 4 is included in the HCR. This overshoot effect is substantial for an initial TAC of 3500 tonnes, though it is less for greater initial TACs. Tests of the HCR with Clause 4 omitted do not show this overshoot but give a 50% probability of F< FMSY under Clause 3.

16 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

3) Expected forecast catch corresponding to the application of the harvest rule in each year of the simulations

Table 4 shows the mean (expected) catch forecast when applying the HCR with initial fixed TACs from 3500 to 4500 tonnes. At a low initial TAC, the transit to Clauses 3 and 4 is rapid, and on average catches are expected to rise slowly. Conversely, at a high initial TAC, the higher catch is maintained for two or three years, but the higher fixed TAC shows a non-trivial probability of Clause 5 being applied (10% reduction in the fixed-TAC value). On average, if the initial TAC is set to 4500 tonnes, the mean TAC is expected to decline to 4319 tonnes over the next six years; most of the decline in TAC is due to the mechanism of Clause 5.

It is important to remember that Table 4 illustrates only the mean values over 1000 realisations. The TACs that will be experienced will depend both on the recruitment and errors in estimating F in the assessment.

4) Reductions in F (modelling assumptions)

There are a number of reasons why the high fixed TACs result in achieving lower Fs.

a) Although the HCR is nominally a fixed-TAC HCR, Clause 5 of the HCR is implemented if recruitment is low and F rises. Therefore, if the chosen fixed TAC is too high for realised recruitment, the original fixed TAC is reduced and F reduces accordingly. Thus, the HCR adapts to the actual situation at hand; a key property of the HCR. b) The HCR contains a number of mechanisms that reduce F, but there is no major mechanism for increasing F. Random errors appear to assist the reduction of F due to (1) the potential for a premature irreversible transition to the FMSY-target stage by mistake, and (2) two consecutive increases in F will result in an irreversible 10% reduction in the original fixed TAC. c) As indicated, aforementioned simulations were based on the full range in observed recruitment. This was done because recent recruitment (i.e. in 2009) was similar to the larger recruitment values observed more than twenty years ago; it was therefore considered to be inappropriate to use only the recent low values. This choice results in potentially higher mean catches than those observed in the last decade. The specific yields given in the simulations are derived directly from these assumptions. ICES reiterates what was stated in the original advice (ICES, 2013):

It should be kept in mind that from 2004 to 2008 as well as in 2010 and in 2011, the recruitments are estimated by the last WGHMM to be below the mean values which are used in the simulations. The analysis carried out here is conditional on the assumption on the stock–recruitment relationship. If the recruitments estimated in future assessments continue to be lower than GM, this may impact the stock–recruitment relationship and the evaluation of the HCR will need to be updated. If a management plan is to be developed based on this HCR, some provision should be incorporated in the plan to allow for such a revision.

Basis of advice

The document by Merzéreaud et al. (2013) contains a description of the simulations and the overall results which form the basis of the advice given above.

Sources

ICES. 2013. EU request for the evaluation of the harvest control rule for sole in the Bay of Biscay. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2013. ICES Advice 2013, Section 7.3.5.2. Merzéreaud, M., Biais, G., Lisardy, M., Bertignac, M., and Biseau, A. 2013. Evaluation of proposed harvest control rules for Bay of Biscay sole. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:75. 16 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 17 Table 7.2.3.1.1 The probability (in per cent) of having changed from the initial fixed-TAC (Clauses 2 and 5) to the FMSY- target regime (Clauses 3 and 4), for initial fixed-TAC values between 3500 and 4500 tonnes. The simulations include the implementation of all clauses of the HCR.

Year Fixed TAC 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

3500 0 0 24 54 81 93 98 100 100 100 3600 0 0 20 49 75 89 96 99 100 100 3700 0 0 16 42 67 84 93 98 99 99 3800 0 0 13 36 60 79 90 96 99 99 3900 0 0 11 31 53 72 86 93 97 99 4000 0 0 9 26 46 64 80 90 95 98 4100 0 0 7 20 38 56 73 84 91 94 4200 0 0 6 16 33 49 66 78 86 92 4300 0 0 5 12 27 42 58 72 81 88 4400 0 0 3 9 22 33 49 62 72 81 4500 0 0 2 8 18 29 41 53 64 74

Table 7.2.3.1.2 The probability (in per cent) of the true F≤ FMSY, for initial fixed-TAC values between 3500 and 4500 tonnes. The simulations include the implementation of all clauses (1–6) of the HCR.

Year Fixed TAC 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

3500 0 14 47 72 84 87 86 85 79 77 3600 0 9 37 63 78 83 84 81 78 78 3700 0 6 29 55 71 77 81 80 78 78 3800 0 4 22 46 61 71 77 78 77 77 3900 0 3 16 38 54 66 72 76 75 76 4000 0 2 12 31 46 60 67 72 73 74 4100 0 2 8 23 38 52 61 66 68 72 4200 0 1 6 17 31 44 54 61 64 69 4300 0 1 3 14 25 38 45 55 59 67 4400 0 1 2 9 18 30 39 48 53 61 4500 0 0 2 6 13 25 32 42 46 55

18 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.2.3.1.3 Probability by year of a given clause of the proposed HCR being applied for fixed-TAC values from 3500 to 4500 tonnes.

Year Fixed HCR 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 TAC clause 3500 2 100.00 99.80 75.86 45.74 18.97 6.90 2.33 0.30 0.00 0.00 3500 3 0.00 0.00 8.32 15.52 17.34 22.62 21.60 23.73 25.15 26.67 3500 4 0.00 0.00 15.82 38.64 63.29 70.39 76.06 75.96 74.85 73.33 3500 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.41 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3500 6 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3600 2 100.00 99.80 79.67 50.61 24.19 10.37 3.66 0.61 0.20 0.10 3600 3 0.00 0.00 6.30 14.84 19.72 22.97 22.87 24.19 25.10 26.42 3600 4 0.00 0.00 14.02 34.35 55.49 66.36 73.37 75.20 74.59 73.48 3600 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.20 0.61 0.30 0.10 0.00 0.10 0.00 3600 6 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3700 2 100.00 99.80 83.94 57.72 31.81 14.84 6.20 1.93 0.81 0.51 3700 3 0.00 0.00 6.30 13.31 17.89 24.49 23.98 25.00 26.42 25.51 3700 4 0.00 0.00 9.76 28.25 49.39 59.96 69.51 72.76 72.66 73.98 3700 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.71 0.91 0.71 0.30 0.30 0.10 0.00 3700 6 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3800 2 100.00 99.80 87.14 63.27 38.27 19.90 8.98 3.47 1.02 0.51 3800 3 0.00 0.00 5.00 12.04 18.67 25.00 24.90 24.80 26.63 26.43 3800 4 0.00 0.00 7.86 23.57 41.73 53.98 65.51 71.43 72.14 73.06 3800 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.12 1.33 1.12 0.61 0.31 0.20 0.00 3800 6 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3900 2 100.00 99.80 89.19 67.38 44.95 26.81 13.25 6.22 2.34 1.12 3900 3 0.00 0.00 4.79 10.09 17.84 24.87 23.65 24.16 27.22 25.59 3900 4 0.00 0.00 6.01 20.90 35.47 46.99 62.08 69.01 70.13 73.19 3900 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.63 1.73 1.33 1.02 0.61 0.31 0.10 3900 6 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4000 2 100.00 99.80 90.78 72.23 51.95 34.02 18.95 9.53 4.30 2.15 4000 3 0.00 0.00 3.59 8.40 16.19 22.54 21.21 24.59 27.87 26.84 4000 4 0.00 0.00 5.53 17.21 29.41 41.50 58.30 65.06 67.42 70.80 4000 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.15 2.46 1.95 1.54 0.82 0.41 0.20 4000 6 0.00 0.20 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4100 2 100.00 99.80 92.85 76.61 58.43 41.47 25.13 15.42 8.58 5.31 4100 3 0.00 0.00 2.45 7.76 14.30 20.84 21.45 24.51 27.07 25.54 4100 4 0.00 0.00 4.60 11.85 24.11 35.04 51.28 59.14 63.64 68.95 4100 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.78 3.17 2.66 2.15 0.92 0.72 0.20 4100 6 0.00 0.20 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4200 2 100.00 99.79 94.03 78.68 63.44 47.27 30.90 20.49 12.46 8.24 4200 3 0.00 0.00 1.96 5.87 12.15 18.74 20.49 23.69 24.82 27.60 4200 4 0.00 0.00 3.91 10.09 21.01 30.69 45.93 54.38 61.59 63.95 4200 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.36 3.40 3.30 2.68 1.44 1.13 0.21 4200 6 0.00 0.21 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4300 2 100.00 99.79 95.18 80.62 69.33 54.56 38.05 26.56 17.44 11.49 4300 3 0.00 0.00 1.33 3.79 10.15 16.31 19.69 22.46 25.44 26.56 4300 4 0.00 0.00 3.28 8.21 17.13 25.33 38.67 49.13 55.28 61.23 4300 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.28 3.38 3.79 3.59 1.74 1.85 0.72 4300 6 0.00 0.21 0.21 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.00 4400 2 100.00 99.79 96.48 80.83 74.09 61.87 47.25 35.23 25.60 17.41 4400 3 0.00 0.00 1.04 2.59 7.67 12.64 16.48 20.83 22.59 24.46 4400 4 0.00 0.00 2.28 6.63 14.20 20.31 32.64 41.24 49.02 56.89 4400 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.84 4.04 5.08 3.63 2.69 2.80 1.24 4400 6 0.00 0.21 0.21 0.10 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4500 2 100.00 99.79 97.33 78.87 77.13 65.95 53.95 43.69 33.03 24.51 4500 3 0.00 0.00 0.31 2.26 6.67 10.97 13.33 17.85 21.03 22.97 4500 4 0.00 0.00 2.15 5.33 11.79 17.54 27.90 35.38 42.87 50.56 4500 5 0.00 0.00 0.00 13.44 4.31 5.33 4.72 3.08 3.08 1.85 4500 6 0.00 0.21 0.21 0.10 0.10 0.21 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.10

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 19 Table 7.2.3.1.4 Mean predicted catch by year for each of the fixed-TAC values from 3500 to 4500 tonnes. This table illustrates only the mean values over 1000 realisations. The TACs that will be experienced will depend primarily on the realised recruitment (described in Section 4, point c).

Year

TAC 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

3500 4365 3503 3512 3580 3718 3890 4086 4295 4484 4648 3600 4364 3603 3604 3652 3766 3914 4088 4281 4456 4616 3700 4363 3703 3697 3723 3807 3932 4092 4268 4427 4582 3800 4363 3802 3790 3800 3858 3956 4095 4255 4398 4549 3900 4364 3903 3888 3880 3910 3980 4101 4250 4381 4529 4000 4363 4002 3981 3963 3977 4021 4117 4245 4365 4501 4100 4361 4103 4081 4052 4052 4067 4144 4254 4347 4469 4200 4365 4204 4181 4142 4128 4124 4185 4263 4339 4449 4300 4365 4303 4282 4231 4209 4186 4221 4284 4345 4430 4400 4365 4403 4386 4328 4296 4255 4269 4315 4358 4422 4500 4365 4503 4487 4413 4372 4324 4319 4348 4371 4415

20 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Proportion of simulated populations setting TAC by Clauses 2, 3, 4, Probability of F≤ FMSY by populations under each clause separately in Contribution of each clause of the HCR to the overall probability of F≤ and 5. the HCR and for all clauses (2–6) combined. FMSY.

Figure 7.2.3.1.1 Comparison of the performance of the HCR with all five clauses (2–6) implemented in the simulations for three different initial fixed TACs (3500, 4000, and 4500 tonnes), one in each row of the table. The left panels show the proportion of simulated populations which are managed under each clause in each year, the middle panels show the probability of F≤ FMSY for simulated populations under each clause in the HCR and for all clauses (2–6) combined, and the right panels show the contribution of the populations by clause to the overall probability of F≤ FMSY.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 21 7.3 Fish stock advice 7.3.1 Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay)

Advice for the period 1 July 2014–30 June 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary approach that catches from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 should be no more than 23 000 tonnes.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013

MSY (FMSY) - - - Not relevant Precautionary - - - Not relevant approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Not defined Precautionary Full reproductive capacity approach (Blim)

Figure 7.3.1.1 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Trends in landings, recruitment (age 1 biomass in January), harvest rates (catch/SSB), and spawning–stock biomass. Solid lines – posterior median; dashed lines – 90% probability intervals. Top right: SSB and harvest rates over the years.

The spawning–stock biomass has been above Blim since 2010. Stock biomass and Recruitment in 2014 are above the average of the historical series. The harvest rate in 2013 is below average, excluding the years 2005–2009 of fishery closures.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES. A draft management plan is proposed by EC in 2009 (COM/2009/399 final). Since 2010, the TAC for July to June was set according to the proposed HCR. ICES has not evaluated this proposal. In 2014 STECF has evaluated the HCR and considers the plan precautionary.

22 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

Anchovy is a short-lived species, with the fishable stock consisting primarily of one-year-old fish.

Environmental influence on the stock

Anchovy is a prey species for other pelagic and demersal species, and also for cetaceans and birds. Recruitment depends strongly on environmental factors, and several recruitment predictions have been proposed in the past based on environmental variables. Work on their use for management purposes is ongoing.

The fisheries

Anchovy is targeted by trawlers and purse-seiners. The Spanish and French fleets fishing for anchovy in Subarea VIII are spatially and temporally well separated. The Spanish fleet operates mainly in Divisions VIIIc and VIIIb in spring, while the French fleets operate in Division VIIIa in summer and autumn and in Division VIIIb in winter and summer. Since 2003 the fleets of both countries have decreased. Live bait catches for the tuna fisheries are considered low and not included in the assessment and advice.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) = landings = 14 192 t (100% landings: 88% purse-seine, 12% pelagic trawlers).

Quality considerations

The DEPM estimate provided in June is preliminary and the final estimate will be available in November. The catch data for the first semester in 2014 is also preliminary.

Figure 7.3.1.2 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Historical assessment results (final-year estimate included). The stock was benchmarked in 2013,

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 1 (ICES, 2014a) Assessment type Two-stage Bayesian biomass dynamic model (CBBM) assessment. Input data Commercial catches (international landings, ages and length frequencies from catch sampling), three surveys (BIOMAN, PELGAS, JUVENA); annual maturity data from DEPM survey (BIOMAN) and natural mortalities from past models fitted to spring surveys. Discards and bycatch Not included and are considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information The assessment was benchmarked in 2013 and the current assessment methodology was accepted in October 2013 after WKPELA (ICES, 2013a) and WGHANSA (ICES, 2013b). Working group Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy and Sardine (WGHANSA)

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 23 7.3.1 Supporting information July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY MSY Bescapement Not defined. Approach FMSY Not defined. Blim 21 000 t. Blim: Bloss (median of SSB estimates in years 1987 and 2009, the minimum estimated biomass that produced substantial recruitment, ICES, 2013b, annex 8) Precautionary approach Bpa Not defined.

Flim Not defined.

Fpa Not defined. (Last changed in: 2014)

Reference points MSY Bescapement and Bpa are no longer provided. For a short-lived species, Bpa and MSY Bescapement are not considered an appropriate reference point for precautionary advice. As the assessment provides the probability distributions for the SSB, it is possible to estimate directly the risk of the SSB falling below Blim.

Outlook for the period 1 July 2014–30 June 2015

Basis: R(2015) drawn randomly from distribution of recruitment-at-age 1 in biomass (1987–2014). Total catch distribution: (average 2011–2013) = 30% allocated to second half of 2014 and 70% to first half of 2015. Discards are considered negligible.

Basis Catch Probability Median SSB (July 2014–June 2015) SSB2015< Blim 2015 Precautionary approach 5% probability of 23 000 0.049 53 515 SSB2015 < Blim Proposed management 20 100 0.030 55 509 plan Zero catches 0 0.000 69 115 5 000 0.001 65 768 Other options 10 000 0.003 62 403 15 000 0.011 59 024 25 000 0.061 52 147 30 000 0.105 48 632 Weights in tons.

Precautionary approach

To reduce the risk to less than 5% of the SSB in 2015 falling below Blim, catches in the period 1 July 2014–30 June 2015 should be less than 23 000 t.

Proposed management plan

Following the management plan proposed by the European Commission in 2009 (COM/2009/399 final, Annex 7.3.1), the TAC for the fishing season running from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 should be established at 20 100 tonnes (as stated in Annex 1 of the proposal for an SSB in the range 66 001–67 000 t).

Additional considerations

Management considerations

A draft management plan has been proposed by the EC in cooperation between STECF and the South Western Waters RAC (Annex 7.3.1). This plan has not yet been formally adopted by the EU. The plan is based on a constant harvest rate

24 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

(30%), and sets a TAC as a percentage of the point estimate of the SSB as assessed at the start of the TAC period which runs from 1st July to 30th June, but with an upper bound on the TAC (of 33 000 t), and with a minimum TAC level (of 7000 t) applicable at SSB estimates between 24 000 t and 33 000 t. Following the new assessment methodology established in 2013 (ICES 2013a,b), STECF has evaluated the HCR (STECF, 2013 and 2014) and considers the plan precautionary. STECF uses the same criteria as ICES to determine if management plans are precautionary.

Recent management consists of an in-year monitoring regime, as previously recommended by ICES. The new assessment of anchovy includes the JUVENA autumn recruitment survey in addition to the spring survey results and catch data. The JUVENA acoustic index of juveniles is considered a valid indicator of the strength of the incoming recruitment. The autumn JUVENA can be used to update the stock assessment and the short-term forecast in December which could serve to review the TAC that currently runs from July to June, or to provide preliminary advice for a TAC for the calendar year which would need to be updated based on the spring survey results.

Data and methods

A two-stage Bayesian biomass dynamic model (CBBM) assessment was used based on the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) BIOMAN surveys (since 1987), the acoustic PELGAS surveys (since 1989), the autumn acoustic JUVENA surveys (since 2003) and catches from the French and Spanish fisheries. The assessment method is used for the first year.

Uncertainties in assessment and forecast

The current assessment is mainly driven by inputs provided by the surveys (SSB and proportion of 1-group in the biomass and recruitment). The last DEPM estimate used in the assessment is preliminary as the adult samples have not been fully processed.

The two spring biomass surveys, BIOMAN and PELGAS usually follow similar trends, with some exceptions (e.g. 2012). The 2013 autumn index of incoming recruitment in 2014 is estimated lower than previous years, while both spring biomass surveys show a relative increase in the same year classes. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the discrepancy between these surveys has a minor influence on the advice.

Growth and natural mortality of anchovy are assumed constant over the time-series. Additionally, there is no age- structured catchability in the surveys. Selectivity at age in the fishery during the first semester may have changed since 2010, this needs to be further investigated.

The current Bayesian model provides a formal statistical estimate of the precision of the results and these are translated into risk that can be included in harvest rules. The 90% probability intervals indicate that SSB in 2013 is between 46 981 and 92 833 t, with a median at 66 158 t. The probability of SSB in 2014 being below Blim is zero.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment this year follows the new stock annex adopted in October 2013. The basis for the advice this year is the same as last year: the precautionary approach.

Sources

ICES. 2009. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Short-lived Species (WKSHORT). ICES CM 2009/ACOM:34. 164 pp. ICES. 2013a. Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 21–26 June 2013, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:16. ICES. 2013b. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Pelagic Stocks (WKPELA 2013), 4–8 February 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:46. 483 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2 ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 20–25 June 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark, ICES CM 2014/ACOM:16. STECF. 2013. Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) – Advice on the Harvest Control Rule and Evaluation of the Anchovy Plan COM(2009) 399 Final (STECF-13-24). 2013. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, EUR 26326 EN, JRC 86109, 71 pp. STECF. 2014. Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) - Evaluation/scoping of Management plans - Data analysis for support of the impact assessment for the management plan of Bay of Biscay anchovy (COM(2009)399 final). (STECF-14-05). 2014. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, EUR 26611 EN, JRC 89792, 128 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 25

Figure 7.3.1.3 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Stock–recruitment plot based on median values.

Figure 7.3.1.4 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Catches (in tonnes) from the beginning of the time-series.

26 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Figure 7.3.1.5 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Posterior distribution of spawning biomass in 2014. Vertical dashed lines correspond to posterior median and 90% probability intervals.

Table 7.3.1.1 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Predicted catch Agreed Official catch ICES catch Advice corresp. to advice TAC 1987 Not assessed - 32 14 15 1988 Not assessed - 32 14 16 1989 Increase SSB; TAC 10.01 32 6 11 1990 Precautionary TAC 12.3 30 22 34 1991 Precautionary TAC 14.0 30 12 20 1992 No advice - 30 25 38 1993 Reduced F on juveniles; closed area - 30 29 40 1994 Reduced F on juveniles; closed area - 30 28 35 1995 Reduced F on juveniles; closed area - 33 29 30 1996 Reduced F on juveniles; closed area - 33 25 34 1997 Reduced F on juveniles; closed area - 33 18 22 1998 Reduced F on juveniles; closed area - 33 27 32 1999 Reduced F on juveniles, closed area - 33 16 27 2000 Closure of the fishery 0 33 35 37 2001 Preliminary TAC at recent exploitation 18 33 37 40 2002 Preliminary TAC at recent exploitation 33 33 19 18 2003 Preliminary TAC at recent exploitation 12.5 33 10 11 2004 Preliminary TAC at recent exploitation 11 33 16 16 2005 Rebuilding SSB 5 30 1 1 2006 Closure of the fishery 0 5 2 2 2007 Closure of the fishery 0 0 0.1 0.12 2008 Closure of the fishery 0 0 0 0 2009 Closure of the fishery 0 0 0.1 0 2010 Closure of the fishery 0 7 11 6.13 4 2010/2011 See scenarios - 15.6 - 15.1 2011/2012 Risk of SSB falling below Blim < 5% < 47 29.7 - 12.2 2012/2013 Risk of SSB falling below Blim < 5% < 28 20.7 - 16.8 5 2013/2014 Risk of SSB falling below Blim < 5% < 18 17.1 - 16.7 2014/2015 Risk of SSB falling below Blim < 5% < 23 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 Mean catch of 1987–1989. 2 Experimental fisheries. 3 Catch from January 2011 to June 2011. 4 From 2011 onwards, advice, TAC, and landings are valid from 1 July to 30 June. 5 Provisional catch from 1 July 2013 to 15 June 2014. n/a: not available.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 27 Table 7.3.1.2 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Official and ICES estimates of catches (in tonnes).

Year Official catch ICES catch 1960 80947 58085 1961 89969 75494 1962 65295 59123 1963 51956 48652 1964 80381 76973 1965 85296 83615 1966 48909 48358 1967 41460 41175 1968 38429 39619 1969 33098 36083 1970 23637 23485 1971 29086 28612 1972 32927 33067 1973 28196 28009 1974 31312 31117 1975 26426 26302 1976 36166 37261 1977 48319 48191 1978 45367 45219 1979 22673 26349 1980 22256 22102 1981 10876 10815 1982 4712 4991 1983 15699 14153 1984 28423 35179 1985 10816 11486 1986 7698 7923 1987 14188 15308 1988 14045 15581 1989 5898 10614 1990 22053 34272 1991 11581 19634 1992 25370 37885 1993 29266 40393 1994 28474 34631 1995 28626 30115 1996 25452 34373 1997 18179 22337 1998 27026 31617 1999 15757 27259 2000 34567 36994 2001 37086 40149 2002 19118 17507 2003 9964 10595 2004 15528 16361 2005 1086 1128 2006 1807 1753 2007** 141 0 2008 0 0 2009 190 0 2010 10664 10317 2011 14369 14530 2012 16636 14402 2013* NA 14192

* Preliminary estimate. ** Experimental fisheries.

28 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.1.3 Anchovy in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay). Summary of the assessment. Median and 90% probability intervals for recruitment (age 1 in January), spawning–stock biomass and harvest rates (Catch/SSB).

Year Recruitment High Low SSB High Low Landings Harvest High Low rate Age 1 Ages 1+ tonnes tonnes tonnes 1987 15591 20992 11869 21254 27759 16408 15308 0.677 0.518 0.877 1988 31259 38259 26246 29354 36583 24171 15581 0.491 0.394 0.596 1989 8978 12673 6467 15644 21935 11237 10614 0.527 0.376 0.733 1990 68106 79549 59483 54107 64456 46496 34272 0.623 0.523 0.725 1991 22852 30154 17405 30183 40039 22495 19634 0.6 0.452 0.805 1992 90705 115802 72826 75688 99541 58198 37885 0.492 0.374 0.639 1993 63904 79198 50438 75028 89491 63245 40393 0.524 0.439 0.622 1994 41828 51591 33946 49202 60615 40136 34631 0.683 0.555 0.838 1995 46402 60728 35374 42515 57585 30746 30115 0.685 0.505 0.947 1996 50411 62345 40709 48241 59492 39896 34373 0.682 0.553 0.824 1997 40511 52730 31672 46412 60717 36040 22337 0.441 0.337 0.567 1998 97156 126285 74860 96887 125651 74745 31617 0.324 0.25 0.42 1999 43049 61485 28997 70519 91100 54233 27259 0.369 0.285 0.479 2000 91600 110908 75332 94621 112755 78906 36994 0.39 0.327 0.468 2001 73513 88136 61999 91472 106448 79669 40149 0.439 0.377 0.504 2002 12479 18136 8805 38818 47953 31804 17507 0.451 0.365 0.55 2003 19715 24470 15665 27537 33744 22641 10595 0.381 0.311 0.463 2004 30429 37867 24734 30877 39072 24820 16361 0.524 0.414 0.652 2005 4086 5937 2719 14488 19595 10567 1128 0.078 0.058 0.107 2006 18049 24788 13235 21579 28691 16232 1753 0.081 0.061 0.108 2007 22545 30544 16775 31993 41620 24637 0 0.004 0.003 0.006 2008 9205 12946 6599 25111 32200 19634 0 0 0 0 2009 10216 14336 7475 20752 26531 16380 0 0 0 0 2010 47374 62193 36935 48980 63226 38421 10317 0.206 0.159 0.262 2011 110008 139766 86651 116770 146590 93217 14530 0.124 0.099 0.155 2012 42433 56614 32328 94405 118261 76088 14402 0.152 0.121 0.189 2013 34198 45906 25530 63477 82018 49171 14192 0.222 0.172 0.286 2014 52344 75508 36806 66158 92833 46981 Average 42820 54994 33639 51503 65232 40972 19702 0.377 0.297 0.475

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 29 Annex 7.3.1 Proposed management plan

In the management plan proposal by EC in 2009 (COM/2009/399 final) the harvest control rule is stated as:

This long-term plan follows a harvest control rule that should ensure the exploitation of the anchovy at high yields, guarantee the stability of the fishery and have a low risk of stock collapse. Various options regarding possible rules assessed. The results of the assessment indicate that the appropriate rule, according to which annual TACs (Total Allowable Catch) will be calculated, is the following:

SSB in May TAC (rounded up to the nearest1000 t): (for July to June):

SSB ≤ 24 000 t 0

24 000 < SSB < 33 000 t 7000

Between 10 200 t and 33 000 t 34 000 ≤ SSB < 100 000 t TAC=0.3*SSB t

SSB > 100 000 t 33 000 t

30 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.2 Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Anchovy in Division IXa (West of Galicia, Portuguese coast and Golf of Cadiz)

Advice for 2015

ICES cannot give catch advice for 2015. This is due to the lack of available data on year classes that constitute the bulk of the biomass and catches.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Below possible reference Qualitative evaluation points

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Variable without trend

Landings

SubNorth-divisions / IXaCentral North to C-South

14000 SubS-divisionouth IXa South

12000

10000 8000

6000

Landings (t) Landings 4000 2000

0 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

Figure 7.3.2.1 Anchovy in Division IXa. Left: Landings in tonnes. Top right: average yearly harvest rates in Division IXa South based on the PELAGO, ECOCADIZ (acoustic) and BOCADEVA (DEPM) surveys, with the assumption of catchability equal for all surveys. Bottom right: Average survey biomass estimates in Division IXa South, from the

same surveys.

The survey biomass in Division IXa South (where the main part of the landings are taken) is highly variable without clear trends. The biomass is largely composed of one year old fish. The observed harvest rates on the southern stock (10-50%) are considered low since this results in 60-90% of the potential spawning biomass being allowed to spawn. There is no

information on recruitment that will form the bulk of the catches in 2015.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 31 Biology

Anchovy is a short-lived species, with the fishable population consisting primarily of one-year-old fish. The anchovy stock in Division IXa South appears to be well established and relatively independent of stocks in more northern parts of Division IXa. The stock in Division IXa North and Central seems to be abundant sporadically only when suitable environmental conditions occur. Recent studies on genetics indicate that the stock inhabiting Division IXa South (Algarve and Cadiz) is different genetically from the one inhabiting the remaining parts of Division IXa.

Environmental influence on the stock

The recruitment depends strongly on environmental factors. Anchovy is a prey species for other pelagic and demersal species, and for cetaceans and birds.

Episodes of highly persistent turbidity events, caused by a man-induced control of the Guadalquivir river flow, have negatively impacted the nursery function of the Guadalquivir estuary (one of the main anchovy recruitment areas in the whole Division).

The fisheries

The main fisheries for anchovy is conducted by purse-seiners in Division IXa South, generally between March and September. Contribution from other fleets in the recent fishery is almost negligible. The fleets in the northwestern part of Division IXa that normally target sardine, occasionally target anchovy when these are abundant, which occurred in 1995 and in 2011.

Catch by fleet Total catch (2013) is unknown, official landings (2013) = 5.632 kt (99.8% purse-seiners and 0.2% other gear types). Discards are unknown.

Quality considerations

No survey estimates in Division IXa South were available in spring–summer 2012, and the 2014 survey provides information on the current state of the stock. The survey indices do not provide sufficient information on the year classes that will constitute the bulk of the biomass and catches in 2015. The autumn acoustic survey (ECOCADIZ-RECLUTAS) may give information on incoming recruits in the Gulf of Cadiz.

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 3 (ICES, 2014a) Assessment type Survey based assessment without catch advice. Input data Commercial landings: international landings, ages and length frequencies from landing sampling. Survey indices: acoustic spring surveys PELACUS (Division IXa North), SAR Q2/PELAGO (Division IXa C-North, C-South, and South), ECOCÁDIZ (Division IXa South), triennial DEPM survey BOCADEVA (Division IXa South). Discards and bycatch No information on discards is available. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Southern Horse mackerel, Anchovy and Sardine (WGHANSA)

32 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.2 Supporting information July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Anchovy in Division IXa (West of Galicia, Portuguese coast and Golf of Cadiz)

Reference points

No reference points have been set for the stock. The observed harvest on the southern stock has been in the range of 10– 50% assuming a catchability of 1 for the surveys. These harvest rates result in 60-90% of the potential spawning biomass has been allowed to spawn.

Outlook for 2015

No reliable analytical assessment can be presented for this stock. This is because insufficient data are available. Fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary considerations

No catch advice can be given for 2015 because of lack of available data for the year classes that will constitute the bulk of the biomass and catches.

Additional considerations

Environmental conditions

A recent study (González-Ortegón et al., 2010) has demonstrated that the nursery function of the Guadalquivir estuary (one of the main anchovy recruitment areas in the whole Division) may be negatively altered by episodes of highly persistent turbidity events which are caused by a man-induced control of the Guadalquivir river flow, from a dam 110 km upstream.

Management considerations

The historical fisheries management seems to have been sustainable. As this stock experiences high natural mortality and is highly dependent upon recruitment, an in-season management or alternative management measures could be considered. Information from the PELAGO and PELACUS spring surveys available on 1st of May could be used as a basis for in-year advice, depending on the surveys being carried out annually and the data are made available on time.

Results from the acoustic survey (ECOCÁDIZ) in late July this year could contribute to the knowledge of the anchovy biomass in Division IXa South in-year.

Besides maintaining the current monitoring system, an abundance survey of (0-group) juveniles is needed to improve catch advice. Juveniles will constitute the bulk of the spawning biomass and catch in the following year (Figure 7.3.2.4).

Recent studies on genetics indicate that the stock inhabiting Division IXa South (Algarve and Cadiz) is different genetically from the one inhabiting the remaining parts of Division IXa (Zarraonaindia et al., 2012). Given the differences in genetics and stock dynamics between the northern and southern parts of the area, this might imply separate management in these two regions of Division IXa.

Data considerations

The state of the stock in the southern area is derived from trends in the spring Portuguese acoustic survey as the main descriptor since this is the only 2014 index. A recruitment survey took place in autumn 2012 (ECOCÁDIZ RECLUTAS) pointing towards a recruitment below average, which is in line with the biomass index. The ECOCÁDIZ acoustic survey will be carried out in late July at the same time as the DEPM BOCADEVA survey. A new recruitment survey will be carried out in October 2014.

In the northern area, the combined PELAGO and PELACUS acoustic survey is used to describe the stock. The high 2011 biomass index in the survey is supported by high landings from this area. Length samples of the anchovy indicated that the outburst was due to recruitment from the area.

In order for ICES to give advice, annual surveys are needed to assess trends. Further improvements to the assessment can

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 33 be made if a time-series of a recruitment survey (age 0) becomes available.

Factors affecting the fisheries and the stock

Most of the fishery for this anchovy stock takes place in Division IXa South. The fleets in the northern part of Division IXa (targeting sardine) occasionally target anchovy when abundant, which occurred in 1995 and 2011.

Uncertainties in the assessment and advice

The sensitivity analysis on harvest rate over a range of potential survey catchabilities (0.6 to 1.6) suggests that the current harvest rates led to levels at or below the 50% SBPR which is considered a sustainable level of exploitation.

Although discards in anchovy fisheries is generally thought to be negligible, there is insufficient information to confirm this.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year. The basis of the advice is similar, although reference to ‘historic fisheries and management measures being sustainable’ is omitted from the advice this year. This text was not advice rather a statement of the past, which should not be used to infer the same management performance in future.

Sources

González-Ortegón, E., M. D. Subida, J. A. Cuesta , A. M. Arias, C. Fernández-Delgado, P. Drake. 2010. The impact of extreme turbidity events on the nursery function of a temperate European estuary with regulated freshwater inflow. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 87: 311–324. Zarraonaindia, I., Iriondo, M., Albaina, A., Pardo, M. A., Manzano, C., et al. 2012. Multiple SNP Markers Reveal Fine- Scale Population and Deep Phylogeographic Structure in European Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.). PLoS ONE, 7(7): e42201. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042201. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 20–25 June 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:16.

34 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biomass estimates IXa North to Central-South

50000

45000 Spring Sp. Acoust. Surv. (IXa N)

Spring Port. Acoust. Surv. (IXa C-N to C-S) 40000 Spring Sp.+Port. Ac. Surv. (IXa N to C-S) 35000

30000

25000 Biomass (t) 20000

15000

10000

5000

0 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

Biomass estimates IXa South

50000 12 Spring Portuguese Acoustic Survey 45000 Summer Spanish Acoustic Survey Summer Spanish DEPM. Survey (SD) 10 40000 Egg density (CUFES) 35000 CUFES eggs/m3 8

30000

25000 6

20000

Biomass (t) 4 15000

10000 (*) 2 5000

0 0 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 Y

Figure 7.3.2.2 Anchovy in Division IXa. Top left: Top right: survey biomass estimates in Division IXa North and Central (northern area). Bottom: survey biomass estimates in Division IXa South, where (*) denotes a partial estimate in 2010 for only the Spanish part of the Division IXa South during the Spanish survey. The figure includes anchovy egg densities sampled by CUFES in the last Portuguese PELAGO surveys.

Figure 7.3.2.3 Anchovy in Subdivision IXa South. Reference points for Harvest Rates (HR) corresponding to a selectivity-at- age fitted with a presumed F-at-age 1 = 0.6.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 35 Age composition in landings IXa South Age 3 1600 Age 2 1400 Age 1 1200 Age 0 1000 800 600

Number (Millions) 400 200 0 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 Year

Figure 7.3.2.4 Anchovy in Subdivision IXa South. Age composition in landings (in numbers, millions).

36 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.2.1 Anchovy in Division IXa. Single-stock exploitation boundaries (advice), management, and landings.

Year ICES Predicted Agreed Official ICES Advice catch/landings TAC1 landings landings corresp. to advice 1987 Not assessed - 4.6 3.9 n/a 1988 Not assessed - 6 3.3 4.7 1989 Not assessed - 6 4.4 6.0 1990 Not assessed - 9 2.2 6.5 1991 Not assessed - 9 3.5 5.9 1992 Not assessed - 12 2.2 3.2 1993 If required, precautionary TAC - 12 1.1 2.0 1994 If required, precautionary TAC - 12 1.4 3.4 1995 If required, precautionary TAC - 12 7.6 13.0 1996 If required, precautionary TAC - 12 3.5 4.6 1997 If required, TAC at pre-95 catch level - 12 4.0 5.3 1998 No advice 12 7.1 11.0 1999 If required, TAC at pre-95 catch level 4.6 13 6.1 7.4 2000 Fishery less than pre-95 level and develop and 4.6 10 2.5 2.5 implement management plan 2001 Average catch excl. 95 and 98 4.9 10 5.2 9.1 2002 Average catch excl. 95 and 98 4.9 8 4.7 8.8 2003 Average catch excl. 95, 98, and 01 4.7 8 5.6 5.3 2004 Average catch excl. 95, 98, 01, and 02 4.7 8 6.0 5.8 2005 Average catch excl. 95, 98, 01, and 02 4.7 8 4.5 4.5 2006 Average catch excl. 95, 98, 01, and 02 4.7 8 4.0 4.5 2007 Average catch 1988–2005 excl. 95, 98, 01, 02 4.8 8 5.4 6.5 2008 Average catch 1988–2006 excl. 95, 98, 01, 02 4.8 8 2.9 3.5 2009 Same advice as last year 4.8 8 2.3 3.0 2010 Same advice as last year 4.8 8 3.2 3.2 2011 See scenarios - 7.6 9.7 10.1 2012 Reduce catches - 8.6 5.6 5.6 2013 Historical fishery appears sustainable - 8.8 5.6 5.6 2014 Historical fishery appears sustainable - 8.8 2015 No catch advice - Weights in thousand tonnes. 1TAC for Subareas IX and X and CECAF 34.1.1.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 37 Table 7.3.2.2 Anchovy in Division IXa. Official landings (tonnes) per country and ICES estimates of landings by subdivision.

Official landings ICES landings TOTA TOTA Portugal Spain L Portugal Spain Total L Yea Total Total IXa C- IXa C- IXa IXa Tota IXa r IXa IXa IXa N S IXa S Total N S l S IXa 1943 - - - 7121 355 2499 9975 - - - - - 1944 - - - 1220 55 5376 6651 - - - - - 1945 - - - 781 15 7983 8779 - - - - - 1946 - - - 0 335 5515 5850 - - - - - 1947 - - - 0 79 3313 3392 - - - - - 1948 - - - 0 75 4863 4938 - - - - - 1949 - - - 0 34 2684 2718 - - - - - 1950 4145 11645 15790 31 30 3316 3377 - - - - - 1951 4145 13784 17929 21 6 3567 3594 - - - - - 1952 3619 13243 16862 1537 1 2877 4415 - - - - - 1953 4656 17103 21759 1627 15 2710 4352 - - - - - 1954 1550 16959 18509 328 18 3573 3919 - - - - - 1955 5031 27290 32321 83 53 4387 4523 - - - - - 1956 5574 23699 29273 12 164 7722 7898 - - - - - 1250 1261 1957 7810 23921 31731 96 13 1 0 - - - - - 1958 13562 28807 42369 1858 63 1109 3030 - - - - - 1959 3132 22808 25940 12 1 3775 3788 - - - - - 1960 6815 32992 39807 990 129 8384 9503 - - - - - 1961 9890 30098 39988 1351 81 1060 2492 - - - - - 1962 3557 37718 41275 542 137 3767 4446 - - - - - 1963 4638 22493 27131 140 9 5565 5714 - - - - - 1964 5714 27337 33051 0 0 4118 4118 - - - - - 1965 7610 44581 52191 7 0 4452 4460 - - - - - 1966 4461 41226 45687 23 35 4402 4460 - - - - - 1967 3824 36754 40578 153 34 3631 3818 - - - - - 1968 1161 14078 15239 518 5 447 970 - - - - - 1969 1364 12636 14000 782 10 582 1375 - - - - - 1970 1193 23127 24320 323 0 839 1162 - - - - - 1971 0 91 91 257 2 67 326 - - - - - 1972 0 1563 1563 ------1973 126 2458 2584 6 0 120 126 - - - - - 1974 437 2845 3282 113 1 124 238 - - - - - 1975 372 3114 3486 8 24 340 372 - - - - - 1976 88 8703 8791 32 38 18 88 - - - - - 1977 3261 11306 14567 3027 1 233 3261 - - - - - 1978 1022 9023 10045 640 17 354 1011 - - - - - 1979 790 20879 21669 194 8 453 655 - - - - - 1980 994 994 1988 21 24 935 980 - - - - - 1981 1370 1370 2740 426 117 435 978 - - - - - 1982 699 715 1414 48 96 512 656 - - - - - 1983 1015 1115 2130 283 58 332 673 - - - - - 1984 461 463 924 214 94 84 392 - - - - - 1985 2435 2487 4922 1893 146 83 2122 - - - - - 1986 2152 3223 5375 1892 194 95 2181 - - - - - 1987 1621 3895 5516 84 17 11 112 - - - - - 1988 892 3281 4173 338 77 43 458 - 4263 4263 4306 4721 1989 824 4435 5259 389 85 22 496 118 5330 5448 5352 5944

38 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.2.2 Anchovy in Division IXa. Official landings (tonnes) per country and ICES estimates of landings by subdivision. Continued

Official landings ICES landings PT SP TOTAL Portugal Spain Total TOTAL Total Total IXa C- Year IXa IXa C-S IXa S Total IXa N IXa S Total IXa S IXa IXa IXa N 1990 644 2245 2889 424 93 24 541 220 5726 5946 5750 6487 1991 222 3531 3753 187 3 20 210 15 5697 5712 5717 5922 1992 138 2213 2351 92 46 0 138 33 2995 3028 2995 3166 1993 28 1102 1130 20 3 0 23 1 1960 1961 1960 1984 1994 236 1383 1619 231 5 0 236 117 3035 3152 3035 3388 1995 2530 7576 10106 6724 332 0 7056 5329 571 5900 571 12956 1996 2775 3481 6256 2707 13 51 2771 44 1780 1824 1831 4595 1997 632 3982 4614 610 8 13 632 63 4600 4664 4613 5295 1998 1613 7104 8717 894 153 566 1613 371 8977 9349 9543 10962 1999 1374 6112 7486 957 96 355 1408 413 5587 6000 5942 7409 2000 265 2452 2717 71 61 178 310 10 2182 2191 2360 2502 2001 748 5159 5907 397 19 439 855 27 8216 8244 8655 9098 2002 916 4720 5636 433 90 393 915 21 7870 7891 8262 8806 2003 519 5627 6146 211 67 200 478 23 4768 4791 4968 5269 2004 663 5981 6644 83 139 434 657 4 5183 5187 5617 5844 2005 129 4467 4596 82 6 38 126 4 4385 4389 4423 4515 2006 111 4020 4131 79 15 14 108 15 4368 4383 4381 4491 2007 871 5411 6282 833 7 34 874 4 5576 5580 5610 6454 2008 335 2909 3244 211 87 37 335 5 3168 3173 3204 3508 2009 72 2277 2349 35 5 32 72 19 2922 2941 2954 3013 2010 130 3161 3291 100 2 28 130 179 2901 3080 2929 3210 2011 3318 6816 10134 3239 1 78 3318 541 6216 6758 6294 10076 2012 796 4793 5589 521 220 56 796 39 4754 4793 4810 5589 2013 391 5241 5632 192 131 67 391 69 5172 5241 5240 5632 ( - ) Not available ( 0 ) Less than 1 tonne

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 39 Table 7.3.2.3 Anchovy in Division IXa. Summary of data (biomass indices in tonnes) used in the qualitative assessment.

Acoustic survey Biomass estimates DEPM Spring Summer Autumn Summer Sp.+Port. Port. Port. Sp. survey Port. survey Sp. survey Sp. survey Sp. survey Year Surveys survey survey IXa C-N to IXa IXa N to IXa IXa N IXa S IXa S IXa S IXa S IXa S C-S C-S ECOCÁDI PELACUS+ ECOCÁDI Z BOCADEV PELACUS PELAGO PELAGO SAR-NOV PELAGO Z RECLUTA A S WHE March– March– March–April March–April July Octob–Nov Octob–Nov June-July N April April 1998 30695 1999 596 24763 2000 33909 2001 368 24913 25578 2002 1542 21335 2003 112 24565 2004 18177 2005 1062 14041 14637 2006 0 24082 36521 2007 0 1945 1945 38020 28882 23723 2008 306 5505 5811 34162 31527 2009 26 2089 2115 24745 21580 2010 42 1188 1230 7395 12339 2011 1508 27050 28558 0 32757 2012 45 13680 2013 0 4284 4284 12414 8487 2014 0 1947 1947 28917

Table 7.3.2.4 Anchovy in Subdivision IXa South. Summary of the assessment of yearly harvest rates on anchovy in the Gulf of Cadiz (IXa South) with the assumption of catchability equal for all surveys (and averaging annual biomass estimates).

Mean Harvest Rate Year Landings biomass (for Q=1) 1999 5942 24763 0.24 2000 2360 2001 8655 24913 0.35 2002 8262 21335 0.39 2003 4968 24565 0.20 2004 5617 18177 0.31 2005 4423 14339 0.31 2006 4381 30301 0.14 2007 5610 33451 0.17 2008 3204 32845 0.10 2009 2954 23163 0.13 2010 2929 9867 0.30 2011 6294 32757 0.19 2012 4810 2013 5240 10593 0.49

40 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.3 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach but cannot quantify the resulting catches. The implied landings should be no more than 1050 tonnes in 2015. Combined landings of Lophius piscatorius and Lophius budegassa should be no more than 2987 tonnes in 2015. Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013

MSY (FMSY) Appropriate

Precautionary Undefined approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Above trigger

Precautionary Undefined approach (Bpa,Blim)

Figure 7.3.3.1 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment: Landings (top left), F/FMSY (bottom left), and B/BMSY (bottom right) with 80% confidence intervals (dotted black lines). Top right: SSB/BMSY and F/FMSY for the time-series over the years.

Biomass at the beginning of 2014 is estimated to be above MSY Btrigger. Fishing mortality has decreased since 1999 and in 2013 it was estimated to be below FMSY.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 41 Biology

Anglerfish are top predators, with a diet that reflects temporal prey availability. Spawning may occur in deep water from late winter to summer. They are considered to be a long-lived species with females reaching sexual maturity at large size: 50–60 cm for L. budegassa and 70–80 cm for L. piscatorius. Larger fish can migrate over long distances.

The fisheries

Anglerfish species, Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa, are caught together in bottom-trawl and gillnet fisheries. Anglerfish, hake, Nephrops, and megrim are partly caught in the same mixed fisheries. Spanish trawl discards are considered negligible except in occasional years when they can be high. There is no minimum landing size for anglerfish, but a minimum selling weight of 500 g was fixed in 1996 to ensure marketing standards.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown, official landings = 0.770 kt (55% bottom otter trawl, 11% Spanish gillnet, 33% Portuguese artisanal, and 1% other gear types). Discarding is known to occur but cannot be quantified.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance. The 2013 lpue series from Portugal and Spain were not used in the assessment because of a change in the data source. Once the sources have been evaluated, they will be included in the time-series.

The assessment results are considered uncertain, as reflected by the large confidence intervals. In addition, the overall dynamics in relation to Btrigger and FMSY are relatively unstable as reflected in shifts in stock trends relative to these values in consecutive years. The advice is, however, relatively robust to these uncertainties.

Growth rates for L. budegassa are under revision. In the absence of accurate ageing, a growth model is needed; this will require tagging experiments. The lack of a validated age-reading criterion precludes the use of assessment models based on age data. Due to the broad size range of the species, length sampling should be increased to ensure adequate data for future development of improved assessment methods.

Figure 7.3.3.2 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Historical assessment results. The stock was benchmarked in 2012.

42 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Scientific basis Stock data category 1 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Surplus production model (ASPIC). Input data Commercial catches (international landings); three commercial indices (SPCORTR8c 1982–2012, PT.crust.tr 1989–2012, and PT.fish.tr 1989–2012). Discards and bycatch Discards are known to take place but cannot be fully quantified (in the order of 6.5% for the Spanish trawl fleet). Indicators None. Other information This stock was benchmarked in 2012 (WKFLAT; ICES, 2012). This stock is caught together with L. piscatorius (Section 7.3.4); therefore, the fisheries advice combines both stocks. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 43 7.3.3 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY Btrigger 50% BMSY BMSY is implicitly estimated from the surplus production model MSY (ICES, 2012). approach FMSY Relative Implicit, estimated from the surplus production model (ICES, value. 2012). Fishing mortality values are expressed relative to FMSY. Blim Not defined. Precautionary Bpa Not defined. approach Flim Not defined. Fpa Not defined. (Last changed in: 2012)

Outlook for 2015

Basis: Fsq/FMSY = F (2014) /FMSY = mean F (2011–2013) /FMSY = 0.625; B (2015)/BMSY = 0.92; Catch (2014) = unknown; Landings (2014) = 0.927. Combined L. bud. L. budegassa Combined species species Basis Landings Landings F(2015) B(2016) %B %TAC %Landings Rationale 1) 2) 3) (2015) (2015) / FMSY /BMSY change change change a MSY approach 1.050 2.987 Fsq × 1.1 0.688 0.947 +3% +14% +20% Zero catch 0 0 F = 0 0.000 0.991 +7% −100% −100% −15% TAC 0.505 0.958 +4% −15% −11% Other options 0.775 2.236 (Fsq × 0.807) Equal TAC 0.600 0.952 +3% 0% +5% 0.918 2.629 (Fsq × 0.959) +15% TAC 0.697 0.946 +3% +15% +21% 1.063 3.022 (Fsq × 1.114) 0.956 2.733 Fsq × 1 0.625 0.951 +3% +4% +9% b 1.510 - Fsq × 1.599 1.000 0.927 +1% +31% +38% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) Biomass 2016 relative to biomass 2015. 2) Landings of combined anglerfish species in 2015 relative to TAC 2014 (2629 t). 3) Landings 2015 relative to landings 2014 (both species combined). a As both species of anglerfish (L. piscatorius and L. budegassa) are caught in the same fisheries and are subject to a combined TAC, the same multiplicative factor is applied to the current fishing mortality (Fsq) for both species. This year the L. piscatorius multiplier is used. b Single-species FMSY value.

MSY approach

Because the two anglerfish species are not separated in the landings, the advice of the two stocks is linked. This stock is below FMSY and above MSY Btrigger. Following the ICES MSY approach implies a fishing mortality at or below FMSY for both stocks, therefore, the F multiplier of L. piscatorius is applied to both stocks. This results in landings of L. budegassa of no more than 1050 t in 2015. This is expected to lead to a 3% biomass increase in 2015.

Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

44 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Additional considerations

Management considerations

The fisheries for the two anglerfish species are managed under a common TAC. They are usually caught and recorded together in the landing statistics. Management of the two anglerfish species under a combined TAC prevents effective control of the single-species exploitation rates and could potentially lead to overexploitation of either species. It is impossible to adequately manage each species separately under a common TAC.

As anglerfish are taken in mixed trawl fisheries, this stock is also affected by the southern hake and Nephrops recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) No. 2166/2005) effort limitation.

Uncertainties in the assessment and forecast

By fixing B1/K, the model became stable and is no more sensitive to the starting guess settings of MSY, K, and seed value.

The assessment results are considered uncertain, as reflected by the large confidence intervals. In addition, the overall dynamics in relation to Btrigger and FMSY are relatively unstable as reflected in shifts in stock trends relative to these values in consecutive years. The advice is, however, relatively robust to these uncertainties. The current estimates of the overall stock dynamics relative to reference points are in the same order as those estimated in 2012.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year. The basis for the advice this year is the same as last year: the MSY approach.

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on the Flatfish Species and Anglerfish (WKFLAT), 1–8 March 2012, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:46. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2 ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp. Landa, J., Duarte, R., and Quincoces, I. 2008. Growth of white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) tagged in the Northeast Atlantic and a review of age studies on anglerfish. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 72–80.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 45 Table 7.3.3.1 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Advice1 Predicted Predicted Agreed ICES landings ICES landings landings TAC1,2 for combined landings corresp. to corresp. to species L. budegassa advice for advice for L. combined budegassa species 1987 Not dealt with - 12.0 8.9 3.8 1988 Not dealt with - 12.0 10.0 3.7 1989 Not dealt with - 12.0 7.6 2.6 1990 Not dealt with - 12.0 6.1 2.3 1991 No advice - 12.0 5.8 2.2 1992 No advice - 12.0 4.2 2.1 No long-term gain in - 13.0 4.5 2.2 1993 increasing F 1994 No advice - 13.0 3.6 1.6 If required a precautionary - 13.0 3.6 1.8 1995 TAC If required a precautionary - 13.0 4.6 1.6 1996 TAC If required a precautionary - 13.0 5.5 1.8 1997 TAC Restrict catch to < 80% recent 10.0 5.1 2.1 1998 levels 1999 Reduce F to Fpa 4.2 8.5 3.8 1.9 2000 60% reduction in F 1.6 6.8 2.6 1.4 2001 50% reduction in F 2.8 6.0 1.8 1.0 2002 30% reduction in F 3.5 4.8 1.8 0.8 2003 5% reduction in F 3.2 4.0 3.2 0.9 2004 F = 0 or recovery plana 0a 2.3 4.1 1.0 2005 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 4.5 0.9 2006 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 4.1 1.1 2007 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 3.6 1.3 2008 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 3.3 1.0 2009 Same advice as last year 0 1.8 3.0 0.8 2010 F = 0 or management plan 0 1.5 2.3 0.8 2011 MSY framework 1.5 0.48 1.6 1.8 0.8 2012 MSY framework 3.3 1.1 3.3 2.3 1.0 2013 MSY transition 2.09 0.74 2.5 2.2 0.8 2014 MSY approach 2.629 1.153 2.6 2015 MSY approach 2.987 1.050 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 For Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa combined. 2 For Division VIIIc and Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. a Single-stock boundary and the exploitation of this stock should be conducted in the context of mixed fisheries, protecting stocks outside safe biological limits.

46 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.3.2 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Landings (in tonnes) by country and main fishing fleets, as estimated by ICES.

Div. VIIIc Div. IXa Div. VIIIc+IXa SPAIN SPAIN PORTUGAL Year Trawl Gillnet Others TOTAL Trawl Gillnet Others Trawl Artisanal TOTAL TOTAL 1978 n/a n/a n/a 248 n/a 107 355 355 1979 n/a n/a n/a 306 n/a 210 516 516 1980 1203 207 1409 385 n/a 315 700 2110 1981 1159 309 1468 505 n/a 327 832 2300 1982 827 413 1240 841 n/a 288 1129 2369 1983 1064 188 1252 699 n/a 428 1127 2379 1984 514 176 690 558 223 458 1239 1929 1985 366 123 489 437 254 653 1344 1833 1986 553 585 1138 379 200 847 1425 2563 1987 1094 888 1982 813 232 804 1849 3832 1988 1058 1010 2068 684 188 760 1632 3700 1989 648 351 999 764 272 542 1579 2578 1990 491 142 633 689 387 625 1701 2334 1991 503 76 579 559 309 716 1584 2162 1992 451 57 508 485 287 832 1603 2111 1993 516 292 809 627 196 596 1418 2227 1994 542 201 743 475 79 283 837 1580 1995 924 104 1029 615 68 131 814 1843 1996 840 105 945 342 133 210 684 1629 1997 800 198 998 524 81 210 815 1813 1998 748 148 896 681 181 332 1194 2089 1999 565 127 692 671 110 406 1187 1879 2000 441 73 514 377 142 336 855 1369 2001 383 69 452 190 101 269 560 1013 2002 173 74 248 234 75 213 522 770 2003 279 49 329 305 68 224 597 926 2004 250 120 370 285 50 267 603 973 2005 273 97 370 283 31 214 527 897 2006 323 124 447 541 39 121 701 1148 2007 372 68 440 684 66 111 861 1301 2008 386 70 456 336 40 119 495 951 2009 301 148 449 172 34 114 320 769 2010 352 81 432 197 70 84 351 784 2011 256 68 324 279 75 119 474 798 2012 207 61 267 231 156 370 757 1024 2013 217 77 5 300 106 7 0.1 100 258 471 770 n/a: not available

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 47 Table 7.3.3.3 Black-bellied anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of the assessment.

Landings Ye ar F/Fmsy B/Bmsy tonnes 1980 1.09 2110 1.20 1981 1.21 2300 1.18 1982 1.28 2369 1.15 1983 1.33 2379 1.12 1984 1.10 1929 1.08 1985 1.05 1833 1.07 1986 1.51 2563 1.06 1987 2.41 3832 1.02 1988 2.57 3700 0.93 1989 1.93 2578 0.84 1990 1.83 2334 0.80 1991 1.76 2162 0.77 1992 1.78 2111 0.74 1993 1.96 2227 0.71 1994 1.43 1580 0.68 1995 1.69 1843 0.68 1996 1.52 1629 0.66 1997 1.72 1813 0.65 1998 2.06 2089 0.64 1999 1.93 1879 0.61 2000 1.44 1369 0.59 2001 1.05 1013 0.58 2002 0.77 770 0.60 2003 0.89 926 0.63 2004 0.91 973 0.65 2005 0.81 897 0.67 2006 1.01 1148 0.69 2007 1.13 1301 0.70 2008 0.81 951 0.71 2009 0.63 769 0.74 2010 0.61 784 0.77 2011 0.60 798 0.80 2012 0.74 1024 0.83 2013 0.54 770 0.86 2014 0.89

48 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.4 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach but cannot quantify the resulting catches. The implied landings should be no more than 1937 t in 2015. Combined landings of Lophius piscatorius and Lophius budegassa should be no more than 2987 t in 2015. Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013

MSY Appropriate MSY (F ) Precautionary Undefined approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Undefined Precautionary Undefined approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Increasing

Figure 7.3.4.1 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes). Top right: SSB/F over the years. Predicted values are shaded.

Fishing mortality has been decreasing and is in 2013 estimated at just below the FMSY proxy. SSB has been increasing since 1994 and has been high since 2005. Recruitment has been low in recent years with no evidence of strong year classes since 2001.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 49 Biology

Anglerfish are top predators, with a diet that reflects temporal prey availability. Spawning may occur in deep water from late winter to summer. They are considered to be a long-lived species, with females reaching sexual maturity at large size: 50–60 cm for L. budegassa and 70–80 cm for L. piscatorius. Larger fish can migrate over long distances. L. piscatorius has an average growth rate of around 10 cm a year.

Growth studies showed a faster growth rate than previously assumed (Landa et al., 2008).

The fisheries

Anglerfish species, Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa, are caught together in bottom-trawl and gillnet fisheries. These fisheries also catch hake, Nephrops, and megrim. There is no minimum landing size for anglerfish, but a minimum selling weight of 500 g was fixed in 1996 to ensure marketing standards.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown, official landings (2013) = 1.4 kt (24% bottom trawl, 60% Spanish gillnet, 4% Spanish miscellaneous gears, and 12% Portuguese artisanal gear types). Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The 2013 lpue series from Portugal and Spain were not used in the assessment because of a change in the data source. Once the sources have been evaluated, they will be included in the time-series. The lack of a validated age-reading criterion precludes the use of age–length keys as input to the current model. The stock is assessed using a length-based model, so length sampling is key information for this stock. Due to the broad size range of the species the length sampling should be increased to ensure adequate data for the assessment.

Discarding is known to occur but cannot be quantified; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Figure 7.3.4.2 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Historical assessment results. This stock was benchmarked in 2012.

Scientific basis Stock data category 1 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Length-based model (SS3). Input data Landings, length distribution; Commercial catches (international official landings); one survey index (SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4); two commercial indices (lpue series from SP- CORUTR8c 1982-2012 and SP-CEDGNS8c 1999-2011); assumed natural mortality. Discards and bycatch Discards are known to take place but cannot be fully quantified. Indicators None. Other information This stock was benchmarked in WKFLAT (ICES, 2012a). This stock is caught together with L. budegassa (Section 7.3.3) and the two species have a common TAC; therefore, the fisheries advice combines both stocks. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

50 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.4 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points Type Value Technical basis MSY MSY Btrigger Not defined. approach FMSY 0.19 F0.1 (ICES, 2012b). Blim Not defined. Precautionary Bpa Not defined. approach Flim Not defined. Fpa Not defined. (Last changed in: 2012)

Outlook for 2015

Basis: F (2014) = Fsq = mean F (2011–2013) = 0.170; SSB (2015) = 8.770; Catch (2014) = unknown; Landings (2014) = 1.570; R (2014) = GM (1980–2013) = 1.178 million. Combined L. pisc. L. piscatorius Combined species species Rationale Basis F Landings Landings SSB %SSB %TAC %Landings landings (2015) (2015) 2016 change 1) change 2) change 3) 2015 FMSY MSY approach 1.937 2.987 4) 0.187 9.696 +11% +14% +20% (Fsq × 1.1) Zero catch 0 0 F = 0 0 11.598 +32% −100% −100% −15% TAC Other options 1.461 2.236 0.137 10.165 +16% −15% −11% (Fsq × 0.807) Equal TAC 1.711 2.629 0.163 9.919 +13% 0% +5.3% (Fsq × 0.959) +15% TAC 1.959 3.022 0.189 9.674 +10% +15% +21% (Fsq × 1.114) 1.777 2.733 Fsq × 1 0.170 9.853 +12% +4% +9% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) SSB 2016 relative to SSB 2015. 2) Landings of combined anglerfish species in 2015 relative to TAC 2014 (2629 t). 3) Landings 2015 relative to landings 2014 (both species combined). 4) As both species of anglerfish (L. piscatorius and L. budegassa) are caught in the same fisheries and are subject to a combined TAC, the same multiplicative factor is applied to current fishing mortality (F2013) for both species. This year the L. piscatorius multiplier is used.

MSY approach

Because the two anglerfish species are not separated in the landings, the advice of the two stocks is linked. No MSY Btrigger has been defined for this stock; therefore, the ICES MSY approach has been applied without consideration of SSB in relation to MSY Btrigger. The status of the stock in relation to any potential biomass reference point is unknown.

Following the ICES MSY approach implies that fishing mortality be increased by 11% for this stock. To maintain fishing mortality for both stocks at or below the FMSY proxy, the F multiplier of L. piscatorius is applied to both stocks, resulting in landings of no more than 1937 t of L. piscatorius in 2015. This is expected to lead to an 11% SSB increase in 2016. Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Additional considerations

The fisheries for the two anglerfish species are managed under a common TAC. They are usually caught and recorded together in the landings statistics. Management of the two anglerfish species under a combined TAC prevents effective control of the single-species exploitation rates and could potentially lead to overexploitation of either species. It is impossible to adequately manage each species separately under a common TAC.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 51 As anglerfish are taken in mixed-trawl fisheries, this stock is also affected by the southern hake and Nephrops recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) No. 2166/2005) effort limitation.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year. The basis for the advice this year is the same as last year: the MSY approach.

Sources

ICES. 2012a. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on the Flatfish Species and Anglerfish (WKFLAT), 1–8 March 2012, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:46. ICES. 2012b. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2012, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2 ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp. Landa, J., Duarte, R., and Quincoces, I. 2008. Growth of white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) tagged in the Northeast Atlantic and a review of age studies on anglerfish. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 72–80.

Figure 7.3.4.3 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Stock–recruitment plot (left panel) and yield- and spawning–stock biomass-per-recruit (right panel).

52 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.4.1 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Advice1 Predicted Predicted Agreed ICES ICES landings landings TAC1,2 landings landings L. corresp. to corresp. to for piscatorius advice for advice for combined combined L. species species piscatorius 1987 Not dealt with - 12.0 8.9 5.1 1988 Not dealt with - 12.0 10.0 6.3 1989 Not dealt with - 12.0 7.6 5.0 1990 Not dealt with - 12.0 6.1 3.8 1991 No advice - 12.0 5.8 3.6 1992 No advice - 12.0 4.2 3.4 1993 No long-term gain in increasing F - 13.0 4.5 2.3 1994 No advice - 13.0 3.6 2.0 1995 If required a precautionary TAC - 13.0 3.6 1.8 1996 If required a precautionary TAC - 13.0 4.6 3.0 1997 If required a precautionary TAC - 13.0 5.5 3.7 1998 Restrict catch to < 80% recent levels 10.0 5.1 3.0 1999 Reduce F to Fpa 4.2 8.5 3.8 1.9 2000 60% reduction in F 1.6 6.8 2.6 1.3 2001 50% reduction in F 2.8 6.0 1.8 0.8 2002 30% reduction in F 3.5 4.8 1.8 1.0 2003 5% reduction in F 3.2 4.0 3.2 2.3 2004 F = 0 or recovery plana 0a 2.3 4.1 3.1 2005 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 4.5 3.6 2006 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 4.1 3.0 2007 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 3.6 2.3 2008 F = 0 or recovery plan 0 2.0 3.3 2.3 2009 Same advice as last year 0 1.8 3.0 2.2 2010 F = 0 or management plan 0 1.5 2.3 1.6 2011 MSY framework 1.5 1.0 1.6 1.8 0.1 2012 MSY framework 3.3 2.2 3.3 2.3 1.3 2013 MSY transition 2.09 1.35 2.5 2.2 1.4 2014 MSY approach 2.629 1.476 2.6 2015 MSY approach 2.987 1.937 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 For Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa combined. 2 For Division VIIIc and Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. a Single-stock boundary and the exploitation of this stock should be conducted in the context of mixed fisheries, protecting stocks outside safe biological limits.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 53 Table 7.3.4.2 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Landings (in tonnes) by country and main fishing fleets, as estimated by ICES.

Div. VIIIc Div. IXa Div. VIIIc+IXa SPAIN SPAIN PORTUGAL Year Trawl Gillnet Others TOTAL Trawl Gillnet Others Trawl Artisanal TOTAL TOTAL 1978 n/a n/a n/a 258 115 373 1979 n/a n/a n/a 319 225 544 1980 2 806 1 270 4 076 401 339 740 4 816 1981 2 750 1 931 4 681 535 352 887 5 568 1982 1 915 2 682 4 597 875 310 1 185 5 782 1983 3 205 1 723 4 928 726 460 1 186 6 114 1984 3 086 1 690 4 776 578 186 492 1 256 6 032 1985 2 313 2 372 4 685 540 212 702 1 454 6 139 1986 2 499 2 624 5 123 670 167 910 1 747 6 870 1987 2 080 1 683 3 763 320 194 864 1 378 5 141 1988 2 525 2 253 4 778 570 157 817 1 543 6 321 1989 1 643 2 147 3 790 347 259 600 1 206 4 996 1990 1 439 985 2 424 435 326 606 1 366 3 790 1991 1 490 778 2 268 319 224 829 1 372 3 640 1992 1 217 1 011 2 228 301 76 778 1 154 3 382 1993 844 666 1 510 72 111 636 819 2 329 1994 690 827 1 517 154 70 266 490 2 007 1995 830 572 1 403 199 66 166 431 1 834 1996 1 306 745 2 050 407 133 365 905 2 955 1997 1 449 1 191 2 640 315 110 650 1 075 3 714 1998 912 1 359 2 271 184 28 497 710 2 981 1999 551 1 013 1 564 79 9 285 374 1 938 2000 269 538 808 107 4 340 451 1 259 2001 231 294 525 57 16 190 263 788 2002 385 341 726 110 29 168 307 1 032 2003 911 722 1 633 312 29 305 645 2 278 2004 1 260 1 269 2 528 264 27 335 626 3 154 2005 1 378 1 622 3 000 371 29 244 643 3 644 2006 1 166 1 247 2 413 260 29 260 549 2 963 2007 955 1 009 1 964 181 13 192 386 2 350 2008 894 1 168 2 062 138 11 127 275 2 337 2009 850 1 058 1 909 213 10 148 371 2 280 2010 313 955 1 268 158 2 119 279 1 547 2011 262 470 733 118 46 80 244 976 2012 355 600 955 134 6 163 302 1 257 2013 278 775 47 1 100 60 77 12 15 154 318 1 418 n/a = not available.

54 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.4.3 White anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of the assessment.

Recruitment SSB Landings F Year Age 0 tonnes tonnes (30–130 cm) thousands 1980 442 7194 4817 0.33 1981 1650 9609 5566 0.34 1982 6788 10957 5782 0.38 1983 3025 9990 6113 0.52 1984 803 8276 6031 0.54 1985 1677 8139 6139 0.55 1986 5996 7757 6870 0.83 1987 4115 4886 5139 0.96 1988 1628 3313 6321 1.46 1989 2979 2516 4995 1.2 1990 2427 2285 3790 0.89 1991 926 2136 3640 0.87 1992 1168 2120 3382 0.91 1993 1374 1923 2329 0.69 1994 2862 1876 2007 0.59 1995 2190 1962 1835 0.39 1996 457 2788 2956 0.43 1997 210 3862 3715 0.47 1998 180 4384 2981 0.39 1999 475 4352 1939 0.3 2000 560 4079 1256 0.25 2001 3112 3794 788 0.19 2002 1612 3882 1034 0.2 2003 394 4465 2279 0.31 2004 1703 5609 3156 0.33 2005 1122 6612 3646 0.38 2006 1318 6398 2932 0.37 2007 553 6056 2349 0.32 2008 461 6179 2338 0.3 2009 637 6362 2280 0.3 2010 997 6204 1548 0.23 2011 1222 6160 976 0.16 2012 586 6579 1257 0.18 2013 1803 7106 1419 0.18 2014 1178* 7876 Average 1675 5362 3341 0.492 *GM (1980–2012).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 55 7.3.5 Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2 (Azores)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the approach for data-limited stocks that catches should be no more than 1098 tonnes.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Reduced

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

Fishing mortality indicator 9000 Effort Purse Seine Fishery 8000 7000 6000

5000

4000

3000 Number seadays at of 2000 1000

0 1978 1981 1984 1987 1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011

Figure 7.3.5.1 Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2. Top left: Estimated catches (tonnes). Bottom left: Total effort (number of days at sea) for the purse-seine fleet. Top right: landings per unit effort (lpue, kg/day) artisanal purse-seiners on juveniles. Below: catch per unit of effort (cpue, kg/day) from the tuna bait boat fishery on juveniles. Dashed lines are the 95% confidence intervals.

Abundance indices in the purse-seine fishery (catching mainly juvenile fish) is near the historic low level, and fishing mortality for this fleet has reduced in the last 2 years. The abundance index from the tuna bait fisheries which is available since 1998 suggests the juvenile population is relatively stable since 2008 and higher than average. The bulk of the catch comes from juvenile fisheries.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

56 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

Trachurus picturatus is a species of the Carangidae family commonly known as blue jack mackerel, and it is the only Trachurus species around the Azores. It occurs in deep waters to a maximum depth of around 370 m. It is a schooling species which is known to migrate between the coast of Sahara and the offshore seamounts, possibly reaching as far as the Cape Verde Islands. Around the Azores all life stages are found and therefore the species in the area is considered as one biological stock. Peak of spawning in Azores is around January–February.

The fisheries

The blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) has traditionally been one of the favourite species for human consumption in the Azores and is targeted by an artisanal fleet using purse-seines close to the coast of the Azorean islands. The blue jack mackerel is also the main species used as live bait by the local bait boat fleet, which targets tuna species. The total number of days at sea was reduced for the purse-seiners in 2012 and 2013, although there was no regulation in force to reduce effort.

Catch distribution Total estimated catch (2013) = 1153 t where 95 % landings, recreational catch and live bait (54% artisanal purse-seiners, 22% live bait tuna vessels and 11% hook and lines, 13% recreational), 5 % discards.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on commercial abundance indices from the main fleets, used as an indicator of stock trends and effort information as indicator of exploitation. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. For 2013, discard data were not collected and an estimate was used based on historic information.

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 3 (ICES, 2014a) Assessment type Trends based assessment. Input data Catch statistics, effort and cpue and lpue indices. Discards and bycatch Included in the assessment. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA)

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 57 7.3.5 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2 (Azores)

Reference points

No reference points have been defined.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable analytical assessment can be presented for this stock because insufficient data are available. Fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks without information on abundance or exploitation ICES considers that a precautionary reduction of catches should be implemented, unless there is ancillary information clearly indicating that the current exploitation is appropriate to the stock.

For this stock, the juvenile abundance indicators are estimated to be stable. Considering that exploitation has reduced in the last 2 years due to the reduction in effort in one of the two major fisheries, no precautionary reduction in catches is considered necessary. Therefore, ICES advises that catches should not increase in relation to the last two years average catch, corresponding to catches of no more than 1098 t.

Additional considerations

Management considerations

This stock is currently managed under the Council Regulation (EU) No 57/2011, article 6: TAC to be determined by the Member State. The catches have been maintained at a relatively stable level since 1990 in part by an auto regulation adopted by the fisher association.

From 2014 onwards, measures have been announced limiting the fisheries for small pelagic fish. This includes limiting the number of days at sea and a maximum for landings per vessel per day (for example, maximum 200 kg landings per vessel per day for the artisanal purse-seine fleet, and no commercial fisheries allowed in the weekend).

Stock identity

Studies on this species indicated differences in biological parameters between Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and adjacent waters of Western Europe. Parasitological studies showed differences between the blue jack mackerel populations from Azores, Madeira, Western Sahara and the Mediterranean.

Fisheries

The blue jack mackerel was historically mostly landed by the artisanal fleet using purse-seines and since 1990, through an auto regulation adopted by the fishers’ association and based on market restrictions, the catches were relatively stable. Catches from purse-seiners have sharply decreased in 2012 (51%) and has remained low in 2013, in part because of a reduction of effort, and in part a reduction of the cpue. A continuous decline in consumer demands has led to the catch limits adopted by the fleet, which explains the reduction observed in the landings in recent years.

Uncertainties in the assessment and advice

The lack of an adult biomass index is of concern as the overall trends in the stock are unknown.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment in 2012 was a juvenile and adult biomass index, while this year it is based on two juvenile indices and an effort information.

The basis for the advice this year is the same as in 2012: the ICES DLS approach.

58 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Source

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 20–25 June 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:16.

Table 7.3.5.1 Jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2. ICES advice, management, and catches.

Year ICES Advice Predicted catch TAC Official ICES corresp. to advice in X 1) landings catches 2000 5000 655 910 2001 - 5000 1101 1415 2002 - 4000 1450 1837 2003 - 3200 1502 1941 2004 - 3200 1246 1709 2005 - 3200 1231 1834 2006 - 3200 1241 1781 2007 - 3200 1154 1812 2008 - 3200 1119 1620 2009 - 3200 1121 1697 2010 - 3072 1078 1696 2011 - 3072 982 1794 2012 No increase in catch - 3072 561 1043 2013 No increase in catch (last 3 years average) <1800 3072 715 1153 2014 No increase in catch (last 3 years average) < 1800 3072 2015 No increase in catch (last 2 years average) < 1098 2016 No new advice, same as for 2015 < 1098 Weights in tonnes. 1) EU TAC for Trachurus spp. in Subarea X: EU waters adjacent to the Azores.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 59 Table 7.3.5.2 Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2. Official landings and ICES estimates of catches (tonnes).

Year Tuna bait Recreational Long & Discards/Bait Purse- Discards Total Official Handline seine (Purse- ICES (Longline) seine) catches landings 1978 115 129 78 15 2657 0 2995 2735 1979 118 130 61 15 4114 0 4439 4175 1980 210 132 70 22 2920 0 3354 2990 1981 229 135 39 9 2104 0 2516 2143 1982 239 142 43 10 2429 0 2862 2472 1983 231 142 67 21 3711 0 4172 3778 1984 295 135 62 17 3180 0 3689 3242 1985 303 136 60 11 3442 0 3952 3502 1986 433 135 58 9 3282 0 3918 3340 1987 491 139 53 8 2974 0 3666 3027 1988 586 143 55 8 3032 0 3824 3087 1989 352 138 50 9 2824 0 3373 2874 1990 345 117 48 11 2472 27 3021 2520 1991 242 115 33 6 1247 127 1770 1280 1992 249 121 35 6 1226 126 1762 1261 1993 375 130 70 22 1684 173 2454 1754 1994 264 125 59 18 1745 179 2390 1804 1995 474 119 79 24 1769 182 2648 1848 1996 351 110 123 38 1642 173 2437 1765 1997 259 110 72 31 1849 192 2513 1921 1998 308 111 120 52 1387 151 2129 1507 1999 141 119 84 37 609 35 1024 693 2000 83 117 53 23 602 32 910 655 2001 59 121 55 24 1046 110 1415 1101 2002 82 132 63 28 1387 145 1837 1450 2003 140 128 47 21 1455 150 1941 1502 2004 208 111 98 19 1148 125 1709 1246 2005 124 120 120 236 1111 123 1834 1231 2006 264 111 96 40 1145 124 1781 1241 2007 370 115 122 58 1032 115 1812 1154 2008 205 110 139 75 980 111 1620 1119 2009 230 119 98 115 1023 112 1697 1121 2010 313 114 57 75 1021 116 1696 1078 2011 510 118 62 79 920 105 1794 982 2012 399 42 94 41 467 * 1043 561 2013 237 147 123 54 592 * 1153 715 * Considered negligible.

60 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.5.3 Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) in Subdivision Xa2. Lpue (kg/day) and effort (total number of days at sea) from artisanal purse-seiners and cpue (kg/day) from the tuna bait fisheries. Upper and lower limits are 95% confidence intervals.

Purse-seine fisheries Tuna bait fisheries Observed Std. Lower Upper Total Observed Std. Lower Upper Year lpue lpue limit limit effort cpue cpue limit limit 1980 256.35 262.48 218.61 306.35 4198 1981 193.50 196.08 150.09 242.06 5222 1982 210.90 211.36 163.33 259.38 5710 1983 237.03 250.29 206.42 294.17 5371 1984 185.93 218.40 177.41 259.40 6440 1985 202.83 225.03 187.13 262.93 6927 1986 167.98 186.26 149.59 222.94 8465 1987 160.76 176.30 138.65 213.95 7311 1988 404.65 425.96 387.64 464.28 6009 1989 448.80 440.71 400.06 481.37 5805 1990 213.00 244.91 190.71 299.11 4230 1991 166.32 180.35 120.45 240.25 2585 1992 87.01 158.94 68.92 248.95 1993 133.98 145.09 106.37 183.82 5997 1994 127.31 126.43 84.96 167.89 6552 1995 123.16 128.45 89.94 166.96 6935 1996 126.51 140.56 102.69 178.44 5800 1997 115.27 132.16 94.50 169.82 5137 1998 148.58 141.22 100.55 181.88 4168 248.84 261.29 200.73 321.85 1999 122.44 101.34 56.04 146.65 2756 169.17 166.02 103.94 228.10 2000 121.15 93.88 46.21 141.56 2651 178.17 153.86 83.59 224.12 2001 152.14 137.61 87.19 188.04 2978 243.89 232.53 141.78 323.28 2002 161.61 156.69 111.41 201.97 4457 288.28 298.48 191.43 405.54 2003 156.05 150.12 105.58 194.65 4749 187.03 188.83 87.67 289.98 2004 124.30 109.25 66.90 151.61 4946 201.62 216.08 128.68 303.48 2005 141.61 119.46 74.53 164.40 4423 187.99 197.31 115.02 279.59 2006 138.42 130.14 86.26 174.02 4790 232.03 232.34 143.43 321.25 2007 140.31 141.80 96.92 186.68 4527 174.51 184.54 117.41 251.67 2008 153.59 138.89 92.91 184.87 4067 279.14 268.65 195.30 342.00 2009 139.57 126.77 83.84 169.70 4651 314.61 306.55 234.25 378.85 2010 146.30 113.96 69.35 158.57 4904 237.62 245.70 182.65 308.75 2011 115.96 99.84 58.08 141.60 4723 290.13 284.31 225.37 343.24 2012 89.42 76.91 29.32 124.50 2739 241.14 203.03 154.23 251.84 2013 110.11 97.18 50.30 144.07 3074 319.67 322.81 269.80 375.82

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 61 7.3.6 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Grey gurnard in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

New data (landings) available do not change the perception of the stock; therefore, the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 is considered valid for 2015. The advice for 2013 and for 2014 was (see ICES, 2012): For this stock, the ICES approach to data-limited stocks would imply that catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three years’ average catch. Because the data for catches of grey gurnard are considered highly unreliable, ICES is not in a position to quantify the result.

The advice for 2015 is the same catch as advised for 2013 and for 2014 (although its value cannot be quantified), not that a further 20% reduction in catch be implemented.

Scientific basis Stock data category 6.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data None. Discards and bycatch Catch is thought to be mostly discarded. Indicators None. Other information The first year that ICES advised on grey gurnard was 2011. In 2012 the advice was split into ecoregions. Working group report Working Group on New MoU Species (WGNEW); Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

Sources

ICES. 2012. Grey gurnard in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7, Section 7.4.20. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report on the Working Group on New MoU Species (WGNEW), 24–28 March 2014, Mallorca, Spain. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:21. ICES. 2014c. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

Table 7.3.6.1 Grey gurnard in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES advice and official landings.

Year ICES Advice Predicted catch Official corresp. to advice landings 1 2003 - 47 2004 - 64 2005 - 59 2006 - 74 2007 - 74 2008 - 16 2009 - 100 2010 - 155 2011 - 170 2012 No increase in catch - 166 2013 20% reduction in catches - 175 2014 Same catch value advised for 2013 - 2015 Same catch value advised for 2013 - Weights in tonnes. 1 Catch statistics are incomplete and are often not separated by species.

62 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.7 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Southern stock)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach that catches should be no more than 8417 tonnes in 2015. If discard rates do not change from the average of the years 2011–2013, this implies landings of no more than 7302 tonnes.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013 MSY (FMSY) Above target Precautionary Undefined approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014 MSY (Btrigger) Undefined Precautionary Above Blim approach (Bpa,Blim)

Figure 7.3.7.1 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes). Assumed recruitments are shaded. Top right: SSB/F for the time-series over the years. Predicted values are shaded.

Fishing mortality is well above the FMSY proxy in 2013. SSB has increased since 1998. Most recruitments since 2005 have been above the historical mean.

Management plans

A recovery plan was agreed by the EU in 2005 (EC Reg. No. 2166/2005, Appendix 7.3.7). The aim of the plan is to rebuild the stock to safe biological limits, set as a spawning–stock biomass above 35 000 tonnes by 2016, and to reduce fishing mortality to 0.27. The main elements of the plan are a 10% annual reduction in F and a 15% constraint on TAC change between years. ICES has not evaluated the plan.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 63 Biology

European hake is widely distributed over the Northeast Atlantic shelf. Although there is no clear evidence of multiple populations in the Northeast Atlantic, ICES assumes two different stock units. Hake is a top predator and a cannibalistic species. Hake spawns throughout the year, with a peak in February.

The fisheries

Hake is caught by a multigear fleet (otter trawlers, pairtrawlers, gillnetters, longliners, and artisanal). The species composition in the fishery depends on the area fished and the gear used. In the trawl fleet, hake is caught together with megrim, anglerfish, blue whiting, horse mackerel, mackerel, and crustaceans. Discards occur mainly in the trawl fisheries that target smaller fish than gillnetters and longliners.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) as estimated by ICES = 16.4 kt, where 13.54 kt were landings (4.46 kt trawlers, 5.74 kt other fleets, and 3.33 kt unallocated) and 2.87 kt discards (17% of the total catch).

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

Because hake is a top predator, its abundance has implications on the survival of conspecifics (cannibalism) and other species, e.g. blue whiting, horse mackerel, and sardine.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The P-TR lpue series has not been updated since 2011. The SP-CORUTR lpue series was not updated in 2013. These lpue series, used to calibrate the model, are the main source of information trends for large fish. The influence of this lack of update on the quality of the assessment has not been evaluated.

The retrospective analysis shows a tendency in the assessment to overestimate SSB and underestimate F.

Figure 7.3.7.2 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Historical assessment results (final-year recruitment estimates included). This stock was benchmarked in 2014, resulting in no changes to the assessment model. Scientific basis Stock data category 1 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Length–age analytical assessment (GADGET). Input data Commercial catches (international landings, discards and length frequencies from catch sampling); three survey indices (SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4, SPGFS-caut-WIBTS-Q4, and PtGFS-WIBTS-Q4); two commercial indices (SP-CORUTR and P-TR); annual maturity data from commercial catch; natural mortality constant value (0.4) used. Discards and bycatch Included in the assessment since 1992. Dataseries from the main fleets raised to the landings. Indicators None. Other information Benchmarked in WKSOUTH 2014 (ICES, 2014b). Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

64 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.7 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Southern stock)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY MSY Btrigger Not defined. approach FMSY 0.24 Fmax (ICES, 2010). Blim 9000 t A biomass that produces a recruitment that is at or above average (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014b). Precautionary Bpa Not defined. approach Flim Not defined. Fpa Not defined. (Last changed in: 2014)

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 65 Outlook for 2015

Basis: F2014 = 0.59 (average 2011–2013 scaled to 2013); SSB (2015) = 25 646 t; landings (2014) = 14 844 t; discards (2014) = 2 545 t; R (2014) = GM (1989–2012) = 81 million. Catch total Landings Discards F total1 F landings F disc. SSB %SSB %TAC Rationale Basis (2015) (2015) 3 (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2016) change 2 change 3 MSY approach 8.417 7.302 1.116 FMSY (F2014 × 0.41) 0.24 0.21 0.03 38.829 51% −55% EU recovery plan 15.997 13.844 2.153 F = F2014 × 0.9 0.53 0.46 0.07 27.142 6% −15% Zero catch 0.000 0.000 0.000 F = 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 52.703 106% −100% Other options 2.141 1.860 0.281 F2014 × 0.1 0.06 0.05 0.01 49.183 92% −89% 6.133 5.324 0.810 F2014 × 0.3 0.17 0.15 0.02 42.650 66% −67% 9.759 8.462 1.297 F2014 × 0.5 0.28 0.25 0.04 36.840 44% −48% 13.040 11.296 1.744 F2014 × 0.7 0.40 0.35 0.05 31.690 24% −31% 15.976 13.826 2.150 TAC2014 × 0.85 0.53 0.46 0.07 27.333 7% −15% 15.997 13.844 2.153 F2014 × 0.9 0.53 0.46 0.07 27.142 6% −15% 17.361 15.017 2.344 F2014 × 1 0.59 0.51 0.08 25.077 −2% −8% 18.820 16.266 2.554 TAC 2014 0.67 0.58 0.09 21.726 −15% 0% 21.666 18.706 2.960 TAC2014 × 1.15 0.82 0.71 0.11 18.932 −26% 15% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 Note that small differences in F may result from non-linearity in the effort–F relationship in length-based models. 2 SSB 2016 relative to SSB 2015. 3 Landings 2015 relative to TAC 2014.

66 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

MSY approach

Because MSY Btrigger has not been identified for this stock, the ICES MSY approach has been applied without consideration of SSB in relation to MSY Btrigger.

Following the ICES MSY approach implies a reduction in fishing mortality to 0.24, resulting in catches of no more than 8417 t in 2015. If the discard rate remains as the mean of the last three years, this would result in landings of no more 7302 t. This is expected to lead to an SSB of 38 829 t in 2016.

Management plan

Following the agreed recovery plan (EC Reg. No. 2166/2005), a 10% reduction in F would lead to a TAC of 13 844 t, inside the 15% boundaries around the 2014 TAC (16 266 t). If the discard rate remains at the mean of the last three years, the catches would thus be 15 997 t. This catch is expected to lead to an SSB of 27 142 t in 2016. ICES did not evaluate the plan; however, some elements of the recovery plan were evaluated by ICES in 2010 (ICES, 2010).

The current recovery plan uses target values based on precautionary reference points that are no longer appropriate.

Additional considerations

A number of regulatory measures are adopted for fishing southern hake, including minimum mesh sizes, closed areas, and seasonal restrictions (EC No. 850/98). Fishing effort limitations corresponding to a 10% reduction were initiated in 2005. TACs have been ineffective at regulating the fishery in recent years, as landings greatly exceeded the TACs.

The minimum landing size for southern hake is 27 cm. There is no match between minimum landing size and the trawl mesh size currently enforced. This results in high discard rates.

Hake in the ICES area is managed and assessed as two separate stocks. There is no biological basis for the current ICES stock definition of northern and southern hake. These stocks have similar biology with an unknown degree of mixing.

SSB has increased in recent years, most likely as a result of high recruitment in recent years (2005–2012). The high growth rate and the assumed high natural mortality generate a rapid turn-over of the hake stock dynamics. This means that short-term projections of SSB and landings are more sensitive to variations in recruitment.

Data requirements

Hake is a top predator. Improving the trophic information, e.g. sampling of stomach contents, will eventually lead to better ecosystem advice. Hake otoliths are currently collected but not used in the assessment due to lack of a validated ageing method. The utility of the current sampling and its level should be re-evaluated.

Management considerations

The objective of the recovery plan was to rebuild the stock within safe biological limits, meaning to reach a SSB of 35 000 t by 2015. Since the plan’s enforcement, the stock historical perception has changed and this SSB value is no longer valid. ICES has now established Blim at 9000 t and will work towards developing an appropriate Bpa value. Given the current Blim, it is expected that Bpa will be below the target biomass in the recovery plan.

Uncertainties in assessment and forecast

The retrospective analysis shows a trend to overestimate SSB and underestimate F.

Comparison with previous assessment

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year. Compared to the 2013 assessment, the SSB in 2013 was revised downwards by 26% and the F in 2012 was revised upwards by 23% in the current assessment.

Last year’s advice was based on the transition to the MSY approach. This year´s advice is based on the MSY approach.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 67 Sources

ICES. 2010. EC request for evaluation of HCR for southern hake, anglerfish and Nephrops. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2010, Section 7.3.3.1. ICES Advice 2010, Book 7: 4–16. ICES. 2011. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2011, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2011/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Southern Megrim and Hake (WKSOUTH), 3–7 February 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:40. 236 pp. ICES. 2014c. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

Figure 7.3.7.3 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Equilibrium projections of long-term yield-per-recruit (upper panel) and SSB- per-recruit (lower panel) at different fishing mortality rates.

68 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Figure 7.3.7.4 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Stock–recruitment relationship.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 69 Table 7.3.7.1 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, and landings, discards, and catches.

Year ICES Advice Predicted Agreed ICES Discards ICES landings TAC b landings estimated corresp. to catch advice 1987 Precautionary TAC; juvenile protection 15.0 25.0 16.2 - - 1988 TAC; juvenile protection 15.0 25.0 16.4 - - 1989 TAC; juvenile protection 15.0 20.0 13.8 - - 1990 TAC; juvenile protection 15.0 20.0 13.2 - - 1991 Precautionary TAC 10.0 18.0 12.8 - - 1992 Precautionary TAC 10.3 16.0 13.8 0.5 14.3 1993 F = 10% of F 91 1.0 12.0 11.5 0.7 12.2 1994 F lowest possible, at least reduced by 80% 2.0 11.5 9.9 1.0 10.9 1995 F lowest possible - 8.5 12.2 2.1 14.3 1996 F lowest possible - 9.0 9.7 1.9 11.6 1997 F lowest possible - 9.0 8.5 2.3 10.8 1998 60% reduction in F 4.0 8.2 7.7 1.7 9.4 1999 Reduce F below Fpa 9.5 9.0 7.2 1.5 8.7 2000 20% reduction from 1994–98 average < 7.7 8.5 7.9 1.8 9.7 landings 2001 Reduce F below Fpa; no increase in landings 8.5 8.9 7.6 1.7 9.2 2002 F below Fpa < 8.0 8.0 6.7 1.5 8.2 2003 Lowest possible catch / rebuilding plan 0 7.0 6.7 1.4 8.1 2004 Zero catch 0 5.95 6.9 1.1 8.0 2005 Zero catch 0 5.968 8.3 2.0 10.3 2006 Zero catch 0 6.661 10.8 3.2 14.0 2007 Zero catch 0 6.128 14.9 3.0 17.9 2008 Zero catch 0 7.047 16.8 2.4 19.2 2009 Zero catch 0 8.104 19.2 3.2 22.4 c 2010 Reach Bpa in 2011 4.9 9.300 15.7 1.6 17.3 2011 See scenarios < 9.9 10.695 17.1 1.95 19.0 2012 MSY transition < 14.3 12.299 14.6 2.06 16.6 2013 MSY transition < 10.6 14.144 13.54 2.87 16.41 2014 MSY transition < 13.123a 16.266 2015 MSY approach < 8.417a Weights in thousand tonnes. a This values refer to total catch, including discards. b Applies to ICES Division VIIIc and Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. c Note that the total 2010 landings include 0.36 kt from France that were not included in the assessment (see Table 7.3.7.2).

70 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.7.2 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES landings estimates (thousand tonnes) by country and gear.

SPAIN PORTUGAL FRANCE TOTAL YEAR ART GILLNET LONGLINE Cd-Trw Pr-Bk TRW Pa-Trw Ba-Trw DISC LAND ART TRAWL DISC LAND TOTAL UNALLOCATED DISC LAND CATCH 1972 7.10 - - - 10.20 17.3 4.70 4.10 - 8.8 - 26.1 26.1 1973 8.50 - - - 12.30 20.8 6.50 7.30 - 13.8 0.20 - 34.8 34.8 1974 1.00 2.60 2.20 - 8.30 14.1 5.10 3.50 - 8.6 0.10 - 22.8 22.8 1975 1.30 3.50 3.00 - 11.20 19.0 6.10 4.30 - 10.4 0.10 - 29.5 29.5 1976 1.20 3.10 2.60 - 10.00 16.9 6.00 3.10 - 9.1 0.10 - 26.1 26.1 1977 0.60 1.50 1.30 - 5.80 9.2 4.50 1.60 - 6.1 0.20 - 15.5 15.5 1978 0.10 1.40 2.10 - 4.90 8.5 3.40 1.40 - 4.8 0.10 - 13.4 13.4 1979 0.20 1.70 2.10 - 7.20 11.2 3.90 1.90 - 5.8 - - 17.0 17.0 1980 0.20 2.20 5.00 - 5.30 12.7 4.50 2.30 - 6.8 - - 19.5 19.5 1981 0.30 1.50 4.60 - 4.10 10.5 4.10 1.90 - 6.0 - - 16.5 16.5 1982 0.27 1.25 4.18 0.49 3.92 10.1 5.01 2.49 - 7.5 - - 17.6 17.6 1983 0.37 2.10 6.57 0.57 5.29 14.9 5.19 2.86 - 8.0 - - 22.9 22.9 1984 0.33 2.27 7.52 0.69 5.84 16.7 4.30 1.22 - 5.5 - - 22.2 22.2 1985 0.77 1.81 4.42 0.79 5.33 13.1 3.77 2.05 - 5.8 - - 18.9 18.9 1986 0.83 2.07 3.46 0.98 4.86 12.2 3.16 1.79 - 4.9 0.01 - 17.2 17.2 1987 0.53 1.97 4.41 0.95 3.50 11.4 3.47 1.33 - 4.8 0.03 - 16.2 16.2 1988 0.70 1.99 2.97 0.99 3.98 10.6 4.30 1.71 - 6.0 0.02 - 16.7 16.7 1989 0.56 1.86 1.95 0.90 3.92 9.2 2.74 1.85 - 4.6 0.02 - 13.8 13.8 1990 0.59 1.72 2.13 1.20 4.13 9.8 2.26 1.14 - 3.4 0.03 - 13.2 13.2 1991 0.42 1.41 2.20 1.21 3.63 8.9 2.71 1.25 - 4.0 0.01 - 12.8 12.8 1992 0.40 1.48 2.05 0.98 3.79 0.14 8.7 3.77 1.33 0.33 5.1 - 0.5 13.8 14.3 1993 0.37 1.26 2.74 0.54 2.67 0.24 7.6 3.04 0.87 0.44 3.9 - 0.7 11.5 12.2 1994 0.37 1.90 1.47 0.32 0.82 1.90 0.29 6.8 2.30 0.79 0.71 3.1 - 1.0 9.9 10.9 1995 0.37 1.59 0.96 0.46 2.34 2.94 0.93 8.6 2.56 1.03 1.18 3.6 - 2.1 12.2 14.3 1996 0.23 1.15 0.98 0.98 1.46 2.17 0.91 7.0 2.01 0.76 0.99 2.8 - 1.9 9.7 11.6 1997 0.30 1.04 0.76 0.88 1.32 1.78 1.07 6.1 1.52 0.90 1.20 2.4 - 2.3 8.5 10.8 1998 0.32 0.75 0.62 0.53 0.88 1.95 0.57 5.0 1.67 0.97 1.11 2.6 - 1.7 7.7 9.4 1999 0.33 0.60 0.00 0.57 0.87 1.59 0.35 4.0 2.12 1.09 1.17 3.2 - 1.5 7.2 8.7 2000 0.26 0.85 0.15 0.58 0.83 1.98 0.62 4.7 2.09 1.16 1.21 3.3 - 1.83 7.90 9.7 2001 0.32 0.55 0.11 1.20 1.06 1.12 0.37 4.4 2.02 1.20 1.29 3.2 - 1.66 7.58 9.2 2002 0.22 0.58 0.12 0.88 1.37 0.75 0.38 3.9 1.81 0.97 1.11 2.8 - 1.49 6.70 8.2 2003 0.37 0.43 0.17 1.25 1.36 1.07 0.41 4.7 1.13 0.96 1.05 2.1 - 1.46 6.74 8.2 2004 0.48 0.42 0.13 1.06 1.66 1.13 0.22 4.9 1.27 0.80 0.69 2.1 - 0.91 6.94 7.9 2005 0.72 0.63 0.09 0.88 2.77 1.14 0.38 6.2 1.10 0.96 1.60 2.1 - 1.98 8.30 10.3 2006 0.48 0.71 0.35 0.63 4.70 1.81 2.65 8.7 1.22 0.91 0.61 2.1 - 3.26 10.80 14.1 2007 0.83 1.80 0.89 0.50 6.71 2.07 1.19 12.8 1.41 0.72 1.31 2.1 - 2.50 14.93 17.4 2008 1.12 2.64 1.51 0.53 6.32 2.44 1.45 14.6 1.27 0.94 0.86 2.2 - 2.31 16.77 19.1 2009 1.41 2.92 2.10 0.55 7.37 2.54 0.98 16.9 1.39 0.96 1.96 2.4 - 2.93 19.24 22.2 2010 0.72 1.71 1.88 0.68 6.33 1.71 1.00 13.0 1.61 0.73 0.58 2.3 0.36 1.58 15.74 17.3 2011 0.42 1.09 0.76 0.53 2.18 1.48 1.21 6.5 1.72 0.49 0.74 2.2 8.40 1.95 17.07 19.0 2012 0.34 0.85 1.08 0.50 1.64 1.42 1.35 5.8 1.79 0.81 0.60 2.6 6.14 1.95 14.57 16.52 2013 0.64 1.75 1.11 0.62 1.86 1.16 2.22 7.2 1.93 0.81 0.65 2.7 0.31 3.33 2.87 13.54 16.41 * French catches are not considered in the assessment until the full time-series is reviewed. Unallocated landings have been included since 2011.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 71 Table 7.3.7.3 Hake in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of the assessment.

Year Recruitment SSB Landings Discards Mean F Age 0 *** Ages 1–3 thousands tonnes tonnes 1982 98399 41105 17592 0 0.36 1983 81484 45801 22950 0 0.442 1984 69472 43048 22179 0 0.45 1985 44095 43142 18941 0 0.419 1986 40963 40026 17161 0 0.445 1987 50132 36768 16185 0 0.509 1988 71230 27030 16653 0 0.653 1989 78077 19900 13786 0 0.65 1990 82353 16283 13190 0 0.695 1991 69916 16460 12827 0 0.689 1992 52414 15530 13798 473* 0.84 1993 61089 12788 11484 683* 0.906 1994 119541 8931 9865 994* 0.89 1995 51183 7138 12239 2102* 1.179 1996 100998 8608 9715 1910* 1.144 1997 80263 6634 8498 2270* 1.159 1998 57620 5915 7683 1681* 0.92 1999 66483 7690 7170 1519* 0.773 2000 69514 9023 7902 1835* 0.86 2001 49098 9234 7580 1662* 0.845 2002 69447 9650 6690 1492* 0.804 2003 60139 9424 6744 1461* 0.824 2004 79066 9350 6942 913 0.716 2005 126069 9706 8333 1978 0.754 2006 96858 11194 10816 3262 0.87 2007 158433 13199 14932 2504 0.914 2008 117008 13142 16795 2311 0.902 2009 109373 14399 19240 2935 0.975 2010 71505 13875 15368 1580 0.737 2011 108846 16920 17062 1948 0.802 2012 107892 17703 14573 1950 0.701 2013 81024** 18862 13231 2871 0.588 2014 81024** 24685 Average 80637 18278 13066 1260 0.763 * Estimated from survey abundance, discards, and discards/landings rate. ** Replaced by the geometric mean 1989–2012. *** Landings do not include the French data presented in Table 7.3.7.2.

72 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Annex 7.3.7 Extract from the recovery plan for Southern hake and Nephrops: Council Regulation (EC) No. 2166/2005

Article 1 Subject matter

This Regulation establishes a recovery plan for the following stocks (hereinafter referred to as the stocks concerned): (a) the Southern hake stock which inhabits Divisions VIIIc and IXa, as delineated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES); (b) the Norway lobster stock which inhabits ICES Division VIIIc; (c) the Norway lobster stock which inhabits ICES Division IXa.

Article 2 Objective of the recovery plan

The recovery plan shall aim to rebuild the stocks concerned to within safe biological limits, in keeping with ICES information. This shall mean: (a) as regards the stock referred to in Article 1(a), reaching a Spawning–Stock Biomass of 35 000 tonnes during two consecutive years, according to the available scientific reports, or increasing the quantities of mature individuals within a period of 10 years so that values are reached equal to or higher than 35 000 tonnes. This figure shall be adjusted in the light of new scientific data from the STECF; (b) as regards the stocks referred to in Article 1(b) and (c), rebuilding the stocks to within safe biological limits within a period of 10 years.

Article 5 Procedure for setting the TAC for the Southern hake stock

1. Where the fishing mortality rate for the stock referred to in Article 1(a) has been estimated by the STECF in the light of the most recent report of ICES to be above 0,3 per year, the TAC shall not exceed a level of catches which, according to a scientific evaluation carried out by the STECF in the light of the most recent report of ICES, will result in a reduction of 10 % in the fishing mortality rate in the year of its application as compared with the fishing mortality rate estimated for the preceding year. 2. Where the fishing mortality rate for the stock referred to in Article 1(a) has been estimated by the STECF in the light of the most recent report of ICES to be equal to or below 0,3 per year, the TAC shall be set at a level of catches which, according to a scientific evaluation carried out by the STECF in the light of the most recent report of ICES, will result in a fishing mortality rate of 0,27 per year in the year of its application. 3. Where STECF, in the light of the most recent report of ICES, is able to calculate a level of catches corresponding to the mortality rates specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 for only a part of ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa, the TAC shall be set at a level that is compatible with both: (a) the level of catch corresponding to the specified mortality rate in the area covered by the scientific advice, and (b) maintaining a constant ratio of catches between that area covered by the scientific advice and the totality of Divisions VIIIc and IXa. The ratio shall be calculated on the basis of catches in the three years preceding the year in which the decision is taken. The method of calculation used shall be that provided in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 7 Constraints on variation in TACs

As from the first year of application of this Regulation, the following rules shall apply: (a) where application of Article 5 or Article 6 would result in a TAC which exceeds the TAC of the preceding year by more than 15 %, the Council shall adopt a TAC which shall not be more than 15 % greater than the TAC of that year; (b) where application of Article 5 or Article 6 would result in a TAC which is more than 15 % less than the TAC of the preceding year, the Council shall adopt a TAC which is not more than 15 % less than the TAC of that year.

Article 8 Effort limitation

1. The TACs referred to in Chapter II shall be complemented by a system of fishing effort limitation based on the geogra- phical areas and groupings of fishing gear, and the associated conditions for the use of these fishing opportunities specified in Annex IVb to Council Regulation (EC) No 27/2005 of 22 December 2004 fixing for 2005 the fishing

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 73 opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required (2). 2. Each year, the Council shall decide by qualified majority on the basis of a proposal from the Commission on an adjustment to the maximum number of fishing days available for vessels subject to the system of fishing effort limitation referred to in paragraph 1. The adjustment shall be in the same proportion as the annual adjustment in fishing mortality that is estimated by ICES and STECF as being consistent with the application of the fishing mortality rates established according to the method described in Article 5. 3. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, each Member State concerned may implement a different method of effort management in that part of Area IXa lying east of longitude 7°23′48″ Was measured according to the WGS84 standard. Such a method shall establish a reference level of fishing effort equal to the fishing effort deployed in the year 2005. For 2006 and subsequent years, the fishing effort shall be adjusted by an amount that shall be decided by qualified majority by the Council on the basis of a proposal by the Commission. This adjustment shall be proposed after considering the most recent advice from STECF in the light of the most recent report from ICES. In the absence of a decision by the Council, Member States concerned shall ensure that the fishing effort does not exceed the reference level. 4. Each Member State taking up the derogation in paragraph 3 may be requested by the Commission to provide a report on the implementation of any different method of effort management. The Commission will communicate this report to all other Member States. 5. For the purposes of paragraph 3, fishing effort shall be measured as the sum, in any calendar year, of the products across all relevant vessels of their installed engine power measured in kW and their number of days fishing in the area.

2 OJ L 12, 14.1.2005, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1936/2005 (OL L 311, 26.11.2005, p. 1).

74 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.8 Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in Division IXa (Southern stock)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach that catches should be no more than 71 824 t in 2015.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013

MSY (FMSY) Appropriate Precautionary Not defined approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Not defined

Precautionary Not defined approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation At long-term average

Figure 7.3.8.1 Horse mackerel in Division IXa. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes) with 95% confidence intervals included for R, F, and SSB. Top right: SSB and F over the time-series used in the assessment. Assumed recruitment and SSB values are shaded.

Fishing mortality has been below FMSY over the whole time-series and the SSB has been relatively stable. Recruitment is estimated to be well above average in 2011 and 2012.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 75 Biology

Horse mackerel feeds on crustaceans, squid, and other fish. As a highly abundant species, horse mackerel is often found in the diet of sharks, dolphins, and seabirds. The distribution pattern of southern horse mackerel is linked to the size of the fish. Most of the older fish are found in the waters off Galicia and northern Portugal, while the distribution of juveniles extends further south.

Environmental influence on the stock

This stock shows a relatively stable recruitment with occasional large peaks, which may be driven by environmental factors.

The fisheries

Horse mackerel is caught in mixed fisheries. Changes in the availability of other species caught in the same fisheries could affect the targeting of horse mackerel. Traditionally, horse mackerel catches have a large proportion of juveniles. The Spanish bottom-trawl fleet, targeting mainly adult fish increased in importance until 2010 and has subsequently declined. Other species of horse mackerel are caught together with T. trachurus in Division IXa, in particular T. picturatus of which 300–800 t were caught annually in the past. The advice for Southern horse mackerel applies to the southern stock of T. trachurus only.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) = landings = 29 kt (34% trawl, 57% purse-seine, and 9% artisanal).

Quality considerations

Estimates of recent recruitment are more uncertain than usual. This is due to the missing IBTS survey in 2012. The historic ssb estimates show an underestimation while fishing mortality is consistently overestimated; this pattern is emphasized in this year’s assessment.

Figure 7.3.8.2 Horse mackerel in Division IXa. Historical median assessment results (final-year recruitment and biomass estimates included).

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 1 (ICES, 2014) Assessment type Analytical assessment (AMISH model). Input data Commercial catches (international landings, ages and length frequencies from catch sampling). One survey index (combined PT and SP-IBTS-Q4), annual maturity data from commercial catch and surveys. Discards and bycatch Not included and are considered negligible Indicators None. Other information This stock was benchmarked in 2011 (WKBENCH; ICES, 2011). Working group Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA)

76 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.8 Supporting information Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in Division IXa (Southern stock)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY MSY Btrigger Approach FMSY 0.11 Proxy based on F35%SPR Blim Precautionary Bpa Approach Flim Fpa (last changed in:2013)

Outlook for 2015

Basis: F (2014) = average (2012-2013) = 0.0464; R(2013–2015) = Geom. Mean (1992–2011) = 3357 millions. Catch (2014) = Landings (2014) = 30.564. Rationale Catches T. %SSB % Catch trachurus Basis F SSB SSB change 2) change 3) (2015) (2015) (2015) 1) (2016) MSY approach 71.824 FMSY (F2014 × 2.4) 0.11 545.920 536.947 -2% 135% Zero catch 0 0 0 551.115 612.215 11% -100% 6.307 F2014 × 0.2 0.009 550.680 605.544 10% -79% Other options 12.554 F2014 × 0.4 0.019 550.245 598.948 9% -59% 18.740 F2014 × 0.6 0.028 549.811 592.427 8% -39% 24.867 F2014 × 0.8 0.037 549.377 585.979 7% -19% 30.936 F2014 0.046 548.944 579.604 6% 1% 36.947 F2014 × 1.2 0.056 548.511 573.301 5% 21% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) For this stock, the SSB is determined at spawning time and is influenced by fisheries before spawning. 2) SSB 2016 relative to SSB 2015. 3) Catches 2015 relative to catches 2014 (the TAC refers to more than the T. trachurus catches).

MSY approach

Since MSY Btrigger has not been identified for this stock, the ICES MSY approach has been applied without consideration of SSB in relation to MSY Btrigger.

Following the ICES MSY approach implies that fishing mortality can increase to FMSY, resulting in catches of no more than 71 824 t in 2015. This is expected to lead to an SSB of 536 947 t in 2016. Discards are considered negligible and therefore all catches are assumed to be landed.

Additional considerations

Management considerations

Managers may want to consider limiting the increase in catch because the assessment and current recruitment estimates are more uncertain than usual. The uncertainty is mainly due to the missing survey in 2012. Currently, fishing mortality is well below the FMSY proxy. Following the MSY approach implies increasing current fishing mortality by a factor of 2.4. Keeping the fishing mortality in 2015 at the level of 2014 (0.046) would imply catches of 31 000 t for Trachurus trachurus. The advice pertains to T. trachurus, while the TAC is set for all Trachurus species, including T. picturatus (blue jack mackerel) and T. mediterraneus. In 2011, 12% of the catches consisted of other species than T. trachurus, and this percentage can vary from year to year. Assuming a similar proportion of other Trachurus species in 2015, would result in a catch of all Trachurus species of 35 000 t.

The traditional fishery across fleets has for a long time targeted juvenile age classes. This exploitation pattern combined with a moderate exploitation rate does not seem to have been detrimental to the dynamics of the stock.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 77 Uncertainties in the assessment and forecast

Estimates of recent recruitment are more uncertain than usual. This is due to the missing IBTS survey in 2012. The survey and catch data give an estimate of the 2012 recruitment being the highest in the time-series. Due to the uncertainty, the 2012 yearclass was assumed to be at the previous maximum level (recruitment in 2011).

ICES has no information on the status of the other Trachurus species in this area.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year, except for assumptions around recruitment in 2012. The basis for the advice is the same as last year: the MSY approach.

Sources

ICES. 2011. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Roundfish and Pelagic Stocks (WKBENCH 2011), 24–31 January 2011, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2011/ACOM:38. 418 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 20–25 June 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:16.

Figure 7.3.8.3 Horse mackerel in Division IXa. Stock–recruitment plot and yield-per-recruit analysis.

78 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.8.1 Horse mackerel in Division IXa. ICES advice, management, and catches.

Year ICES Predicted catch Agreed ICES Advice corresp. to TAC 2 catches advice 1 Trachurus spp. T. trachurus 1,7 1987 Not assessed - 72.5 3 55 4 1988 Mesh size increase - 82.0 3 56 4 1989 No increase in F; TAC 72.5 73.0 3 56 4 4 4 1990 F at F0.1; TAC 38 55.0 49 1991 Precautionary TAC 61 73.0 4 22 1992 If required, precautionary TAC 61 73.0 4 26 1993 No advice - 73.0 4 32 1994 Status quo prediction 55 5 73.0 4 26 1995 No long-term gains in increasing F 63 5 73.0 4 25 1996 No long-term gains in increasing F 60 5 73.0 4 23 1997 No advice - 73.0 4 28 1998 F should not exceed the F(94–96) 59 73.0 4 42 1999 No increase in F 58 73.0 4 28 4 2000 F

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 79 Table 7.3.8.2 Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in Division IXa. ICES estimated catches and official catch statistics (thousand tonnes).

Total Catch Year T. trachurus 1992 27.858 1993 31.521 1994 28.441 a 1995 25.147 1996 20.400 a 1997 29.491 1998 41.564 1999 27.733 2000 26.160 2001 24.910 2002 22.506 // (23.663)* 2003 18.887 // (19.566)* 2004 23.252 // (23.577)* 2005 22.695 // (23.111)* 2006 23.902 // (24.558)* 2007 22.790 // (23.424)* 2008 22.993 // (23.593)* 2009 25.737 // (26.497)* 2010 26.556// (27.216)* 2011 21.875// (22.575)* 2012 24.868//(25.316)* 2013 28.993//(29.382)* (*) In parentheses: the Spanish catches from Subdivision IXa South are also included. These catches are only available since 2002 and they will not be considered in the assessment data until the rest of the time-series be completed. (a) These figures have been revised in 2008.

80 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.8.3 Horse mackerel in Division IXa. Summary of the stock assessment. High/Low: 95% confidence intervals.

Year Recruitment High Low SSB High Low Landings Mean F High Low Age 0 Ages 2- 10 thousands tonnes tonnes 1992 4083010 5557853 2608167 293104 421497 164711 27858 0.095 0.162 0.029 1993 2918280 4036950 1799610 306248 444853 167643 31521 0.101 0.172 0.031 1994 2891340 4018099 1764581 313640 461926 165354 28451 0.083 0.14 0.025 1995 3875390 5347754 2403026 316608 471991 161225 25132 0.079 0.134 0.024 1996 10184500 13658580 6710420 313428 472460 154396 20360 0.057 0.097 0.017 1997 3435570 4737653 2133487 319228 481699 156757 29491 0.079 0.134 0.024 1998 2173280 3058941 1287619 346332 520684 171980 41661 0.111 0.159 0.062 1999 3308690 4596447 2020933 369734 561008 178460 27768 0.068 0.098 0.038 2000 3018910 4238834 1798986 379130 579221 179039 26161 0.07 0.101 0.039 2001 3648610 5129829 2167391 373656 576944 170368 24911 0.069 0.1 0.039 2002 2038420 2952215 1124625 371652 578416 164888 22506 0.067 0.097 0.038 2003 4026970 5714920 2339020 368434 577067 159801 18887 0.056 0.081 0.032 2004 4358430 6198306 2518554 363440 571646 155234 24485 0.061 0.088 0.034 2005 2645390 3838879 1451901 357986 565924 150048 22689 0.063 0.091 0.035 2006 1308390 1976581 640199 364560 578165 150955 23895 0.07 0.101 0.039 2007 2013810 3017350 1010270 371932 594522 149342 22787 0.067 0.097 0.038 2008 3305380 4964951 1645809 356158 575644 136672 22993 0.07 0.101 0.039 2009 2846070 4406148 1285992 332868 545541 120195 25727 0.08 0.115 0.045 2010 3540740 5635941 1445539 316202 526071 106333 27217 0.08 0.116 0.045 2011 10761500 17225658 4297342 307288 518436 96140 22575 0.051 0.073 0.028 2012 10761500 * 310576 525835 95317 24868 0.049 0.07 0.027 2013 3357000 ** 344974 581727 108221 28988 0.044 0.064 0.025 2014 3357000 ** 446952 Avera 4080790 5515594 2122674 345397 533240 148322 25951 0.072 0.109 0.034 ge * Same as the maximum of the time-series (R 2011) ** Geometric mean recruitment 1992–2011.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 81 7.3.9 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach that catches in 2015 should be no more than 1036 tonnes. If discard rates do not change from the average of the last 123 years (2000–2013), this implies landings of no more than 821 tonnes. Combined catches of Lepidorhombus boscii and Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis should be no more than 1244 tonnes and landings should be no more than 1013 tonnes in 2015.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2012 2013 2014

MSY (FMSY) Above target Precautionary Undefined approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Above trigger Precautionary Full reproductive capacity approach (Bpa,Blim)

(Ages 2-4)

Figure 7.3.9.1 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes). Assumed recruitment values are shaded. Top right: SSB/F for the time-series used in the assessment. (Recruitment in 2013 and 2014 is the GM (1990–2011)).

SSB decreased from the late 1980s to a minimum in 2001, but since then SSB has increased and is currently above MSY Btrigger. Fishing mortality has been declining throughout the whole time-series, and it is currently above FMSY. Recruitment has been around the average since 2000, with the exception of a record high in 2009.

3 Discard data are not available for 2002 and 2003.

82 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

Biology

Four-spot megrim (L. boscii) is the most southerly distributed of the two megrim species. It occurs in both of ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa and it is predominant on all soft bottoms of the continental shelf. It has a preferential depth range of 100 to 450 m. It spawns from January to April, with spawning peak in March.

The fisheries

The southern four-spot megrim stock is almost exclusively caught in mixed bottom-trawl fisheries targeting demersal fish, including megrim (L. whiffiagonis), hake, anglerfish, and Nephrops. Management measures aimed at reducing fishing mortality on any of these stocks should also reduce fishing pressure on four-spot megrim. Since 2000, the Spanish trawl fleet has changed its main target species, focusing more often on species such as horse mackerel, blue whiting, or mackerel, and does not usually take megrim in the catch.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) = 1616 kt, where 1119 kt were ICES estimated landings (92% bottom otter trawl and 3% other gear types) and 496 kt were discards.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The survey index (Spanish survey, SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4) only covers the northern part of the stock area, where the majority of the catches are taken. The 2013 survey index was not included in the assessment because of inconsistencies with the historical time-series. As a consequence, recruitment in 2013 was poorly estimated by the assessment and has been replaced by an average value (geometric mean of 1990–2011). The impact on the assessment has not been evaluated.

For the main fleet, discards are in the range of 39–63% (in numbers), and the majority of these are age 1–3. Discards are included in the assessment since the benchmark conducted in 2014. The inclusion of discards has led to an upwards revision of the recruitment and fishing mortality estimates, but has not altered the overall perception of stock trends.

Figure 7.3.9.2 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Historical assessment results (final-year recruitment estimates are included).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 83 Scientific basis Stock data category 1 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Age-based assessment (XSA) Input data Commercial catches (international landings, ages and length frequencies from catch sampling); one survey index (SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4) (1988–2013); two commercial indices (SP-LCGOTBDEF-1 (1986–1999) and SP-LCGOTBDEF-2 (2000–2013)); constant maturity ogive (BIOSDEF 1998); assumed natural mortality (0.2). Discards and bycatch Included in the assessment for all dataseries from the majority of the fleet. Indicators None. Other information This stock is caught together with L. whiffiagonis (Section 7.3.12) and the fisheries advice therefore combines both stocks. This stock was benchmarked in WKSOUTH (ICES, 2014c). Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

84 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.9 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY Btrigger 4600 t Bpa (WKSOUTH, ICES, 2014c). MSY FMSY 0.17 Fmax, consistent with FMSY and the precautionary approach, based approach on stochastic stock–recruitment simulation (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014c). Blim 3300 t Bloss in the 2014 benchmark assessment (WKSOUTH, ICES, 2014c). Precautionary Bpa 4600 t 1.4 × Blim (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014c). approach Flim Not defined. Fpa Not defined. (Last changed in: 2014)

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 85

Outlook for 2015

Basis: F (2014) = F (2011–2013) = 0.271; SSB (2015) = 6.043; Recruitment (2013 to 2015) = GM 1990–2011 = 42.3 million; Catch (2014) = 1.654; Landings (2014) =1.318; Discards (2014) = 0.336.

Combined species L. boscii

L. boscii Total Total Total Discards F F F SSB %SSB %TAC Rationale catch landings catch landings Basis total landings discards change change (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2016) 1) 2) MSY approach 1.244 1.013 1.036 0.821 0.215 FMSY [Fsq × 0.63] 0.170 0.112 0.059 6.677 10.5% −55.1% Zero catch 0 0 0 0 0 F = 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 7.960 31.7% −100%

Other options 0.215 0.176 0.179 0.143 0.036 Fsq × 0.1 0.027 0.018 0.009 7.739 28.1% −92.2% 1.007 0.822 0.839 0.666 0.173 Fsq × 0.5 0.135 0.089 0.047 6.921 14.5% −63.6%

1.866 1.513 1.556 1.227 0.329 Fsq × 1 0.271 0.177 0.093 6.035 −0.1% −33.0% −15% TAC 2.361 1.908 1.970 1.547 0.423 0.360 0.236 0.124 5.523 [Fsq × 1.33] −8.6% −15.5%

2.809 2.261 2.345 1.834 0.511 0% TAC [Fsq × 1.66] 0.449 0.294 0.154 5.060 −16.3% 0.2%

3.225 2.586 2.694 2.098 0.596 +15%TAC [Fsq × 2] 0.536 0.355 0.182 4.630 −23.4% +14.6% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) SSB 2016 relative to SSB 2015. 2) Landings of combined megrim species in 2014 relative to TAC 2013.

86 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

MSY approach

Because the two megrim species (L. whiffiagonis and L. boscii) are not separated in the landings, the advice of the two stocks is linked. Fsq is above FMSY for L. boscii and at FMSY level for L. whiffiagonis. To get fishing mortality for both stocks at or below FMSY, the F multiplier of L. boscii is applied to both stocks.

Following the ICES MSY approach implies fishing mortality to be reduced to 0.17 (FMSY), resulting in landings of no more than 821 t in 2015. This is expected to lead to an SSB of 6677 t in 2016.

If discard rates do not change from the average of the last 12 years (2000–2013), this implies catches of no more than 1036 t.

Additional considerations

The two megrim species (L. whiffiagonis and L. boscii) are managed under a common TAC. They are caught and recorded together in the landings statistics. Management of the two megrim species under a combined TAC prevents effective control of the single-species exploitation rates and could potentially lead to overexploitation of either species. The advice on TAC is based on the stock that is in poorer condition. This may result in loss of yield from the stock that is in better condition. Future management could benefit from mixed-fishery advice for all stocks caught in this fishery if spatial considerations were taken into account.

The spatial distribution of the two stocks shows some differences that could be utilized for separate management of the two stocks. Both megrim species are distributed in Divisions VIIIc and IXa, but L. whiffiagonis is more northern than L. boscii. In addition, there is a certain bathymetric segregation between the two species. L. boscii has a preferential depth range of 100 to 450 m and L. whiffiagonis of 50 to 300 m.

Uncertainty in the assessment and forecast

The estimates of incoming recruits are uncertain, in particular because of the lack of the 2013 survey data.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Discards have been included in the assessment this year. Compared to the 2013 assessment, the SSB in 2013 was revised downwards by 23% and the F in 2012 upwards by 98%.

The basis for the advice this year is the same as last year: the MSY approach.

Sources

ICES. 2010. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2010, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2010/ACOM:11. ICES. 2011. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2011, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2011/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2 ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp. ICES. 2014c. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Southern Megrim and Hake (WKSOUTH), 3–7 February 2014, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:40.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 87 Fishing Mortality

Figure 7.3.9.3 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Stock–recruitment relationship (left) and yield- and spawning–stock biomass-per-recruit (right).

88 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.9.1 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Advice1 Predicted total Predicted Agreed ICES Landings Discards landings landings TAC1,2 landings1 L. boscii corresp. to corresp. advice1 to advice L. boscii 1987 Not dealt with 13.0 2.19 1.69 0.33 1988 Not dealt with 13.0 3.04 2.22 0.36 1989 Not dealt with 13.0 3.34 2.63 0.41 1990 Not dealt with 13.0 2.93 1.95 0.41 1991 No advice 14.3 2.29 1.68 0.45 1992 No advice 14.3 2.44 1.92 0.44 1993 L. boscii no gain in increasing F, 8.0 1.76 1.38 0.44 L. whiff. safe biological limits 1994 No gains in increasing F 6.0 1.88 1.40 0.52 1995 Concern about low SSB 6.0 1.87 1.65 0.41 1996 Mixed fishing aspects 6.0 1.43 1.10 0.37 1997 Reduce F by at least 50% 6.0 1.25 0.90 0.31 1998 Reduce F by at least 50% 0.9 6.0 1.57 1.12 0.38 1999 Reduce F by at least 50% 1.0 6.0 1.46 1.12 0.32 2000 Reduce F by at least 20% < 1.5 5.0 1.29 1.04 0.37 2001 No increase in F 1.61 5.0 1.11 0.93 0.29 2002 No increase in F 1.55 4.0 0.84 0.72 0.31 2003 No increase in F 1.55 2.4 1.01 0.88 0.19 2004 No increase in F 1.38 1.336 1.14 1.01 0.35 2005 No increase in F3 1.09 1.336 1.13 0.98 0.38 2006 No increase in F 1.2 1.269 1.30 1.09 0.34 2007 No increase in F 1.4 1.440 1.26 1.10 0.29 2008 No increase in F 1.4 1.430 1.11 0.98 0.20 2009 Same advice as last year 1.4 1.430 1.22 1.13 0.28 2010 Reduce F to F0.1 0.9 1.287 1.38 1.30 0.27 2011 MSY framework < 0.89 < 0.78 1094 1.63 1.05 0.27 2012 MSY framework < 0.86 < 0.76 1.214 1.32 0.57 0.37 2013 MSY framework < 0.89 < 0.78 1.214 1.76 0.70 0.50 2014 MSY approach < 2.26 < 1.96 2.257 2015 MSY approach < 1.01 < 0.82 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) For both species combined. 2) For Division VIIIc and Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. 3) Single-stock boundary and the exploitation of this stock should be conducted in the context of mixed fisheries, protecting stocks outside safe biological limits.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 89 Table 7.3.9.2 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Landings, discard, and catch data (in tonnes) by country and area.

Official landings ICES landings Discards ICES catch Spain Portugal *** *** *** Year VIIIc IXa** Total IXa 1986 799 197 996 128 1124 284 1408 1987 995 586 1581 107 1688 333 2021 1988 917 1099 2016 207 2223 363 2586 1989 805 1548 2353 276 2629 408 3037 1990 927 798 1725 220 1945 409 2354 1991 841 634 1475 207 1682 447 2129 1992 654 938 1592 324 1916 437 2353 1993 744 419 1163 221 1384 438 1822 1994 665 561 1227 176 1403 517 1920 1995 685 826 1512 141 1652 406 2058 1996 480 448 928 170 1098 368 1466 1997 505 289 794 101 896 308 1204 1998 725 284 1010 113 1123 378 1501 1999 713 298 1011 114 1125 317 1442 2000 674 225 899 142 1041 373 1414 2001 629 177 807 124 931 290 1221 2002 343 247 590 130 720 308 1028 2003 393 314 707 169 876 191 1067 2004 534 295 829 177 1006 348 1354 2005 473 321 794 189 983 375 1358 2006 542 348 891 201 1092 335 1427 2007 591 295 886 218 1104 292 1396 2008* 546 262 808 172 980 202 1182 2009 577 342 919 215 1134 279 1413 2010 616 484 1100 197 1297 265 1562 2011 499 368 867 181 1260 269 1529 2012 245 231 476 98 806 369 1175 2013 345 275 619 80 1120 496 1616 Weights in tonnes. * Data revised in 2010. ** Division IXa excluding Gulf of Cadiz. *** Unallocated landings included.

90 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.9.3 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment.

Year Recruitment SSB ICES estimated Discards Mean F Age 0 landings** ** Ages 2–4 thousands tonnes tonnes 1986 72166 4321 1124 284 0.444 1987 52558 6073 1688 333 0.449 1988 57480 6799 2223 363 0.475 1989 53879 6801 2629 408 0.62 1990 40523 6061 1945 409 0.454 1991 64091 5836 1682 447 0.387 1992 59510 5519 1916 437 0.607 1993 29680 5421 1384 438 0.497 1994 48421 5702 1403 517 0.472 1995 60187 5098 1652 406 0.589 1996 43002 4543 1098 368 0.535 1997 30511 4018 896 308 0.35 1998 21603 4680 1123 378 0.402 1999 36687 4169 1125 317 0.416 2000 36165 3932 1041 373 0.479 2001 37609 3313 931 290 0.526 2002 40135 3482 720 308 0.412 2003 51354 3825 876 191 0.318 2004 37275 4159 1006 348 0.438 2005 53387 4166 983 375 0.373 2006 52680 4778 1092 335 0.445 2007 37805 4736 1104 292 0.355 2008 31159 5475 980 202 0.267 2009 77277 5429 1134 279 0.292 2010 41125 6065 1297 265 0.258 2011 38428 5777 1048 269 0.274 2012 54471 6382 806 369 0.178 2013 42254* 5835 1120 496 0.359 2014 42254* 6185 Average 46334 5123 1294 350 0.417 * GM(1990–2011). ** Unallocated landings included.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 91 7.3.10 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) in Divisions VIIIa,b,d (Bay of Biscay)

Advice for 2015

The advice given in 2012 for this stock is valid for 2013-2015 (see ICES, 2012): “Based on ICES approach to data- limited stocks, ICES advises that catches could be increased by a maximum of 20%. Because the data for catches of lesser-spotted dogfish are not fully documented (due to the historical use of generic landings categories), ICES is not in a position to quantify the result. ICES does not advise that an individual TAC be set for this stock”.The advice is summarized in the table below.

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.

Quality considerations

As there is no obligation to report lesser spotted dogfish at the species level, they are often included in generic categories such as “dogfish and hounds”. Therefore, landings data are not considered reliable. High levels of discarding take place.

Fishery-independent trawl surveys provide the longest time-series of species-specific information.

The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size, but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

Source

ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 19–26 June 2012, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:19. 547 pp. ICES 2013 Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–21 June 2013, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:19. ICES 2014 Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19.

Table 7.3.10.1 Scyliorhinus canicula in Divisions VIIIa, b, d. ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Advice1, 2 Predicted Agreed TAC Official catch Landings corresp. to advice 2007 No advice No TAC 1.5 2008 No advice No TAC 1.1 2009 No advice <1.8 No TAC 1.6 2010 No advice <1.8 No TAC 1.4 2011 Maintain catch at recent level <1.7 No TAC 1.2 2012 No new advice, same as for 2011 <1.7 No TAC Increase catch by a maximum of 20% + no - 2013 species-specific TAC 2014 No new advice, same as for 2013 - 2015 No new advice, same as for 2014 - Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 Before 2013 the advice included Divisions VIIIc and IXa. 1 In 2012 and 2013 the advice included Divisions VIIIa,b ,d

92 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.11 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Lesser-spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

The advice given in 2012 for this stock is valid for 2013-2015 (see ICES, 2012): “Based on ICES approach to data- limited stocks, ICES advises that catches should be decreased by 9%. Because the data for catches of lesser-spotted dogfish are not fully documented (due to the historical use of generic landings categories), ICES is not in a position to quantify the result. ICES does not advise that an individual TAC be set for this stock.”The advice is summarized in the table below.

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 9% reduction in catch be implemented.

NB: new Advice will be provided in 2015.

Quality considerations

As there is no obligation to report lesser-spotted dogfish at the species level, they are often included in generic categories such as “dogfish and hounds”. Therefore, landings data are not considered reliable. High levels of discarding take place.

Fishery-independent trawl surveys provide the longest time-series of species-specific information.

The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size, but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

There is no information on stock trends in Division IXa.

Source

ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 19–26 June 2012, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:19. 547 pp. ICES 2013 Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–21 June 2013, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:19. ICES 2014 Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 93 Table 7.3.11.1 Scyliorhinus canicula in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Predicted Agreed Official catch Advice1 corresp. to TAC Landings advice 2007 No advice No TAC 0.31 2008 No advice No TAC 0.39 2009 No advice <1.8 No TAC 0.68 2010 No advice <1.8 No TAC 0.78 2011 Maintain catch at recent level <1.7 No TAC 0.90 2012 No new advice, same as for 2011 <1.7 No TAC 2013 Decrease catch by 9% + no species-specific - TAC 2014 No new advice, same as for 2013 - 2015 No new advice, same as for 2014 - Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 Before 2013 the advice included Divisions VIIIa, b, d.

94 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.12 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach that catches in 2015 should be no more than 208 tonnes. If discard rates do not change from the average of the last 124 years (2000–2013), this implies landings of no more than 192 tonnes. Combined catches of Lepidorhombus boscii and Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis should be no more than 1244 tonnes and combined landings no more than 1013 tonnes in 2015.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013

MSY (FMSY) Appropriate Precautionary Undefined approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Above trigger Precautionary Full reproductive capacity approach (Bpa,Blim)

Figure 7.3.12.1 Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes). Assumed recruitment values are shaded. Top right: SSB/F for the time-series used in the assessment.

The SSB has increased from the minimum observed in 2009 and is now above MSY Btrigger. Fishing mortality has continuously declined over the whole time-series and is currently below FMSY. Recruitment has been low for over a decade, with the exception of the high 2009 year class.

4 Discard data are not available for 2002 and 2003.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 95 Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

Biology

Megrim (L. whiffiagonis) is the most northerly distributed of the two megrim species. It occurs in both ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa, with its highest abundance in Division VIIIc. It has a preferential depth range of 50 to 300 m. Megrim spawns from January to April, with spawning peaking in March.

The fisheries

The southern megrim stock is almost exclusively caught in mixed bottom-trawl fisheries targeting demersal fish, including four-spot megrim, southern hake, anglerfish, and Nephrops. Management measures aimed at reducing fishing mortality on any of these stocks should also reduce fishing pressure on megrim. Since 2000, the Spanish trawl fleet has changed its main target species, focusing more often on species such as horse mackerel, blue whiting, or mackerel, and normally not taking megrim in the catch.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) = 240 kt, where 222 kt were ICES estimated landings (89% bottom otter trawl and 11% other gear-types) and 18 kt were discards.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The survey index (Spanish survey, SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4) in 2013 was not included in the assessment because of inconsistencies with the historical time-series. As a consequence, recruitment in 2013 was poorly estimated by the assessment and has been replaced by an average value (geometric mean of 1998–2011). The impact on the assessment has not been evaluated.

For the main fleet, discard levels are estimated to be in the range of 10–45% (in numbers). Discards are included in the assessment since the benchmark conducted in 2014. The inclusion of discards has led to only a slight upwards revision of the recruitment estimates, not altering the overall perception of stock trends.

Figure 7.3.12.2 Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Historical assessment results (final-year recruitment estimates are included).

96 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Scientific basis Stock data category 1 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Age-based assessment (XSA). Input data Commercial catches (international landings, ages and length frequencies from catch sampling);one survey index (SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4) (1988–2013); two commercial indices (SP-LCGOTBDEF (1986–2013) and SP-AVSOTBDEF (1986–2013)); constant maturity ogive (BIOSDEF 1998); assumed natural mortality (0.2). Discards and bycatch Included in the assessment for all dataseries from the majority of the fleet. Indicators None. Other information This stock is caught together with L. boscii (Section 7.3.9) and the fisheries advice therefore combines both stocks. This stock was benchmarked in WKSOUTH (ICES, 2014c). Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 97 7.3.12 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY Btrigger 910 t. Bpa (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014c). MSY FMSY 0.17 Fmax, consistent with FMSY and the precautionary approach based approach on stochastic stock–recruitment simulation (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014c). Blim 650 t. Bloss (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014c). Precautionary Bpa 910 t. 1.4* × Blim (WKSOUTH; ICES, 2014c). approach Flim Not defined. Fpa Not defined. (Last changed in: 2014)

98 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Outlook for 2015

Basis: F (2014) = F (2011–2013) = 0.174; SSB (2015) = 1.250; Recruitment (2013 and 2015)= GM 1998–2011 = 3.27 million; Catch (2014) = 0.314; landings (2014) = 0.290; Discards (2014) = 0.024.

Combined species L. whiffiagonis L. whiffiagonis

Total Total Total Discards F F F SSB %SSB %TAC landings Rationale catch landings catch Basis total landings Disc change change (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2015) (2016) 1) 2) MSY 1.244 1.013 0.208 0.192 0.016 FMSY [Fsq × 0.63] 0.110 0.100 0.010 1.343 7.4% −55.1% approach 3) Zero catch 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 F = 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.610 28.8% −100%

Other options 0.215 0.176 0.036 0.033 0.003 Fsq × 0.1 0.017 0.016 0.002 1.563 25.0% −92.2%

1.007 0.822 0.168 0.156 0.012 Fsq × 0.5 0.087 0.079 0.008 1.393 11.4% -63.6%

1.866 1.513 0.310 0.286 0.024 Fsq × 1 0.174 0.159 0.015 1.212 −3.0% −33%

2.361 1.908 0.391 0.360 0.031 −15% TAC [Fsq × 1.33] 0.231 0.211 0.020 1.108 −11.4% −15.5%

2.809 2.261 0.464 0.427 0.037 0% TAC [Fsq × 1.66] 0.289 0.263 0.025 1.015 −18.8% 0.2%

3.225 2.586 0.531 0.488 0.043 +15% TAC [Fsq × 2] 0.348 0.317 0.031 0.930 −25.6% +14.6% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) SSB 2016 relative to SSB 2015. 2) Landings of combined megrim species in 2015 relative to TAC 2014. 3) F reduction corresponding to the MSY approach for L. boscii, see Section 7.3.9.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 99 MSY approach

Because the two megrim species (L. whiffiagonis and L. boscii) are not separated in the landings, the advice of the two stocks is linked. Fsq is above FMSY for L. boscii and at FMSY level for L. whiffiagonis. To get fishing mortality for both stocks at or below FMSY, the F multiplier of L. boscii is applied to both stocks.

Following the ICES MSY approach implies a reduction in fishing mortality to 0.11, resulting in catches of no more than 208 t in 2015. Considering that no discard ban is in place in 2015 and if the discarding rate remains at the mean of the last three years, this would result in landings of no more 192 t. This is expected to lead to an SSB of 1343 t in 2016.

Additional considerations

The two megrim species (L. whiffiagonis and L. boscii) are managed under a common TAC. They are caught and recorded together in the landings statistics. Management of the two megrim species under a combined TAC prevents effective control of the single-species exploitation rates and could potentially lead to overexploitation of either species. The advice on TAC is based on the stock that is in poorer condition. This may result in loss of yield from the stock that is in better condition. Future management could benefit from mixed-fishery advice for all stocks caught in this fishery if spatial considerations were taken into account.

The spatial distribution of the two stocks shows some differences that could be utilized for separate management of the two stocks. Both megrim species are distributed in Divisions VIIIc and IXa, but L. whiffiagonis is more northern than L. boscii. In addition, there is a certain bathymetric segregation between the two species. L. boscii has a preferential depth range of 100 to 450 m and L. whiffiagonis of 50 to 300 m.

Uncertainty in the assessment and forecast

The estimates of incoming recruits are uncertain, in particular because of the lack of the 2013 survey data.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Discards have been included in the assessment this year. Compared to the 2013 assessment, the SSB in 2013 was revised upwards by 8% ((1448–1345)/1345) and the F in 2012 upwards by 22% ((0.227–0.1853)/0.1853).

The basis for the advice this year is the same as last year: the MSY approach.

Figure 7.4.9.3 Four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Stock–recruitment relationship (left) and yield- and spawning–stock biomass-per-recruit (right).

100 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Sources

ICES. 2010. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2010, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2010/ACOM:11. ICES. 2011. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2011, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2011/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp. ICES. 2014. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Southern Megrim and Hake (WKSOUTH), 3–7 February 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:40. 236 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 101 Table 7.3.12.1 Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES Advice1) Predicted Predicted Agreed ICES ICES total landings TAC landings landings landings corresp. to 1) 2) 1) L. whiffi Discards corresp. to advice * advice1) L. whiffi 1987 Not dealt with 13.0 2.19 0.50 0.04 1988 Not dealt with 13.0 3.04 0.82 0.04 1989 Not dealt with 13.0 3.34 0.71 0.05 1990 Not dealt with 13.0 2.93 0.98 0.04 1991 No advice 14.3 2.29 0.61 0.04 1992 No advice 14.3 2.44 0.52 0.04 L. boscii no gain in 1993 increasing F, L. whiff. safe 8.0 1.76 0.38 0.04 biological limits 1994 No gains in increasing F 6.0 1.88 0.48 0.01 1995 Concern about low SSB 6.0 1.87 0.22 0.04 1996 Mixed fishing aspects 6.0 1.43 0.33 0.04 1997 Reduce F by at least 50% 6.0 1.25 0.36 0.05 1998 Reduce F by at least 50% 0.9 6.0 1.57 0.45 0.04 1999 Reduce F by at least 50% 1.0 6.0 1.46 0.34 0.04 2000 Reduce F by at least 20% < 1.5 5.0 1.29 0.25 0.03 2001 No increase in F 1.61 5.0 1.11 0.17 0.02 2002 No increase in F 1.55 4.0 0.84 0.12 0.02 2003 No increase in F 1.55 2.4 1.01 0.13 0.01 2004 No increase in F 1.38 1.336 1.14 0.15 0.01 2005 No increase in F3 1.09 1.336 1.13 0.15 0.02 2006 No increase in F 1.2 1.269 1.30 0.21 0.02 2007 No increase in F 1.4 1.440 1.26 0.15 0.00 2008 No increase in F 1.4 1.430 1.11 0.13 0.01 2009 Same advice as last year 1.4 1.430 1.22 0.08 0.01

2010 Reduce F to F0.1 0.9 1.287 1.38 0.08 0.00 2011 MSY framework < 0.89 < 0.11 1094 1.42 0.16 0.07 2012 MSY framework < 0.86 < 0.10 1.214 1.09 0.29 0.03 2013 MSY framework < 0.89 < 0.11 1.214 1.34 0.22 0.02 2014 MSY approach < 2.26 < 0.30 2.257 2015 MSY approach < 1.01 < 0.19 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) For both species combined. 2) For Division VIIIc and Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. 3) Single-stock boundary and the exploitation of this stock should be conducted in the context of mixed fisheries, protecting stocks outside safe biological limits. * Includes unallocated landings.

102 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.12.2 Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Landings, discard, and catch data (in tonnes) by country and area.

Official landings ICES ICES landings Discards Spain Portugal catch *** *** Year VIIIc IXa** Total IXa *** 1986 508 98 606 53 659 46 705 1987 404 46 450 47 497 40 537 1988 657 59 716 101 817 42 859 1989 533 45 578 136 714 47 761 1990 841 25 866 111 977 45 1022 1991 494 16 510 104 614 41 655 1992 474 5 479 37 516 42 558 1993 338 7 345 38 383 38 421 1994 440 8 448 31 479 13 492 1995 173 20 193 25 218 40 258 1996 283 21 305 24 329 44 373 1997 298 12 310 46 356 52 408 1998 372 8 380 66 446 36 482 1999 332 44 336 7 343 43 386 2000 238 5 243 10 253 35 288 2001 167 2 169 5 175 19 193 2002 112 3 115 3 117 19 137 2003 113 3 116 17 134 15 148 2004 142 1 144 5 149 11 159 2005 120 1 121 26 147 19 166 2006 173 2 175 35 210 16 226 2007 139 2 141 14 155 0.4 155 2008* 114 2 116 17 133 11 144 2009 74 2 77 7 84 11 94 2010 66 8 74 10 83 5 88 2011 109 3 111 34 159 69 228 2012 164 3 167 18 288 31 319 2013 122 6 127 11 222 18 240 Weights in tonnes. * Data revised in 2012. ** Division IXa excluding the Gulf of Cadiz. *** Unallocated landings included.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 103 Table 7.3.12.3 Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment.

Year Recruitment SSB Landings Discards Mean F Age 1 ** Ages 2–4 thousands tonnes tonnes 1986 10229 2243 659 46 0.39 1987 13272 1893 497 40 0.352 1988 11944 2166 817 42 0.498 1989 10774 2338 714 47 0.428 1990 13344 2416 977 45 0.444 1991 6068 1650 614 41 0.46 1992 11960 1585 516 42 0.437 1993 5342 1430 383 38 0.323 1994 2265 1235 479 13 0.409 1995 9987 1008 218 40 0.29 1996 10102 1354 329 44 0.252 1997 7878 1410 356 52 0.267 1998 4641 1403 446 36 0.386 1999 2781 1178 343 43 0.325 2000 4066 1309 253 35 0.306 2001 3611 983 175 19 0.253 2002 3010 916 117 19 0.16 2003 3126 1032 134 15 0.171 2004 3378 834 149 11 0.181 2005 2834 887 147 19 0.232 2006 2288 848 210 16 0.393 2007 2774 755 155 0 0.251 2008 1625 679 133 11 0.222 2009 1509 668 84 11 0.124 2010 10081 755 83 5 0.078 2011 6062 1212 159 69 0.162 2012 3358 1597 288 31 0.227 2013 3274* 1448 222 18 0.133 2014 3274* 1341 Average 6030 1330 345 0.291 * GM(1998–2011). ** Includes unallocated landings.

104 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.13 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FUs 23–24)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the basis of the data-limited5 approach that landings should be no more than 3214 tonnes, assuming that discard rates do not change from the average of the last three years (2011–2013), and a fixed proportion (30%) of discards survive. This corresponds to removals of no more than 4224 tonnes.

Stock status F (Fishing Mortality) 2011–2013

MSY Undefined MSY (F ) Precautionary Undefined approach (Fpa,Flim) Qualitative evaluation Decreasing

SSB (Spawning–stock biomass) 2009–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Undefined

Precautionary Undefined approach (Bpa,Blim) Qualitative evaluation Stable / Increasing

Figure 7.3.13.1 Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FU 23–24). Left: removals, including dead discards and landings; right: LANGOLF survey biomass index as an indicator of stock size. Horizontal lines denote the average of the respective year range.

The biomass index from 2006–2013 shows no clear trend; the average of the last two years over the previous three years shows a 14% increase.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

Biology

Nephrops is a burrowing species and inhabits muddy seabeds on the continental shelf and upper slope. This means that the distribution of suitable sediment defines the species distribution. After reaching sexual maturity, males moult more frequently than females, consequently growing faster. Egg-bearing females stay most of the time inside their burrows, resulting in a different exploitation pattern and fishing pressure for each sex.

5 Statement was corrected in July (14-07-2014).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 105 The fisheries

Nephrops in FUs 23–24 are almost exclusively exploited by French trawlers, which have decreased notably according to different decommissioning schemes. The current fleet numbers 200 vessels (numerus clausus licence system). Landings have declined since 2005.

Catch by fleet Official landings (2013) = 2.38 kt; dead discards were 1.52 kt; removals were 3.44 kt (almost 100% by bottom trawl).

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

Intensive trawling in this area may impact the carrying capacity for Nephrops burrowing (the size of burrows depending on the compactness of the sediment) by changing the fine sedimentary configuration of the seabed. The surface of the traditional compact mud bottom seems to be reduced and gradually replaced by less muddy sediments similar to the outer edge of the central mud bank.

The central mud bank of the Bay of Biscay is a nursery of the northern stock of hake which is the major bycatch species in this fishery. The trawling activities on Nephrops also cause seasonally very high discard rates on blue whiting and horse mackerel.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on biomass index from one survey, used as an indicator of stock size. The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

There is a lack of a long-term index of abundance for this stock. An assessment method should be developed for this stock.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Survey trends. Input data Commercial catches and one survey index (LANGOLF, 2006–2013). Discards and bycatch Included in the assessment for the entire time-series (>50% of catches). Indicators None. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

106 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.13 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FUs 23–24)

Reference points

There is no analytical basis on which to calculate biological reference points.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable assessment can be presented for this stock; therefore, no forecast can be presented.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses a harvest control based on an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent biomass index values with the three preceding values, combined with recent removals data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock biomass is estimated to have increased by 14% between the periods 2009–2011 (average of the three years) and 2012–2013 (average of the two years). This implies an increase of catches of at most 14% in relation to the last three years’ catches, corresponding to landings of no more 3214 tonnes. Assuming that discard rates do not change from the average of the last three years (2011–2013) and that the discard survival rate is 30%, removals would be no more than 4224 tonnes.

Considering that the effort over the time period (2006–2013) has reduced 27% (Figure 7.3.13.2), no additional precautionary reduction is needed.

Additional considerations

Management considerations

Small-sized Nephrops are subject to high fishing mortality and discards of Nephrops are substantial in this fishery (50–65%). In 2006, the minimum landing size (MLS) was increased. Because this was not followed by an improvement of the selection pattern, this has led to a record-high discard rate. The spawning biomass and the long-term yield can be substantially improved. This can be achieved by improving the selection pattern.

Changes in technology and fishing patterns

Since early 2008, all vessels catching more than 50 kg of Nephrops per day in Divisions VIIIa and VIIIb must use a selective device with at least one of the following: (1) a ventral panel of 60 mm square mesh; (2) a flexible grid; and (3) an 80 mm codend mesh size.

Data and methods

The revision of the time-series estimates of discards and the inclusion of the LANGOLF survey did not improve the quality of the age-based assessment. Given the strong retrospective pattern and the divergent trends in F and SSB estimates compared to the last assessment; ICES did not use the SSB trends based on the assessment as the basis for the advice this year.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

This assessment method uses the survey index rather than the SSB trends from the assessment. The basis for the advice is the same as 2013: the ICES approach to data-limited stocks.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 107 Sources

ICES. 2012. Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FUs 23–24). In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.4.10. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7: 75–81. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark, ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp. Jégou, C. 2007. Analyse de la variabilité de la maturité sexuelle de la langoustine, Nephrops norvegicus, dans le Golfe de Gascogne. Rapp. 3e cycle, l’Université de Brest. 22 pp. Morizur, Y. 1982. Estimation de la mortalité pour quelques stocks de la langoustine, Nephrops norvegicus (L.). ICES CM 1982/K:10.

Figure 7.3.13.2 Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FUs 23–24). Effort from the “Le Guilvinec District” Nephrops trawlers in the 2nd quarter of the overall time-series.

108 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.13.1 Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FUs 23–24). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted Agreed ICES ICES removals landings TAC landings (landings + corresp. to (discards not dead discards) advice included) 1987 5.5 6.6 1988 5.9 8.8 1989 5.2 6.7 1990 5.1 5.4 1991 4.8 5.6 1992 ~6.8 6.8 5.7 6.6 1993 6.8 6.8 5.2 5.8 1994 6.8 6.8 4.1 4.6 1995 6.8 6.8 4.5 4.9 1996 6.8 6.8 4.1 4.5 1997 6.8 6.8 3.6 4.2 1998 4.2 5.5 3.3 4.9 1999 4.2 5.5 3.2 4.0 2000 4.2 4.44 3.1 4.1 2001 4.2 4.0 3.8 5.5 2002 40% reduction of current exploitation 2.0 3.2 3.7 5.5 rate 2003 50% reduction of current exploitation 2.2 3.0 3.8 5.3 rate 2004 20% reduction of current exploitation 3.3 3.15 3.3 4.9 rate 2005 20% reduction of current exploitation 3.1 3.1 3.7 5.9 rate 2006 Maintain recent catch 3.5 4.0 3.4 6.6 2007 Maintain recent catch 3.6 4.32 3.2 4.9 2008 Maintain recent catch 3.6 4.32 3.0 4.5 2009 Maintain recent landings (average 3.4 4.1 3.0 4.3 2005–2007) 2010 No new advice, same as for 2009 3.4 3.9 3.4 4.3 2011 See scenarios 3.9 3.6 4.4 2012 Reduce catch 3.9 2.5 3.2 2013 Decrease landings by 5% (19% < 3.20 3.9 2.4 3.4 increase, followed by 20% PA reduction) 2014 Same advice as 2013 < 3.20 3.9 2015 Increase landings by no more than 14% < 3.214 2016 Same advice as 2015 < 3.214 Weights in thousand tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 109 Table 7.3.13.2 Nephrops in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay, FU 23–24). Historical removals, landings, and discards.

Removals Landings Total discards Year (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) 1987 6634 5397 1767 1988 8760 5875 4122 1989 6679 4835 2634 1990 5411 4972 628 1991 5603 4754 1213 1992 6628 5681 1354 1993 5814 5109 1007 1994 4610 4092 740 1995 4947 4452 707 1996 4465 4118 495 1997 4173 3610 804 1998 4882 3865 1453 1999 4013 3209 1148 2000 4087 3069 1455 2001 5506 3730 2538 2002 5513 3679 2620 2003 5270 3886 1978 2004 4923 3571 1931 2005 5880 3991 2699 2006 6627 3447 4543 2007 4864 3176 2411 2008 4517 3030 2124 2009 4270 2987 1833 2010 4290 3398 1275 2011 4443 3559 1263 2012 3229 2520 1013 2013 3444 2380 1520

110 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.14 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in Division VIIIc (North Galicia and Cantabrian Sea, FUs 25 and 31)

Introduction

Nephrops are limited to a muddy habitat. This means that the distribution of suitable sediment defines the species distribution and the stocks are therefore assessed as two separate functional units (FUs) (Figure 7.3.14.1):

Section FU no. Name ICES area Statistical rectangles

7.3.14.1 25 North Galicia VIIIc 15E0–E1; 16E1 7.3.14.2 31 Cantabrian Sea VIIIc 16E4–E7

Figure 7.3.14.1 Nephrops functional units in Division VIIIc.

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary considerations that there should be no directed fishery and that bycatch should be minimized for FUs 25 and 31. To protect the stock in these functional units, ICES advises that management should be implemented at the functional unit level.

The advice is presented by functional unit in Sections 7.3.14.1 and 7.3.14.2. A summary can be found in Table 7.3.14.1 below.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 111 Table 7.3.14.1 Nephrops advice in Division VIIIc. Summary of ICES advice by functional unit.

Year North Galicia Cantabrian Sea Total advice 1 Agreed ICES FU 25 FU 31 TAC 2 landings 1992 0.51 0.8 0.52 1993 0.51 1.0 0.37 1994 0.51 1.0 0.39 1995 0.51 1.0 0.37 1996 0.51 1.0 0.34 1997 0.51 1.0 0.32 1998 0.51 1.0 0.18 1999 0.51 1.0 0.17 2000 0.51 0.8 0.12 2001 0.51 0.72 0.17 2002 0 0 0 0.36 0.17 2003 0 0 0 0.18 0.11 2004 0 0 0 0.18 0.09 2005 0 0 0 0.16 0.08 2006 0 0 0 0.146 0.08 2007 0 0 0 0.131 0.09 2008 0 0 0 0.124 0.058 2009 0 0 0 0.112 0.027 2010 0 0 0 0.101 0.043 2011 0 0 0 0.091 0.051 2012 0 0 0 0.082 0.031 2013 0 0 0 0.074 0.020 2014 0 0 0 0.67 2015 0 0 0 2016 0 0 0 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 ICES does not advise an overall TAC for these stocks. 2 For the whole of Division VIIIc.

112 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.14.2 Nephrops in Division VIIIc. Landings by FU and for all of Division VIIIc (tonnes).

Official landings ICES landings Year FU 25 FU 31 (all of VIIIc) 1 1975 731 731 1976 559 559 1977 667 667 1978 690 690 1979 475 475 1980 412 412 1981 318 318 1982 431 431 1983 433 63 496 1984 515 100 615 1985 477 128 605 1986 364 127 491 1987 412 118 530 1988 445 151 596 1989 376 177 553 1990 285 174 459 1991 453 109 562 1992 428 94 522 1993 274 101 375 1994 245 148 393 1995 273 94 367 1996 209 129 338 1997 219 98 317 1998 103 72 175 1999 124 48 172 2000 81 34 115 2001 147 27 174 2002 143 26 169 2003 89 22 111 2004 75 17 92 2005 63 14 77 2006 62 15 77 2007 67 19 86 2008 39 19 58 2009 21 6 27 2010 34 8 42 2011 44 7 51 2012 10 10 31 2013 10 10 20 1 Unallocated landings included.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 113 7.3.14.1 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary considerations that there should be no directed fishery and that bycatch should be minimized.

To protect the stock in this functional unit, ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY (FMSY) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Below possible reference points

Figure 7.3.14.1.1 Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25). Left: Official landings. Right: Stock size indicator, LPUE SP-CORUTR8c.

All information indicates that the stock is at a very low abundance level. Landings and the lpue have declined continuously and are currently very low.

Management plans

A recovery plan for Southern hake and Iberian Nephrops was agreed by the EU in 2006 (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005). The aim of the recovery plan is to rebuild the stocks within ten years, with a reduction in F of 10% relative to the previous year and the TAC set accordingly. ICES has not evaluated this recovery plan.

Biology

Nephrops is a burrowing species and inhabits muddy seabeds on the continental shelf and upper slope. After reaching sexual maturity, males moult more frequently than females, consequently growing faster. Egg-bearing females stay most of the time inside their burrows, resulting in a different exploitation pattern and fishing pressure for each sex.

114 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Environmental influence on the stock

Nephrops distribution is more determined by ground type and sea temperature than depth. In northern Galician waters, this species is distributed at depths between 90 and 600 metres in a patchwork configuration where the substrate is suitable.

The fisheries

Nephrops are caught in the mixed bottom-trawl fishery. The fishery takes place throughout the year, with the highest landings in spring and summer. Nephrops are taken together with hake, anglerfish, megrim, horse mackerel, mackerel, and blue whiting. Due to the mixed nature of the demersal fisheries in this area, management measures for finfish species influence the exploitation of Nephrops. Discarding of Nephrops in this fishery is negligible, based on observer information.

Catch by fleet Total catch (2013) = 10 t, where 100% were official landings (100% bottom trawl). Discards are negligible.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The advice is based on an abundance index from one commercial index (SP-CORUTR8c), used as an indicator of stock size. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

No fishery-independent information is available for this stock.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.1.4 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Trends from commercial cpue. Input data Commercial landings (Spanish landings (1975–2013)); one commercial index (SP- CORUTR8c) (1975–2013). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 115 7.3.14.1 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Western Iberian Seas STOCK Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for Nephrops in FU 25.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytical assessment is available for this stock; therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary considerations

ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations that catches should be reduced to the lowest possible levels and that effective technical measures should be implemented to reduce Nephrops as bycatch.

Management plan

The calculation of a TAC corresponding to a reduction in F of 10% as called for in the recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005) was not feasible because short-term forecasts are not available.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the advice this year is the same as in 2013, the ICES data-limited approach.

Sources

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

116 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.14.1.1 Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted landings Agreed ICES correspond. to TAC 1 landings 2 advice 1987 0.41 1988 0.45 1989 0.38 1990 0.29 1991 0.45 1992 0.51 0.8 0.43 1993 0.51 1.0 0.27 1994 0.51 1.0 0.25 1995 0.51 1.0 0.27 1996 0.51 1.0 0.21 1997 0.51 1.0 0.22 1998 0.51 1.0 0.10 1999 0.51 1.0 0.12 2000 0.51 0.8 0.08 2001 0.51 0.72 0.15 2002 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.36 0.14 2003 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.18 0.09 2004 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.18 0.08 2005 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.16 0.063 2006 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.146 0.062 2007 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.131 0.067 2008 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.124 0.039 2009 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.112 0.021 2010 No new advice, same as 2009 0 0.101 0.034 2011 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.091 0.044 2012 No new advice, same as 2011 0 0.082 0.021 2013 Reduce catch to zero 0 0.062 0.010 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 0 0.067 2015 Zero catch and reduce bycatch 0 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 0 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 For the whole of Division VIIIc. 2 Unallocated landings included.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 117 Table 7.3.14.1.2 Nephrops in, North Galicia (FU 25). Total landings in FU 25 (tonnes) (only exploited by the Spanish fleet).

Official ICES Year landings estimates 1 1975 731 731 1976 559 559 1977 667 667 1978 690 690 1979 475 475 1980 412 412 1981 318 318 1982 431 431 1983 433 433 1984 515 515 1985 477 477 1986 364 364 1987 412 412 1988 445 445 1989 376 376 1990 285 285 1991 453 453 1992 428 428 1993 274 274 1994 245 245 1995 273 273 1996 209 209 1997 219 219 1998 103 103 1999 124 124 2000 81 81 2001 147 147 2002 143 143 2003 89 89 2004 75 75 2005 63 63 2006 62 62 2007 67 67 2008 39 39 2009 21 21 2010 34 34 2011 44 44 2012 10 21 2013 10 10 1 Unallocated landings included.

118 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.14.1.3 Nephrops in North Galicia (FU 25). Landings, effort, lpue, and mean sizes.

Official SPCORUÑA- Lpue Mean sizes in landings (mm CL) Year landings 8c effort SPCORUÑA- (tonnes) (fishing days) 8c effort (kg/fishing Males Females day) 1975 731 8823 82.8 1976 559 10159 56.1 1977 667 9232 88.4 1978 690 7561 91.3 1979 475 7766 60.2 1980 412 6942 76.4 1981 318 7147 44.5 37.8 36.3 1982 431 7698 56.0 36.9 35.2 1983 433 6343 65.8 34.7 32.2 1984 515 6260 77.4 35.2 32.0 1985 477 6015 71.7 35.8 33.1 1986 364 5017 60.1 35.1 32.1 1987 412 4266 83.5 37.2 35.6 1988 445 5246 70.7 37.9 36.0 1989 376 5753 51.7 40.9 38.7 1990 285 5710 34.9 37.5 39.4 1991 453 5135 65.1 34.8 33.3 1992 428 5127 68.5 37.1 34.9 1993 274 5829 39.2 37.4 36.0 1994 245 5216 39.6 36.6 34.7 1995 273 5538 42.0 37.1 35.8 1996 209 4911 37.0 37.0 34.7 1997 219 4858 38.5 36.5 35.1 1998 103 4560 14.7 39.4 37.5 1999 124 4023 30.2 37.3 36.8 2000 81 3547 21.7 38.0 36.7 2001 147 3239 44.8 37.4 35.8 2002 143 2333 49.5 39.0 37.1 2003 89 2804 35.9 42.5 39.1 2004 75 2091 18.9 41.1 37.7 2005 63 2063 15.5 39.4 37.4 2006 62 1699 19.4 41.0 37.7 2007 67 2075 17.8 40.6 38.7 2008 39 2128 9.9 43.7 40.4 2009 21 1552 7.3 48.5 45.1 2010 34 1386 15.6 43.2 40.8 2011 44 1095 33.6 43.4 41.1 2012 10 1307 11.7 40.1 39.8 2013 10 1582 4.4 42.1 33.2

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 119 7.3.14.2 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary considerations, that there should be no directed fishery and bycatch should be minimized.

To protect the stock in this functional unit, ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY (FMSY) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Below possible reference points

Figure 7.3.14.1.1 Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31). Left: Official landings. Right: Stock size indicator, lpue Santander.

All information indicates that the stock is at a very low abundance level. Landings and the lpue have declined continuously and are currently very low.

Management plans

A recovery plan for Southern hake and Iberian Nephrops was agreed by the EU in 2006 (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005). The aim of the recovery plan is to rebuild the stocks within ten years, with a reduction in F of 10% relative to the previous year and the TAC set accordingly. ICES has not evaluated this recovery plan.

Biology

Nephrops is a burrowing species and inhabits muddy seabeds on the continental shelf and upper slope. After reaching sexual maturity, males moult more frequently than females, consequently growing faster. Egg-bearing females stay most of the time inside their burrows, resulting in a different exploitation pattern and fishing pressure for each sex.

120 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Environmental influence on the stock

Nephrops distribution is more determined by ground type and sea temperature than by depth. In the Cantabrian Sea, this species is distributed at depths between 90 and 600 m in a patchwork configuration where the substrate is suitable.

The fisheries

Nephrops are caught in the mixed bottom-trawl fishery. The fishery takes place throughout the year, with the highest landings in spring and summer. Nephrops are taken together with hake, anglerfish, megrim, horse mackerel, mackerel, and blue whiting. Due to the mixed nature of the demersal fisheries in this area, management measures for finfish species influence the exploitation of Nephrops. Discarding of Nephrops in this fishery is minimal, based on observer information.

Catch by fleet Total catches (2013) = 10 t, all of which were official landings (100% bottom trawl). Discards are negligible.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The advice is based on abundance index from one commercial index (Santander fleet) used as an indicator of stock size. No fishery-independent information is available for this stock.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.1.4 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Trends from commercial cpue. Input data Commercial catches (Spanish landings 1983–2013), three commercial indices (SP- AVILESTR, Santander trawl fleet, and Gijon trawl fleet). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 121 7.3.14.2 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for Nephrops in FU 31.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytical assessment is available for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary considerations

ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations that catches should be reduced to the lowest possible levels and that effective technical measures should be implemented to reduce Nephrops as bycatch.

Management plan

The calculation of a TAC corresponding to a reduction in F of 10% as called for in the recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005) was not feasible because short-term forecasts are not available.

Additional considerations

Advices considerations

ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the advice this year is the same as in 2013, the ICES data-limited approach.

Sources

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

122 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.14.2.1 Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted landings Agreed ICES correspond. to TAC 1 landings advice 1987 0.118 1988 0.151 1989 0.177 1990 0.174 1991 0.109 1992 0.51 0.8 0.094 1993 0.51 1.0 0.101 1994 0.51 1.0 0.148 1995 0.51 1.0 0.094 1996 0.51 1.0 0.129 1997 0.51 1.0 0.098 1998 0.51 1.0 0.072 1999 0.51 1.0 0.048 2000 0.51 0.8 0.034 2001 0.51 0.72 0.027 2002 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.36 0.026 2003 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.18 0.022 2004 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.18 0.017 2005 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.16 0.014 2006 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.146 0.015 2007 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.131 0.019 2008 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.124 0.019 2009 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.112 0.006 2010 No new advice, same as 2009 0 0.101 0.008 2011 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.091 0.007 2012 No new advice, same as 2011 0 0.082 0.010 2013 Reduce catches to zero 0 0.074 0.010 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 0 0.067 2015 Zero catch and reduce bycatch 0 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 0 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 For the whole of Division VIIIc.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 123 Table 7.3.14.2.2 Nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea (FU 31). Total official landings per fleet (tonnes) (only exploited by the Spanish fleet).

Official landings by gear Year Total Trawl Creel 1983 63 63 1984 100 100 1985 128 128 1986 127 127 1987 118 118 1988 151 151 1989 177 177 1990 174 174 1991 105 4 109 1992 92 2 94 1993 95 6 101 1994 146 2 148 1995 90 4 94 1996 120 9 129 1997 97 1 98 1998 69 3 72 1999 46 2 48 2000 33 1 34 2001 26 1 27 2002 25 1 26 2003 21 1 22 2004 17 0 17 2005 14 0 14 2006 15 0 15 2007 19 0 19 2008 19 0 19 2009 6 0 6 2010 8 0 9 2011 7 0 7 2012 10 0 10 2013 10 0 10

124 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.14.2.3 Nephrops in Cantabrian Sea (FU 31). Landings, effort, lpue, and mean sizes.

Mean size in landings Official Effort (fishing days) Lpue (kg/fishing day) landings (mm CL) Year (tonnes) Avilés+Santander Santander Gijón Avilés Santander Gijon Males Females 1983 63 5696 3.1 1984 100 6922 3.9 1985 128 2.4 1986 127 6715 3.1 1987 118 5457 3588 4.5 1988 151 5997 3920 5.9 40.3 36.9 1989 177 5963 4128 5.3 22.9 42.3 39.2 1990 174 5808 3795 6.9 26.5 42.0 37.4 1991 109 7045 5250 3.6 10.5 40.9 37.1 1992 94 8110 5190 3.2 9.0 41.6 39.3 1993 101 6948 4800 3.0 11.4 45.2 39.6 1994 148 7505 4960 3.4 21.3 46.6 42.0 1995 94 4608 3060 3.0 15.2 44.6 41.5 1996 129 3809 2640 3.8 17.1 45.6 41.8 1997 98 4049 2735 5.0 17.2 43.2 40.5 1998 72 3845 2444 4.5 16.8 46.2 41.5 1999 48 4232 2376 2.1 10.2 47.8 42.7 2000 34 3367 2168 1.8 11.0 47.5 42.4 2001 26 2031 1312 2.9 12.4 47.3 42.6 2002 26 1871 1052 1.3 12.1 45.6 38.1 2003 22 1787 1016 2.0 12.2 47.5 40.6 2004 17 na 1004 na 9.1 47.6 43.7 2005 14 na 364 na 11.3 49.9 44.1 2006 15 na 734 na 10.0 47.5 41.6 2007 19 na 1304 na 8.8 49.4 43.7 2008 19 na na 688 na na 1.2 51.3 44.6 2009 6 na 393 580 na 5.8 1.8 55.8 45.9 2010 9 na 444 289 na 11.6 3.5 54.6 44.8 2011 7 na 506 na na 6.04 na 46.1 39.4 2012 10 na 729 na na 6.70 na 47.0 40.0 2013 10 na 604 na na 2.25 na 54.9 54.5

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 125 7.3.15 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in Division IXa (West of Galicia, Portuguese coast and Golf of Cadiz)

Introduction

Nephrops are limited to a muddy habitat. This means that the distribution of suitable sediment defines the species distribution and the stocks are therefore assessed as five separate functional units (FUs) (Figure 7.3.15.1).

Section FU no. Name ICES area Statistical rectangles 7.3.15.1 26 West Galicia IXa 13–14 E0–E1 27 North Portugal (North of Cape Espichel) IXa 6–12 E0; 9–12 E1 7.3.15.2 28 Southwest Portugal (Alentejo) IXa 3–5 E0–E1 29 South Portugal (Algarve) IXa 2 E0–E2 7.3.15.3 30 Gulf of Cadiz IXa 2–3 E2–E3

Figure 7.3.15.1 Nephrops functional units in ICES Division IXa.

Advice for 2015 and 2016

The advice for these Nephrops stocks is biennial and valid for 2015 and 2016. Management should be implemented at the functional unit level. This is presented by functional unit in Sections 7.3.15.1–7.3.15.3. A summary can be found in Table 7.3.15.1.

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2012, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:11. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

126 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

1800

FU 30 1600 FU 28-29

1400 FU 26-27

1200

1000

800 Landings (t)

600

400

200

0 1987 2010 2011 2012 2013 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Years

Figure 7.3.15.2 Nephrops in Division IXa. Total landings by functional unit (tonnes).

Table 7.3.15.1 Nephrops in Division IXa. Summary of ICES advice by functional unit.

Year West Galicia Southwest & South Gulf of Cadiz Agreed ICES & North Portugal Portugal TAC1) landings (FUs 26–27) (FUs 28–29) (FU 30) 2003 0 0 0.05 0.600 0.749 2004 0 0 0.05 0.600 0.593 2005 0 0 0.05 0.540 0.679 2006 0 0.20 0.05 0.486 0.580 2007 0 0.20 0.05 0.437 0.552 2008 0 0.20 0.05 0.415 0.384 2009 0 0.20 0.20 0.374 0.301 2010 0 0.20 0.20 0.337 0.275 2011 0 See scenarios See scenarios 0.303 0.273 2012 0 Reduce catch Reduce catch 0.273 0.353 2013 0 0.11 0.09 0.246 0.238 2014 0 0.11 0.09 0.221 2015 0 0.226 0.095 2016 0 0.226 0.095 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 127 Table 7.3.15.2 Nephrops in Division IXa. Landings (tonnes) by functional unit.

Years FU 26-27 FU 28-29 FU 30 Total 1975 622 1681 2303 1976 603 1914 2517 1977 620 1874 2494 1978 575 2144 2719 1979 580 1730 2310 1980 599 1640 2239 1981 823 1431 2254 1982 736 1393 2129 1983 786 244 1030 1984 618 461 1079 1985 765 509 257 1531 1986 694 465 221 1380 1987 742 509 302 1553 1988 727 420 139 1286 1989 708 469 174 1351 1990 449 524 220 1193 1991 603 478 226 1307 1992 636 470 243 1349 1993 522 377 160 1059 1994 448 237 108 793 1995 511 273 131 915 1996 331 132 49 512 1997 433 136 97 666 1998 345 161 85 591 1999 248 211 120 578 2000 132 201 129 462 2001 132 271 178 582 2002 87 359 262 708 2003 73 370 307 749 2004 71 375 147 593 2005 43 391 246 679 2006 44 291 245 580 2007 47 291 214 552 2008 42 223 120 384 2009 31 151 120 301 2010 21 147 107 275 2011 27 150 96 273 2012 8 229 116 353 2013 3 209 26 238

128 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.15.3 Nephrops in Division IXa. ICES landings (tonnes) by country.

Years Spain Portugal Total 1975 2269 34 2303 1976 2487 30 2517 1977 2479 15 2494 1978 2674 45 2719 1979 2208 102 2310 1980 2092 147 2239 1981 2126 128 2254 1982 2043 86 2129 1983 786 244 1030 1984 604 475 1079 1985 1007 524 1531 1986 878 502 1380 1987 973 580 1553 1988 770 516 1286 1989 794 557 1351 1990 621 572 1193 1991 775 532 1307 1992 827 522 1349 1993 632 427 1059 1994 534 259 793 1995 632 283 915 1996 363 149 512 1997 524 142 666 1998 422 169 591 1999 362 216 578 2000 252 210 462 2001 304 278 582 2002 345 363 708 2003 368 382 749 2004 205 388 593 2005 275 404 679 2006 274 306 580 2007 248 305 553 2008 146 238 384 2009 138 163 301 2010 123 152 275 2011 121 140 260 2012 136 217 353 2013 38 201 238

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 129 7.3.15.1 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FUs 26–27)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary considerations that there should be no directed fishery and bycatch should be minimized.

To protect the stock in these functional units, ICES advises that management should be implemented at the functional unit level.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY (FMSY) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Below possible reference points

Figure 7.3.15.1.1 Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FUs 26–27). Left: Official landings. Right: Stock size indicator, LPUE SP-MATR.

All information indicates that the stock is at a very low abundance level. Landings and lpue have fluctuated along a marked downward trend and are currently very low. Mean sizes have shown an increasing trend over the time-series, which may reflect poor recruitment.

Management plans

A recovery plan for Southern hake and Iberian Nephrops was agreed by the EU in 2006 (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005). The aim of the recovery plan is to rebuild the stocks within ten years, with a reduction in F of 10% relative to the previous year and the TAC set accordingly. The same regulation introduced a seasonal ban from June to August for trawl and creel fishery for Nephrops in a box (geographic area) located in southern Galician waters (FU 26). ICES has not evaluated this recovery plan.

130 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Biology

Nephrops is a burrowing species and inhabits muddy seabeds on the continental shelf and upper slope. After reaching sexual maturity, males moult more frequently than females, consequently growing faster. Egg-bearing females stay most of the time inside their burrows, resulting in a different exploitation pattern and fishing pressure for each sex.

Environmental influence on the stock

Nephrops distribution is more determined by ground type and sea temperature than by depth. In northern Galician waters, this species is distributed at depths between 90 and 600 m in a patchwork configuration where the substrate is suitable.

The fisheries

Nephrops are caught in the mixed bottom-trawl fishery. The fishery takes place throughout the year, with the highest landings in spring and summer. Nephrops are taken together with hake, anglerfish, megrim, horse mackerel, mackerel, and blue whiting. Due to the mixed nature of the demersal fisheries in this area, management measures for finfish species influence the exploitation of Nephrops. Discarding of Nephrops in this fishery is negligible, based on observer information.

Catch by fleet Total catch (2013) = 3 t, where 100% were official landings (100% bottom trawl). Discards are negligible.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The advice is based on an abundance/biomass index used as an indicator of stock size. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

No fishery-independent information is available for this stock.

Scientific basis

Stock data category 3.1.4 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Trends from commercial cpue. Input data Commercial landings (Spanish 1975–2013 and Portuguese 1984–2013); one commercial index (SP-MATR) for the period 1990–2013. Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 131 7.3.15.1 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FUs 26–27)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for Nephrops in FUs 26–27.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytical assessment is available for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary considerations

ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations that catches should be reduced to the lowest possible levels and that effective technical measures should be implemented to reduce Nephrops as bycatch.

Management plan

The calculation of a TAC corresponding to a reduction in F of 10% as called for in the recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005) was not feasible because short-term forecasts are unreliable.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the advice this year is the same as in 2013, the ICES data-limited approach.

Sources

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

132 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.15.1.1 Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FUs 26–27). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catches Agreed ICES correspond. to TAC 1 landings advice 2003 Zero catches 0 0.600 0.073 2004 Zero catches 0 0.600 0.071 2005 Zero catches 0 0.540 0.043 2006 Zero catches 0 0.486 0.044 2007 Zero catches 0 0.437 0.047 2008 Zero catches 0 0.415 0.042 2009 Zero catches 0 0.374 0.031 2010 No new advice, same as for 2009 0 0.337 0.021 2011 Zero catches 0 0.303 0.027 2012 No new advice, same as for 2011 0 0.273 0.008 2013 Zero catches 0 0.246 0.003 2014 No new advice, same as for 2013 0 0.221 2015 Zero catch and reduce bycatch 0 2016 No new advice, same as for 2015 0 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 133 Table 7.3.15.1.2. Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FUs 26–27). Landings by FU and country.

Official landings Total ICES Spain Portugal landings* Year FU 26** FU 27 FU 27 FUs 26–27 1975 622 622 1976 603 603 1977 620 620 1978 575 575 1979 580 580 1980 599 599 1981 823 823 1982 736 736 1983 786 786 1984 604 14 618 1985 750 15 765 1986 657 37 694 1987 671 71 742 1988 631 96 727 1989 620 88 708 1990 401 48 449 1991 549 54 603 1992 584 52 636 1993 472 50 522 1994 426 22 448 1995 501 10 511 1996 264 50 17 331 1997 359 68 6 433 1998 295 42 8 345 1999 194 48 6 248 2000 102 21 9 132 2001 105 21 6 132 2002 59 24 4 87 2003 39 26 8 73 2004 38 24 9 71 2005 16 16 11 43 2006 15 17 12 44 2007 20 17 10 47 2008 17 12 13 42 2009 16 5 10 31 2010 3 14 4 21 2011 8 8 4 27 2012 3 4 1 8 2013 1 0 1 3 *Includes unallocated landings. **Prior to 1996, Spanish landings recorded in FU 26 include catches in FU 27.

134 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.15.1.3 Nephrops in West Galicia and North Portugal (FU 26-27). Landings, effort, and lpue for SP-MATR.

Effort (trips) LPUE (Kg/trip)

Landings Year SP-MARTR SP-Muros SP-Riveira SP-Vigo SP-MARTR SP-Muros SP-Riveira SP-Vigo FU26-27

1975 622 1976 603 1977 620 1978 575 1979 580 1980 599 1981 823 1982 736 1983 786 1984 618 3331 5413 21.3 20.2 1985 765 3628 4973 30.5 27.3 1986 694 3478 4149 23.9 28.0 1987 742 3512 5417 20.3 25.3 1988 727 3485 6362 15.4 22.0 1989 708 2527 5643 16.4 27.4 1990 449 2645 2515 4472 103.3 14.5 20.6 1991 603 2855 2144 4170 117.5 26.4 29.6 1992 636 3092 2191 5132 113.0 28.9 26.5 1993 522 2256 2042 5642 105.4 17.3 22.4 1994 448 2692 1590 4268 113.9 17.8 21.5 1995 511 2859 984 4565 1235 93.3 17.2 22.0 15.6 1996 331 3191 1049 4686 1018 49.5 17.5 17.6 51.6 1997 433 3702 1385 3971 1160 66.3 19.7 15.2 80.6 1998 345 2857 1797 3469 1072 66.0 16.3 8.2 84.2 1999 248 2714 1273 3912 1207 49.5 15.5 6.7 49.6 2000 132 2479 983 4100 1036 28.9 5.3 3.7 29.4 2001 132 2374 2091 2895 696 33.6 2.3 5.9 35.0 2002 87 1671 1902 2546 491 31.2 2.2 2.3 41.6 2003 73 1597 785 1608 664 24.0 2.2 0.5 35.1 2004 71 1980 na 1325 662 19.3 na na 32.7 2005 43 1629 na na 569 10.3 na na 25.2 2006 44 1547 na na 507 11.9 na na 26.1 2007 47 1196 na na 437 18.0 na na 33.9 2008 42 980 na na 378 17.3 na na 29.3 2009 31 854 na na na 17.6 na na na 2010 21 775 na na 509 2.27 na na 14.0 2011 27 788 na na na 3.23 na na na 2012 8 914 na na na 0.86 na na na 2013 3 410 na na na 5.71 na na na

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 135 7.3.15.2 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches in 2015 should be no more than 226 tonnes. All catches are assumed to be landed.

To protect the stock in these functional units, ICES advises that management should be implemented at the functional unit level.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2008–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable at low level

Stock size 1998-2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

Figure 7.3.15.2.1 Nephrops Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29). Left: Official landings (in tonnes). Right: Stock size indicator, standardized cpue (kg hour−1). Dashed lines denote the average of the respective year range.

The standardized effort in the last five years is half of that estimated prior to 2005. The cpue series suggests that there has been no substantial change in the biomass over the time period.

Management plans

A recovery plan for Southern hake and Iberian Nephrops was agreed by the EU in 2006 (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005). The aim of the recovery plan is to rebuild the stocks within ten years, with a reduction in F of 10% relative to the previous year and the TAC set accordingly. The same regulation introduced a seasonal ban from May to August for the trawl and trap fishery for Nephrops in a box (geographic area) located in FU 28. ICES has not evaluated this recovery plan.

Biology

Nephrops is a burrowing species and inhabits muddy seabeds on the continental shelf and upper slope. This means that the distribution of suitable sediment defines the species distribution. After reaching sexual maturity, males moult more frequently than females, consequently growing faster. Egg-bearing females stay most of the time inside their burrows, resulting in a different exploitation pattern and fishing pressure for each sex.

136 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Environmental influence on the stock

In this area, Nephrops occurs along the continental slope at depths ranging from 200 to 800 m. Its distribution is limited to muddy sediments, with a silt and clay content to excavate its burrows, meaning that the distribution of suitable sediment defines the species distribution.

The fisheries

The crustacean fleet targets two main species, rose shrimp and Norway lobster. Rose shrimp has a high market value and the fishing grounds are shallower. In periods of high abundance of rose shrimp, the vessels reduce the fishing pressure on Nephrops and redirect the effort to the rose shrimp, getting higher revenue with low costs. This seems to have been the case in the periods 1998–2003 and 2006–2011.

Besides the bottom trawl, a low percentage of catches is taken by a polyvalent fleet, fishing with traps.

Catch by fleet Catches (2013) = 212 t, where 209 t were official landings (99% bottom trawl and 1% polyvalent gear, mostly traps) and 3 t discards (bottom trawl). Discards are negligible.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The advice is based on a biomass index from a standardized cpue, used as an indicator of stock size. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated.

Spanish vessels have been licensed for crustacean fisheries in these FUs under a bilateral agreement since 2004. No data from these vessels’ operation is available prior to 2011. Landings include Spanish official landings since 2011.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Trends from commercial cpue. Input data Commercial catches (Portuguese catches 1984–2013 and Spanish catches 2011– 2013); one commercial index (standardized cpue from the Portuguese crustacean trawl fleet, 1998–2013). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators Biomass index from the crustacean trawl survey (PT-CTS), mean length in commercial catches and in surveys. Other information The latest inter-benchmark was conducted by correspondence in 2012. Working Group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 137 7.3.15.2 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for Nephrops in FUs 28–29.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable forecast can be presented for this stock, because the assessment is only indicative of trends and the fishing pressure is uncertain.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the three preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the biomass information from the lpue from the fishery is estimated to have increased 14% between the periods 2009–2011 (average of the three years) and 2012–2013 (average of the two years). This implies an increase of catches of 14% in relation to the last three years’ average (2011–2013), corresponding to catches of no more than 226 t.

Though the exploitation status is unknown, the effort in the last five years is half that estimated prior to 2005; no additional precautionary reduction is therefore needed (Figure 7.3.15.2.2).

Management plan

The calculation of a TAC corresponding to a reduction in F of 10% as called for in the recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005) was not feasible because short-term forecasts were not available.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Data and methods

The survey indices are highly variable between years. There has been variable spatial coverage in some years and no survey was carried out in 2012.

Using the common approach of index-adjusted status quo catch without a precautionary buffer would result in a catch advice of no more than 226 tonnes.

Regulations and their effects

Since 2006 there has been an annual reduction of fishing days by 10% in response to the recovery plan. The reduction in fishing effort, either by effort regulations or by the shift of the target species, has been effective. Due to the 10% continuous annual reduction of the TAC since 2006 established in the recovery plan, in 2013 the TAC was taken in less than nine months.

138 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Comparison with previous assessment and advice

The basis for the advice is the same as in 2013: the ICES approach to data-limited stocks.

Sources

Figueiredo, M. J. 1989. Preliminary results of the tagging experiments on Nephrops norvegicus in Portuguese waters. ICES CM 1989/K:25. ICES. 2012a. Nephrops in Division IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.4.12.2. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7: 106–111. ICES. 2012b. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2012, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

Standardized fishing effort 100

80

60

40 Effort (10^3 (10^3 hours) Effort 20

0 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

Figure 7.3.15.2.2 Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29). Standardized fishing effort as a measure of fishing pressure.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 139 Table 7.3.15.2.1 Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted landings Agreed Official correspond. to TAC1) landings advice 2003 Zero catches 0 0.600 0.370 2004 Zero catches 0 0.600 0.375 2005 Zero catches 0 0.540 0.391 2006 Average landings in times when stock < 0.2 0.486 0.291 was recovering (1996–2002) 2007 Average landings in times when stock < 0.2 0.437 0.291 was recovering (1996–2002) 2008 Average landings in times when stock < 0.2 0.415 0.223 was recovering (1996–2002) 2009 Average landings in times when stock < 0.2 0.374 0.151 was recovering (1996–2002) 2010 No new advice, same as for 2009 < 0.2 0.337 0.147 2011 See scenarios - 0.303 0.150 2012 Reduce catch - 0.273 0.229 2013 Reduce catch by 14% 0.11 0.246 0.209 2014 No new advice, same as for 2013 0.11 0.221 2015 Increase catch by up to 14% 0.226 2016 No new advice, same as for 2015 0.226 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) For Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1.

140 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.15.2.2 Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29). Total official landings by FU, country, and gear.

28 29 28+29 Years Spain Spain Portugal Total Traw l Traw l Artisanal Traw l Total 1975 137 1510 34 34 1681 1976 132 1752 30 30 1914 1977 95 1764 15 15 1874 1978 120 1979 45 45 2144 1979 96 1532 102 102 1730 1980 193 1300 147 147 1640 1981 270 1033 128 128 1431 1982 130 1177 86 86 1393 1983 244 244 244 1984 461 461 461 1985 509 509 509 1986 465 465 465 1987 11 498 509 509 1988 15 405 420 420 1989 6 463 469 469 1990 4 520 524 524 1991 5 473 478 478 1992 1 469 470 470 1993 1 376 377 377 1994 237 237 237 1995 1 272 273 273 1996 4 128 132 132 1997 2 134 136 136 1998 2 159 161 161 1999 5 206 211 211 2000 4 197 201 201 2001 2 269 271 271 2002 1 358 359 359 2003 35 335 370 370 2004 31 345 375 375 2005 31 360 391 391 2006 17 274 291 291 2007 18 274 291 291 2008 35 188 223 223 2009 17 133 151 151 2010 16 131 147 147 2011 17 16 117 133 150 2012 14 3 211 214 228 2013* 10 1 198 199 209 * Provisional

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 141 Table 7.3.15.2.3 Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29). Landings, standardized fishing effort, biomass survey index, and standardized cpue.

Standardized Crustacean Std CPUE Year Landings (t) Trawl Effort Survey CPUE (kg/h) (hours) (kg/h)

1984 461 1985 509 1986 465 1987 509 1988 420 1989 469 1990 524 1991 479 1992 469 1993 377 1994 237 1995 273 1996 132 1997 136 2.6 1998 161 39,226 4.1 1.2 1999 211 39,308 5.4 2.5 2000 201 52,564 3.8 1.6 2001 271 82,359 3.3 0.8 2002 359 69,929 5.1 2.4 2003 370 55,126 6.7 2.6 2004 375 80,286 4.7 2005 391 65,776 5.9 4.7 2006 291 48,607 6.0 2.4 2007 291 52,051 5.6 2.8 2008 223 40,127 5.5 4.0 2009 151 30,779 4.9 2.0 2010 147 30,709 4.8 6.8 2011 150 34,535 4.3 2012 229 43,875 5.2 2013 209 37,684 5.6 2.2

Table 7.3.15.2.4 Nephrops in Southwest and South Portugal (FUs 28–29). Survey biomass index as an indicator of stock size. Index values denote the average of the respective year range used in the survey-adjusted status quo catch.

Average Year Biomass index values 2009 4.9 2010 4.8 4.67 2011 4.3 2012 5.2 5.4 2013 5.6

142 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.15.3 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the data-limited approach that catches should be no more than 95 tonnes. All catches are assumed to be landed.

To protect the stock in this functional unit, ICES advises that management should be implemented at the functional unit level.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY (FMSY) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Declining

Stock size 2009–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Increasing

Figure 7.3.15.3.1 Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30). Left: Official landings. Right: Stock size indicator, lpue, and abundance survey index (SPGF-cspr-WIBTS-Q1) in the 200–700 m strata. Dashed lines denote the average of the respective year range.

Over the time-series the abundance indices have declined, but recent data indicate that there may be some recovery in the stock. The average of the stock size indicator (lpue) in the last two years (2012–2013) is 42% higher than the average of the three previous years (2009–2011). The effort since 2008 is half that observed in 2002–2007.

Management plans

A recovery plan for Southern hake and Iberian Nephrops was agreed by the EU in 2006 (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005). The aim of the recovery plan is to rebuild the stocks within ten years, with a reduction in F of 10% relative to the previous year and the TAC set accordingly. The effort reductions set annually in accordance with the recovery plan do not apply to the Gulf of Cadiz, where a different method of effort management is used.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 143 Biology

Nephrops is a burrowing species and inhabits muddy seabeds on the continental shelf and upper slope. After reaching sexual maturity, males moult more frequently than females, consequently growing faster. Egg-bearing females stay most of the time inside their burrows, resulting in a different exploitation pattern and fishing pressure for each sex.

Environmental influence on the stock

Nephrops distribution is more determined by ground type and sea temperature than by depth. In the Gulf of Cadiz, this species is distributed at depths between 200 and 700 m in a patchwork configuration where the substrate is suitable.

The fisheries

Nephrops in FU 30 are mostly exploited by Spanish trawlers. The bottom-trawl fleet of the Gulf of Cadiz is characterized by the diversity of its landings, with a mixture of target species (fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans). Nephrops landings are clearly seasonal with high values from April to September. Discarding of Nephrops is negligible in these fisheries. Catches in 2013 were low because a TAC sanction was applied to the fishery.

Catch by fleet Total catch (2013) = 26 t, where 100% were official landings (bottom trawl). Discards are negligible.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

The advice is based on an abundance index from one commercial index (Gulf of Cadiz bottom-trawl fleet), used as an indicator of stock size. The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

The recent information on stock development indicates that there may be some recovery in the stock; however, the relative increase is not a reflection of an equivalent increase in stock size. The Nephrops fishery was closed for most of the year, which increases the uncertainty associated with the lpue index in 2013. However, the 20% cap was applied to the survey index used as the basis of the advice.

The quota was exceeded in 2012 and the European Commission applied a sanction to be paid in three years, resulting in a decrease of the landings in 2013.

Scientific basis

Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Trends from commercial lpue. Input data Commercial catches (Spanish 1994–2013 and Portuguese landings 2003–2013); one commercial index (Gulf of Cadiz bottom-trawl fleet, 1994–2013). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators One abundance survey index (SPGF-cspr/WIBTS-Q1, 1993–2013). Other information Landings were revised to include Ayamonte port since 2002. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

144 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.15.3 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for Nephrops in FU 30.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytical assessment is available for this stock; therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which an abundance index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the three preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the abundance is estimated to have increased by more than 20% between the periods 2009–2011 (the average of the three years) and 2012–2013 (the average of the two years). This implies an increase of catches of at most 20% in relation to the last three years’ average landings (2011–2013), corresponding to catches of no more than 95 tonnes.

Considering that the effort has decreased, no additional precautionary reduction is needed (Figure 7.3.15.3.2).

Management plan

The calculation of a TAC corresponding to a reduction in F of 10% as called for in the recovery plan (Council Regulation (EC) 2166/2005) was not feasible because short-term forecasts are not available.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

ICES advises that the management area should be consistent with the assessment area.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the advice this year is the same as in 2013, the ICES data-limited approach.

Sources

ICES. 2012a. Nephrops in Division IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.4.12.3. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7: 112–116. ICES. 2012b. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2012, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 145

Figure 7.3.15.3.2 Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30). Nephrops directed fishing effort as a measure of fishing pressure.

Table 7.3.15.3.1 Nephrops in Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30). ICES advice, management, and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted landings Agreed ICES correspond. to TAC 1 landings advice 2003 Catch at the lowest recent level < 0.05 0.600 0.307 2004 Catch at the lowest recent level < 0.05 0.600 0.147 2005 Catch at the lowest recent level < 0.05 0.540 0.246 2006 Catch at the lowest recent level < 0.05 0.486 0.245 2007 Catch at the lowest recent level < 0.05 0.437 0.214 2008 Catch at the lowest recent level < 0.05 0.415 0.120 2009 Recent average catches (2005–2007) < 0.20 0.374 0.120 2010 No new advice, same as for 2009 < 0.20 0.337 0.107 2011 See scenarios - 0.303 0.096 2012 Reduce catch - 0.273 0.116 2013 Reduce catch by 20% 0.09 0.243 0.026 2014 No new advice, same as for 2013 0.09 0.221 2015 Increase catch by no more than 20% 0.095 2016 No new advice, same as for 2015 0.095 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1 For Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1.

146 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.15.3.2 Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30). Official landings (tonnes).

Year Spain** Portugal Total

1994 108 108 1995 131 131 1996 49 49 1997 97 97 1998 85 85 1999 120 120 2000 129 129 2001 178 178 2002 262 262 2003 303 4 307 2004 143 4 147 2005 243 3 246 2006 242 4 246 2007 211 4 215 2008 117 3 120 2009 117 2 119 2010 106 1 107 2011 93 3 96 2012 115 1 116 2013 26 <1 26 ** Ayamonte landings are included since 2002

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 147 Table 7.3.15.3.3 Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30). Total landings, directed lpue, and fishing effort, abundance survey (SPGF-cspr/WIBTS-Q1) and mean sizes.

Nephrops Nephrops Abundance Landings Year directed effort directed LPUE survey index (tonnes) (fishing days) (kg/fishing days) (kg/h) 1994 108 915 98.6 0.76 1995 131 1079 99.4 na** 1996 49 458 88.2 0.93 1997 97 943 79.2 0.38 1998 85 811 62.3 0.30 1999 120 1259 66.2 0.41 2000 129 1484 60.6 0.37 2001 178 1924 67.7 0.44 2002 262 2827 69.4 0.47 2003 307 2840 75.4 ns*** 2004 147 2206 44.3 0.15 2005 246 4336 52.7 0.64 2006 245 3555 64.0 0.42 2007 214 3105 63.7 0.37 2008 120 1150 72.9 0.85 2009 119 1653 50.0 0.37 2010 107 1603 45.6 na** 2011 96 1126 62.7 0.23 2012 116 1380 58.0 0.18 2013 26 262 92.1 0.79

** Some strata not sampled *** No survey

Table 7.3.15.3.4 Nephrops in the Gulf of Cadiz (FU 30). Abundance index as an indicator of stock size. Index values denote the average of the respective year range used in the survey-adjusted status quo catch.

Year Lpue Index values 2009 49.97 2010 45.65 52.8 2011 62.70 2012 58.00 75.03 2013 92.06

148 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.16 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Plaice in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

New data (landings) available for this stock do not change the perception of the stock; therefore, the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 is valid for 2015. The advice for 2013 and for 2014 was (see ICES, 2012): Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three years average. Due to the uncertainty in the landings data, ICES is not able to quantify the resulting catch.

The advice for 2015 is the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 (although its value cannot be quantified), not that a further 20% reduction in catch be implemented.

Quality considerations

Fishery statistics are currently being compiled. At present, only official landings are available, which are considered to be preliminary for the purpose of stock assessment. There are concerns about the reliability of the 2008–2009 French data. Landings statistics need to be quality assured and confirmed for the region, and associated effort should be compiled.

The stock unit definition of plaice in this area is not clear.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Official landings. Discards and bycatch Not included, considered to be negligible. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

Sources

ICES. 2012. Plaice in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.3.16. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7: 170–175. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2 ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 149 Table 7.3.16.1 Plaice in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES advice, management, and official landings.

Year ICES Advice Predicted catch EU TAC a Official corresp. to advice landings 2000 - 700 232 2001 - 560 225 2002 - 560 179 2003 - 448 223 2004 - 448 400 2005 - 448 224 2006 - 448 253 2007 - 448 265 2008 - 448 194 2009 - 448 247 2010 - 403 325 2011 - 395 282 2012 No increase in catch - 395 251 2013 20% reduction in catches - 395 191 b 2014 Same catch value advised for 2013 - 2015 Same catch value advised for 2013 - Weights in tonnes. a For Subareas VIII, IX, and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. b Preliminary.

150 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

7.3.17 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the data-limited approach but cannot quantify the resulting catches as there is no information available on discards. The implied landings should be no more than 1316 tonnes.

Figure 7.3.17.1 Pollack in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. Official landings (in tonnes) by ICES area. Data for Subarea VIII are not presented for 1999 because they are unavailable.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks without information on abundance or exploitation ICES considers that a precautionary reduction of catches should be implemented, unless there is ancillary information clearly indicating that the current level of exploitation is appropriate to the stock.

For this stock, ICES advises that catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three years’ average landings (2011–2013), corresponding to landings of no more than 1316 tonnes.

Quality considerations

Although only official landing data are available, these are now considered sufficient to give quantitative advice based on the ICES data-limited approach.

Pollack has a preference for wrecks and rocky bottom, making it difficult to catch with trawls and therefore poorly suited for monitoring by research surveys. Area-specific data on length frequency and life-history parameters are missing.

Data on growth, maturity, and discards from the fisheries are needed. Recreational catches of pollack may be substantial but are not quantified.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Official landings statistics. Discards and bycatch No information on discards is available. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on New MoU Species (WGNEW); Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 151 Sources

ICES. 2012. Pollack in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.3.17. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7: 176–180. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp. ICES. 2014c. Report on the Working Group on New MoU Species (WGNEW), 24–28 March 2014, Copenhagen, Denmark, ICES CM 2014/ACOM:21.

Table 7.3.17.1 Pollack in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES advice, management, and official landings.

Year ICES Advice Predicted TAC in TAC in TAC in Summed Official catch VIIIa,b,d,e VIIIc IX & X TAC landings corresp. to advice 2000 - 2600 800 450 3850 1500 2001 - 2600 800 450 3850 1610 2002 - 2100 640 450 3190 1717 2003 - 1680 512 360 2552 1458 2004 - 1680 410 360 2450 1458 2005 - 1680 328 288 2296 1755 2006 - 1680 262 288 2230 1950 2007 - 1680 262 288 2230 1606 2008 - 1680 262 288 2230 1302 2009 - 1680 262 288 2230 1837 2010 - 1512 236 288 2036 1671 2011 - 1482 231 282 1995 1907 2012 No increase in catch - 1482 231 282 1995 1394 2013 20% reduction in catches - 1482 231 282 1995 1635 2014 Same catch value advised for 2013 - 1482 231 282 1995 2015 Reduce catch by 20% < 1316 Weights in tonnes.

152 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.17.2 Pollack in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. Official landing statistics by ICES area and country.

Bay of Biscay Iberian waters Total

(Subarea VIII) (Division IXa) official Year Belgium Spain France UK Spain Portugal landings 1986 0 437 2127 5 237 0 2806 1987 0 584 2022 1 308 3 2918 1988 3 476 1761 6 329 7 2582 1989 13 214 1682 4 57 3 1973 1990 14 194 1662 2 27 1 1900 1991 1 221 1867 1 76 2 2168 1992 2 154 1735 0 65 2 1958 1993 3 135 1327 0 47 1 1513 1994 3 157 1764 0 28 3 1955 1995 6 153 1457 2 59 2 1679 1996 8 137 1164 0 43 2 1354 1997 2 152 1167 1 54 2 1378 1998 1 152 956 0 55 1 1165 1999 a 0 120 na 0 36 1 157 2000 0 121 1315 0 49 15 1500 2001 0 346 1142 0 81 41 1610 2002 0 170 1467 0 35 45 1717 2003 0 142 1245 1 39 31 1458 2004 0 211 1145 0 90 12 1458 2005 0 306 1311 0 132 6 1755 2006 0 251 1419 171 102 7 1950 2007 0 198 1238 62 103 5 1606 2008 0 265 814 64 128 31 1302 2009 0 218 1507 41 68 3 1837 2010 0 265 1269 44 91 2 1671 2011 0 321 1454 26 104 2 1907 2012 0 158 1095 0 139 2 1394 2013 0.2 192 1337 8 95 3 1635 Weights in tonnes. a Data for Subarea VIII are not fully available for 1999.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 153 7.3.18 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Skates and rays in Subareas VIII and IX (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

ICES uses the common term “skate” to refer to members of the family Rajidae. The term ray, formerly used by ICES to refer to Rajidae too, is now only used to refer to other batoid fish, including manta rays, stingrays, and electric rays. ICES only provides routine advice for Rajidae.

About 15 species of skate are known from the shelf seas of the Bay of Biscay and Iberian waters ecoregion:

(a) Important commercially exploited species (Raja clavata, Raja brachyura, Raja montagui, and Leucoraja naevus). (b) Uncommon species of marketable size (Leucoraja circularis, Dipturus oxyrinchus, Raja microocellata, Leucoraja fullonica, Raja asterias, Raja miraletus, and Amblyraja radiata). (c) Species subject to strict EC regulations that are either currently prohibited or that should not be retained on board (Dipturus batis complex, Raja undulata, and Rostroraja alba). (d) small-bodied species that are discarded (Neoraja iberica).

Recent studies have identified that Dipturus batis comprises two species. As the taxonomic nomenclature is still to be officially agreed, ICES currently provide advice for the species complex, but will provide species-specific advice when both species are recognised. Given changes in the taxonomy of the genus Dipturus, management measures may be better implemented at genus level.

Rostroraja alba is listed as a ‘prohibited species’ and is addressed in a separate advice sheet in 2014 (Section 9.3.30).

Summary of the advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES does not provide general advice on skates for 2015 or 2016. ICES provides advice at the individual stock level. A summary of the advice can be found in Table 7.3.18.0.

Introduction

For the first time, in 2014, ICES gives quantitative advice for skates at a stock-specific level. Until now, landings data have been too incomplete to allow ICES to provide quantitative advice per stock.

ICES does not provide advice for the generic skate assemblage, nor does it advise on the generic skate TAC in this area. This is because ICES believes that management should be at a stock-specific level. Also, the generic skate TAC does not take into account that several stocks straddle the boundary with other management units. For instance, Leucoraja naevus is a stock straddling Subareas VI and VII (excl. Division VIId) and Divisions VIIIa,b,d.

154 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.18.0 Skates in the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters ecoregion. Summary of advice by stock. Note: The advice in this table does not sum up to a generic advice for skates in Subareas VIII and IX, because it does not include stocks straddling with Subarea VII. Therefore this table should not be interpreted as advice in relation to a generic skate TAC in Subareas VIII and IX.

Section Scientific name Stock unit Advice Advice (t)

7.3.18.6 Raja undulata VIIIa,b No target fishery, manage bycatch - 7.3.18.7 Raja undulata VIIIc No target fishery, mitigate bycatch - 7.3.18.2 Raja clavata VIII Reduce landings 20% 238 7.3.18.9 Leucoraja naevus VIIIc Increase landings 1% 347 7.3.18.4 Raja montagui VIII Reduce landings 20% 94 7.3.18.5 Raja montagui IXa Reduce landings 20%. 106 7.3.18.10 Leucoraja naevus IXa Reduce landings by 4% 46 7.3.18.3 Raja clavata IXa Increase landings 20% 911 7.3.18.8 Raja undulata IXa No target fishery, manage bycatch - 7.3.18.1 Raja brachyura IXa Not to increase 200 Dipturus batis complex 7.3.18.11 (Dipturus cf. flossada) VIII, IXa No target fishery, mitigate bycatch - (Dipturus cf. intermedia) 7.3.18.12 Other skates VIII, IXa Reduce landings 20% 614

Advice considerations

The basis for the advice is survey data (mainly from international trawl surveys). Other data, e.g. life-history information and estimates of mortality are used as supplementary information when appropriate.

96% of the total reported skate landings in 2013 were reported to species level, although there is some concern over the accuracy of some of these data.

Scientific studies have shown a potentially high discard survival in some fisheries taking skates in this ecoregion.

The generic TAC (covering Subareas VIII and IX) is becoming restrictive in 2014 for general skates in this ecoregion.

Table7.3.18.1 Rays and skates in Subareas VIII and IX (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters). Summary of ICES advice and landings by area.

Year Total advice Agreed TAC ICES landings

2002 Reduce exploitation 3.7 2003 No advice 4.4 2004 No advice 4.3 2005 No advice 4.4 2006 No advice 4.0 2007 No advice 4.5 2008 No advice 4.3 2009 Average landings 2002–2006 6.2 4.3 2010 No new advice, same as for 2009 5.5 4.1 2011 Average landings 2006–2008 4.6 4.1 2012 No new advice, same as for 2011 4.2 3.5 2013 Species-specific measures 3.8 3.6 2014 Species-specific measures 3.4 2015 Individual stock advice only 2016 No new advice, same as for 2015 Weights in thousand tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 155 Mixed-fisheries advice

No specific mixed-fisheries advice is provided. The restrictive advice for Rostroraja alba, Dipturus batis complex, D. nidarosiensis and oxyrinchus, and Raja undulata applies to all mixed fisheries.

Regional management plans

Regional management exists for the Portuguese coast (Division IXa). On 29 December 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no 315/2011) that prohibits, in all of the continental Portuguese EEZ and during the whole month of May, the catch, keeping on board, and landing of any skate species belonging to the Rajidae family. In addition, for each fishing trip outside of May a maximum of 5% bycatch, in weight, of those species is allowed to be kept on board and to be landed. No formal regional management plans exist for other countries.

Given the contrasting skate assemblages in the ecoregion, skates would be a suitable candidate for more regional management. More regional management may also better address those species that are patchily distributed and locally abundant. Management measures such as closed areas/seasons or effort restrictions may better protect skate stocks than TAC management. In particular, measures to protect spawning/nursery grounds and larger, mature females would be beneficial.

Biology

Some skates are slow growing and late maturing and have a comparatively low fecundity. The large size and morphology of skates and their aggregating nature makes them vulnerable to overexploitation. Some species are patchily distributed, thought to be due to high habitat specificity, which may make them suscesptible to localized depletion. All skates lay demersal eggs, but the location of spawning grounds remains uncertain.

Environmental influence on the stock

The distribution of skates is generally related to substrate and depth.

The fisheries

Skates are taken as a bycatch in mixed demersal fisheries and also targeted in some areas. Beam trawls generally capture smaller skates, and tanglenets capture larger skates. Skates fisheries are currently managed under a common TAC, although the skate complex comprises species that may have different vulnerabilities to exploitation. Most skates are less abundant on muddy habitats, and so may be less frequently encountered in Nephrops fisheries.

Discard survival

Discard survival is variable. It is considered high in inshore trawl, line, and gillnet fisheries, where soak/haul times are usually of a short duration. Survival is lower in other fisheries, including offshore gillnet and beam trawl fisheries.

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

It has been suggested that the historical depletion of large-bodied skates allowed populations of smaller-bodied skates to increase. As and when the populations of larger-bodied skate species increase, it is possible that there would be increased predatory pressure and competition on the stocks of small-bodied skates. Further studies to examine this are required.

Quality considerations

Skate landings have historically been reported at the family level. The proportion of landings reported to species has increased since 2008, in line with regulations. Species identification is thought to be improving, although some inconsistencies in these data remain. Over time, data quality is expected to improve further.

Scientific trawl surveys provide the best source of longer term species-specific information, and so these are the primary source for evaluating stock status. It is recognised that such trawl surveys cannot provide informative indices for all skate species, including the larger-bodied and/or patchily distributed species. Other data sources, such as collaborative science– industry surveys, could usefully provide better data for such stocks. Some studies are taking place in this ecoregion aimed at describing and characterizing the coastal artisanal fisheries, including skate catches and fishing effort by fleet. Results have been used to estimate landings data by species.

Biological knowledge (age, growth, fecundity) of many skate species is limited, and so some life-history assessment models cannot be developed at the present time.

156 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Stock units for most species remain uncertain, and the management units nominally used here are based on observed distribution patterns from surveys. Further studies to better understand stock structure are required.

Additional considerations

Factors affecting the fisheries and the stock

High fuel prices may focus fishing effort to the inner continental shelf where the genus Raja predominates. Some fishers may redirect fishing effort away from areas where there is a high local abundance of the common skate-complex or undulate ray.

Data and methods

Assessments are based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, where changes in survey catch rates or commercial standardized cpue are the main stock indicators used. In other cases direct or indirect estimates of fishing mortality are used as supporting information. When an abundance index is available (Category 3 stocks), the advice is based on recent landings modified according to the average index in the last two years vs. the average index in the previous five years. As done in 2012, an average of the previous five years is chosen over the default average of the previous three years. This is to allow time for changes in abundance to become visible, as generation times are longer in these species than in many bony fishes. Where no suitable abundance index is available, the advice is given in accordance with stock Category 5.

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 19–26 June 2012, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:19. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp.

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000 Landings (t)

2000

1000

0 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

Netherlands Belgium France Portugal Spain Spain (Basque Country) UK (E&W) UK (Scotland)

Figure 7.3.18.1 Rays and skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters). Officially reported landings (tonnes) by country.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 157 Rajidae spp landings (VIII) 3500

3000

2500

2000 T 1500

1000

500

0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Rajidae spp landings (IXa) 2500

2000

1500 T 1000

500

0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Figure 7.3.18.2 Rays and skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters). Officially reported landings (tonnes).

158 ICES Advice 2014 Book 7

Table 7.3.18.2a Skates and rays in the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters. Preliminary ICES WGEF landings (tonnes) of skates and rays by division and country (Source: ICES). Total landings (t) of Rajidae in Divisions VIIIa,b.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Belgium 12 6 11 11 6 11 14 11 8 12 14 11 4 7 4 France 1535 1733 1503 1479 1206 1091 1106 1037 1170 1797 1296 1505 1395 1615 1393 1147 1228 1220 Netherlands 1 0 0 0 Spain 872 906 724 677 146 76 323 27 20 9 12 15 17 16 26 24 168 239** Spain (Basque Country) * * * * 297 337 * 252 242 278 218 199 283 224 100 154 * UK (E&W) 22 76 13 7 2 3 4 4 8 40 0 0 0 5 0 UK (Scotland) 1 3 2 0 0 Total 2442 2721 2251 2174 1657 1518 1447 1331 1440 2106 1581 1722 1697 1867 1524 1332 1405 1459 * Included in Spanish landings. ** Preliminary landings.

Table 7.3.18.2b Total Preliminary ICES WGEF landings (t) of Rajidae in Division VIIId.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Belgium 0 France 46 50 60 52 43 66 64 73 63 97 61 58 89 68 70 57 76 59 Spain 89 92 74 2 1 1 9 5 40 21 23 20 17 16 32 0 3 *** Spain (Basque Country) * * * * 2 * 1 1 2 0 0 * UK (E&W) 3 0 0 0 0 0 UK (Scotland) 1 0 0 Total 135 143 134 54 44 69 73 78 104 118 87 81 107 84 102 57 80 59 * Included in Spanish landings. *** Included in Divisions VIIIa,b.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 159 Table 7.3.18.2c Total Preliminary ICES WGEF landings (t) of Rajidae in Division VIIIc.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Belgium France 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 Netherlands Portugal 11 7 10 4 4 5 264 Spain 0 321 345 226 424 978 352 1004 511 546 430 862 488 489 514 628 543 507** Spain (Basque Country) * * * * 5 16 * 21 21 20 14 9 23 22 21 25 * UK (E&W) UK (Scotland) Total 11 328 356 231 434 999 352 1025 796 567 444 872 511 512 536 653 544 508 * Included in Spanish landings. ** Preliminary landings.

Table 7.3.18.2d Total Preliminary ICES WGEF landings (t) of Rajidae in Division IXa.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 France Portugal 1534 1512 1485 1420 1528 1591 1521 1598 1614 1303 1544 1443 1580 1473 1469 1490 1131 1061 Spain 58 143 197 276 285 416 339 342 325 300 364 354 376 342 457 549 303 421** Total 1592 1655 1682 1696 1813 2007 1860 1940 1939 1602 1908 1797 1956 1815 1926 2039 1434 1535

** Preliminary landings.

160 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.2e Combined Preliminary ICES WGEF landings (t) of Rajidae in Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Belgium 12 6 11 11 6 11 14 11 8 12 14 0 0 11 4 7 4 0 France 1581 1784 1564 1532 1250 1157 1170 1110 1233 1894 1357 1564 1484 1684 1464 1204 1306 1279 Netherlands 1 0 0 0 Portugal 1545 1519 1495 1424 1532 1596 1521 1598 1878 1303 1544 1443 1580 1473 1469 1490 1131 1061 Spain 1019 1462 1340 1181 855 1471 1022 1378 895 876 829 1250 897 864 1029 1201 1017 1168** Spain (Basque Country) 302 354 273 264 298 233 210 306 246 121 178 * * UK (E&W) 22 76 13 7 2 3 4 4 8 43 0 0 0 5 0 UK (Scotland) 1 0 4 2 0 0 0 Total 4179 4846 4423 4155 3947 4593 3732 4374 4279 4393 4020 4471 4270 4279 4087 4081 3462 3507 * Included in Spanish landings. ** Preliminary landings.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 161 Table 7.3.18.3 Skates and rays in the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters. Preliminary ICES WGEF Species-specific landings (skates and rays in t) by country in Subarea VIII and Division XIa, all gears combined. These data are included in Tables 7.3.18.2a to 7.3.18.2c. * (Data could include landings of R. brachyura).

*

*

*

.

AQUILA OXYRINCHUS PASTINACA MIRALETUS BATIS CLAVATA MONTAGUI UNDULATA BRACHYURA RADIATA

ASTERIAS ALBA NAEVUS CIRCULARIS FULLONICA MARMORATA

AJA SPP D. L. L. T. L. R. R. R. MICROOCELLATA R. M. A. R. D. R. D. R. COUNTRY YEAR SUBAREA R. R France 1999 VIII 319 75 46 1 24 0 17 0 0 0 0 2 0 France 2000 VIII 749 68 53 5 9 1 55 3 0 1 1 0 1 France 2001 VIII 637 37 62 4 3 0 47 7 1 2 1 0 1 France 2002 VIII 614 39 47 13 5 16 51 5 1 0 0 0 0 France 2003 VIII 654 49 58 4 1 44 4 2 0 0 France 2004 VIII 749 97 67 4 0 46 4 0 0 0 201 France 2005 VIII 946 104 54 4 1 61 5 0 0 0 598 France 2006 VIII 668 139 61 4 2 36 4 0 0 2 1 0 0 607 France 2007 VIII 582 74 30 2 1 30 3 1 841 France 2008 VIII 775 82 41 5 3 56 5 0 2 0 502 France 2009 VIII 1096 177 64 1 26 1 20 45 3 2 3 1 0 3 4 0 237 France 2010 VIII 975 165 81 0 22 0 26 36 2 1 2 0 1 173 France 2011 VIII 875 107 65 16 32 0 20 69 France 2012 VIII 861 178 88 0 19 0 19 30 13 3 2 1 0 7 1 0 84 France 2013 VIII 754 203 112 0 0 19 30 20 0 3 1 1 28 0 0 86 Belgium 2002 VIII 15 6 0 Belgium 2009 VIII 7 2 0 0 2 Belgium 2010 VIII 3 0 1 0 1 Belgium 2011 VIII 4 0 0 0 0 Belgium 2012 VIII 2 2 0 0 0 0 Belgium 2013 VIII 3 3 0 Spain (Basque Country) 2000 VIII 250 39 2 6 4 0 Spain (Basque Country) 2001 VIII 230 85 5 8 0 26 0 Spain (Basque Country) 2002 VIII 243 54 18 Spain (Basque Country) 2003 VIII 230 38 4 12 0 Spain (Basque Country)* 2004 VIII 202 46 6 3 0 7 0 0 0 Spain (Basque Country)* 2005 VIII 229 52 7 3 0 8 0 0 0 Spain (Basque Country)* 2006 VIII 179 41 5 3 0 6 0 0 Spain (Basque Country)* 2007 VIII 161 37 5 2 0 5 0 0 Spain (Basque Country)* 2008 VIII 236 52 7 4 0 8 0 0 Spain (Basque Country) 2009 VIII 194 48 0 Spain (Basque Country) 2010 VIII 88 33 Spain (Basque Country) 2011 VIII 135 36

162 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

*

*

*

.

AQUILA OXYRINCHUS PASTINACA MIRALETUS BATIS CLAVATA MONTAGUI UNDULATA BRACHYURA RADIATA

ASTERIAS ALBA NAEVUS CIRCULARIS FULLONICA MARMORATA

AJA SPP D. L. L. T. L. R. R. R. MICROOCELLATA R. R. M. D. A. R. D. R. R. COUNTRY YEAR SUBAREA R Country year Subarea

L. naevus R. clavata R. montagui* D. batis marmorataT. D. oxyrinchus L. circularis L. fullonica R. microocellata R. undulata D. pastinaca aquilaM. R. asterias* brachyura R. miraletus R. R. alba A. radiata* Raja spp. Spain 2011 VIII 2 4 516 Spain 2012 VIII 160 269 21 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 268 Spain 2013 VIII 593 93 60 UK (E & W) 2008 VIII 1 1 2 175 UK (E & W) 2009 VIII 0 0 0 0 0 UK (E & W) 2010 VIII 0 0 0 0 0 UK (E & W) 2011 VIII 0 0 UK (E & W) 2012 VIII 2 0 0 UK (Scotland) 2008 VIII 1 UK (Scotland) 2009 VIII 0.3 Spain 2011 IXa 0 526 Spain 2012 IXa 12 193 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 94 Spain 2013 IXa 11 7 144 194 Portugal 2002 IXa 13 2 1505 Portugal 2003 IXa 18 351 56 78 126 578 2 Portugal 2004 IXa 113 516 82 95 108 532 17 5 Portugal** 2005 IXa 43 480 76 88 100 495 16 5 Portugal** 2006 IXa 51 569 90 105 119 586 19 6 Portugal** 2007 IXa 79 472 119 35 277 459 3 Portugal** 2008 IXa 50 745 144 72 1 19 193 4 Portugal 2009 IXa 50 739 184 75 2 45 163 2 Portugal*** 2010 IXa 55 611 275 20 11 43 221 6 Portugal*** 2011 IXa 56 811 121 68 1 29 161 5 Portugal*** 2012 IXa 39 570 108 24 0 36 165 5 Portugal*** 2013 IXa 26 631 111 67 0 40 185 1 * Landings from 2004 to 2007 are based on the average species proportion of 2000–2003. ** Landings from 2005 to 2008 are based on the species proportion of 2004. ***Based on official landings.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 163 7.3.18.1 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Blonde ray (Raja brachyura) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that annual catches should not be increased from current levels. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of no more than 200 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discards have not been quantified and there is some discard survival.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

1.60 TC= 3 years 1.0 Lc = 56 cm, TL 1.40 0.9 0.8 1.20 0.7 1.00 0.6 0.80 0.5 Y/R (t) Y/R

B %SPR 0.60 0.1 0.4 0.3 0.40 Bmax 0.2 0.20 0.1 0.00 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 F current =0.14 Fishing mortality (F)

Fmax=0.26 F0.1=0.14 Y/R (t) %SPR

Figure 7.3.18.1.1 Raja brachyura in Division IXa. Top left: Total estimated landings (in t) in Division IXa (data from 2003–2007 were derived from DCF data; data since 2008 derived from DCF /Project Pilot on rays and skates). The skates TAC was introduced in 2009 . Top right: Commercial standardized cpue time-series for the Portuguese polyvalent segment (2008–2013). Dashed line: average cpue of the reference period (2008–2011) and of the last two years. Bottom left: Length–frequency data of blonde ray caught by trammelnet with Lc (length at first capture) and Lm (length at first maturity) indicated. Bottom right: Yield-per-recruit (Y/R) and potential spawning ratio (%SPR) curves for different levels of fishing mortality and an age at first capture = 3 years (TC). The red line shows Fcurrent.

164 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

In Division IXa the commercial cpue from the Portuguese polyvalent segment of R. brachyura shows a stable trend in the six-year time-series. The mean biomass index (cpue) in the last two years (2012–2013) is stable in relation to the mean of the four previous years (2008–2011).

Estimated F (Fcurrent = 0.14) is at a level corresponding to about 30% of the virgin exploitable spawning biomass (F30%SPR = 0.15) and is also equal to F0.1 (F0.1 = 0.14), which may indicate that the stock has been exploited at a sustainable fishing rate.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

Biology

Raja brachyura is a large-bodied skate species. It is the most vulnerable of the main commercial ray species in this area according to a Productivity–Susceptibility Analysis (McCully et al., 2013). It only occurs in the Northeast Atlantic, from Shetland to Morocco, and also at Madeira and in the western Mediterranean. The species is often associated with sandbanks and commonly occurs at depths from 14 to 146 m (Ellis et al., 2005). Maximum length is 110 cm. Length-at- maturity is 81–83 cm (ages 4–5) (Gallagher et al., 2005). The connectivity among stocks in these ecoregions is unknown.

The fisheries

This species is usually caught as a bycatch in artisanal fisheries by Portuguese fleets, but the trammelnet fleet occasionally targets mixed skates locally and seasonally.

Catch distribution Total preliminary Catches (2013) were 275 t. Since 2008, 100% of the reported landings came from Portuguese mainland and are ICES estimates. Discards have not been quantified

Quality considerations

The advice is based on an abundance index from a commercial standardized cpue time-series for the Portuguese polyvalent segment (2008-2013). The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

The decline in estimated total landings after 2007 is considered to be due to changes in data collection, and landings since 2008 have mainly been stable.

Survey data for this species are unreliable, given the coastal distribution and habitat specificity of blonde ray. Commercial catch and effort data are considered the most appropriate at the present time, but estimates before 2008 are unreliable and based on few data. Ongoing monitoring is needed if ICES is to be able to advise on this stock.

The quality of landings data has improved in recent years but remains somewhat uncertain, due to misidentification, mainly with Raja montagui. Further work is required to refine landings data and workshops are required to compile all available data.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Cpue-based trends. Length-based cohort analysis. Input data Commercial catch and effort from Portuguese polyvalent segment; Commercial length–frequency data. Discards and bycatch Discards have not been quantified. Indicators None. Other information Life history. Working group report Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 165 7.3.18.1 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Blonde ray (Raja brachyura) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable forecast can be presented for this stock.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the four preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the biomass is estimated to be stable (ratio of the mean biomass index = 1) between 2008 and 2011 (average of the four years) and 2012–2013 (average of the two years). This implies catches are maintained in relation to the 2011– 2013 average, corresponding to landings of 200 t in each of 2015 and 2016.

Considering that current fishing mortality is estimated to be at F0.1 (a potential FMSY proxy), no additional precautionary reduction is applied.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

According to the commercial cpue calculated by the data-limited stocks (DLS) 3.2 method, the relative abundance of R. brachyura is stable, but over a limited time period.

Regulations and their effects

On 29 December 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 315/2011) that prohibits, in all of the continental Portuguese EEZ and during the whole month of May, the catch, keeping on board, and landing of any skate species belonging to the Rajidae family. In addition, for each fishing trip outside of May a maximum of 5% bycatch, in weight, of those species is allowed to be kept on board and to be landed.

On 22 August 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 170/2014) that establishes a minimum landing size of 520 mm (total length) for specimens of the genus Leucoraja or Raja, along the whole continental Portuguese EEZ.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Last year’s advice was based on Category 5.2 of ICES approach for data-limited stocks. This year´s advice is based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks method 3.2, using the commercial cpues.

Sources

Ellis, J. R., Cruz-Martinez, A., Rackham, B. D., and Rogers, S. I. 2005. The distribution of chondrichthyan fishes around the British Isles and implications for conservation. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 195–213. Gallagher, M. J., Nolan, C. P., and Jeal, F. 2005. Age, Growth and Maturity of the Commercial Ray Species from the Irish Sea. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 47–66. doi:10.2960/J.v35.m527. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp. McCully, S. R., Scott, F., Ellis, J. R., and Pilling, G. M. 2013. Productivity and susceptibility analysis: application and suitability for data-poor assessment of elasmobranchs in northern European seas. ICCAT Collective Volume of Scientific Papers, 69(4): 1679–1698.

166 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.1.1 Raja brachyura in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 161 2012 No specific advice 165 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 275 catch to decrease by at least 20%. 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 stable to the last 3 years’ average 200 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 200 Weights in tonnes.

Table 7.3.18.1.2 ICES estimated species-specific landings (in tonnes). * In the absence of consistent species-specific reporting from Spain, 2013 preliminary landings of Raja brachyura were estimated by ICES through applying the average species composition from the Portuguese fishery.

year landings 2003 578.0 2004 532.0 2005 494.6 2006 586.4 2007 458.7 2008 192.9 2009 163.4 2010 221.1 2011 160.8 2012 165.2 2013 275.2* Mean 200.4 2011–2013

Table 7.3.18.1.3 Time-series of commercial cpue used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. Year cpue 2008 22.96 2009 21.95 2010 24.31 2011 24.83 2012 24.22 2013 23.10 Mean 2008–2011 23.51 Mean 2012–2013 23.66 Ratio 1.01

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 167 7.3.18.2 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that landings should be decreased by 20%. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of 238 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discarding is known to take place but has only been quantified partially; there is also some discard survival.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Increasing

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Decreasing

500 Landings

400

300

Tonnes 200

100

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Figure 7.3.18.2.1 Raja clavata in Subarea VIII. Left: total landings in Subarea VIII. Right: The solid line is the combined biomass index (standardized) from two surveys (EVHOE-WIBTS-Q4, SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4,); the dashed line is the Basque OTB lpue index (standardized).

Survey indices indicate that the abundance of R. clavata shows a decreasing trend, with a 48% decrease between 2007- 2011 (average of five years) and 2012-213 (average of two years). Fishing mortality is unknown, but the increase in landings and the decrease in abundance indicates it is increasing.

Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area.

168 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

This is a medium-bodied skate, found in the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, from the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway to South Africa, in the Mediterranean, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge south from Iceland, and in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. It is the second most vulnerable of the main commercial ray species in this area according to a Productivity– Susceptibility Analysis. The species is mainly found on hard seabed (e.g. gravel and pebble), in areas of intermediate to strong tidal currents. There are no biological studies from this areas, but information from other stocks is indicative of its biology here. Genetic studies have revealed population segregation in R. clavata between the Mediterranean region, the Azores, and the European shelf waters (Chevolot et al., 2006); however, the regional population structure of this species remains poorly known.

The fisheries

Raja clavata is a coastal and inner shelf species that is a bycatch of trawl and gillnet fisheries. It is one of the most commercially important skate species in this ecoregion. This species is usually caught as a bycatch in demersal fisheries.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown, estimated landings are 299 t. Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified.

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

This species may benefit from scavenging on trawl-damaged organisms and discards.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on an abundance index from two surveys, used as an indicator of stock size. The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

The quality of landings data has improved in recent years but remains somewhat uncertain, due to misidentification at the species level. Further work is required to refine landings data and workshops are required to compile and refine all available data.

The Spanish survey data for 2013 were not used because a new vessel was used in the survey, leading to suspected changes in catchability. This issue is being addressed in intercalibration work and it is expected that these data can be included in future years when the potential bias is corrected for.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Survey-based trends. Input data Surveys: SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4, EVHOE-WIBTS-Q4. Discards and bycatch The discard rate is considered high in 2013. Indicators None. Other information Life history and commercial lpue from the Basque OTB fleet. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 169 7.3.18.2 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable forecast can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the five preceding years, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the biomass in Division VIIIc is estimated to have decreased by 48% between 2007 and 2011 (average of the five years) and 2012–2013 (average of the two years). This implies catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three years’ average. This corresponds to landings of no more than 238 t in each of 2015 and 2016.

A precautionary buffer has not been applied, considering that the survey index in Division VIIIc shows an increasing trend the longer term, whereas the survey index in VIIIabd is generally quite variable (Figure 7.3.18.2.2).

Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified, and there is some discard survival; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

According to the survey index calculated by the data-limited stocks (DLS) 3.2 method, the relative abundance of R. clavata in 2012 and 2013 appears to decrease. The surveys cover the whole stock area.

The Basque OTB cpue series displays stability over the past few years (Figure 7.3.18.2.2).

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year. However, this is the first time that a quantification of the advised landings is provided. The assessment in 2012 was based on category 3.2 of ICES approach to advice provision in data-limited situations, using survey indices and commercial lpues. In 2014 the advice is based on DLS method 3.2, using the survey indices.

Sources

Chevolot, M., Hoarau, G., Rijnsdorp, A. D., Stam, W. T., and Olsen, J. L. 2006. Phylogeography and population structure of thornback rays (Raja clavata L., Rajidae). Molecular Ecology, 15: 3693–3705. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp.

170 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

VIIIc RAJACLA

90 % 6 12

5 10 1

4  8 haul Biomass indexBiomass 3  6

kg 10 %

2 4

1 2

0 0 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 1983 1986 1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011

Year

50.0 Basque OTB VIII abd 45.0 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 Kg/day 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Figure 7.3.18.2.2 Raja clavata in Subarea VIII. Top: surveys used in the combined index for catch advice (Top left: French EVHOE survey (EVHOE-WIBTS-Q4) in VIIIabd. Top right: Spanish survey (Sp-GFS-WIBTS-Q4) in VIIIc. The 2013 Spanish survey index value was not used because of a suspected change in survey catchability). Bottom: Basque OTB lpue (Data are not standardized).

Table 7.3.18.2.1 Raja clavata in Subarea VIII. ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 143 2012 No specific advice 451 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 299 catch should not increase from recent average. 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 20% decrease over last 3 years’ average 238 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 238 Weights in tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 171 Table 7.3.18.2.2 Raja clavata in Subarea VIII. ICES estimated landings in tonnes. Year Landings (tonnes) 1999 75 2000 107 2001 122 2002 100 2003 86 2004 143 2005 156 2006 180 2007 110 2008 134 2009 227 2010 198 2011 143 2012 451 2013 299

2011–13 average 298

172 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.2.3 Time-series of survey indices used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. Series are standardized to their mean; the annual mean of the two standardized indices was used for advice. Note that 2013 Spanish survey data has not been included due to the change in vessel that need further survey calibration.

Spanish Mean survey Year French EVHOE Demersal index 1999 1.046 0.547 0.796 2000 0.354 1.198 0.776 2001 6.521 1.129 3.825 2002 1.075 0.602 0.838 2003 0.036 0.748 0.392 2004 0.557 0.969 0.763 2005 0.262 0.910 0.586 2006 0.217 1.223 0.720 2007 0.756 1.158 0.957 2008 2.049 0.909 1.479 2009 0.238 1.110 0.674 2010 0.368 0.968 0.668 2011 1.078 1.212 1.145 2012 0.150 1.316 0.733 2013 0.294 0.294 mean (2007–2011) 0.985 mean (2013–2012) 0.514 ratio (2013–12)/(2009–11) 0.522

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 173 7.3.18.3 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches could be increased by a maximum of 20%. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of 911 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discards have not been quantified and there is some discard survival.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY (FMSY) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Increasing

Figure 7.3.18.3.1 Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Division IXa. Left: Total estimated landings (in tonnes) in Division IXa. Right: Combined biomass index (standardized) from the PT–GFS surveys from 2003 to 2013 (no survey in 2012) and the combined biomass index (standardized) of the two Spanish surveys (Q1 SP–GCGFS and Q4 SP–GCGFS).

In Division IXa the abundance of R. clavata has been increasing since 2008. Landings have also increased in recent years with highest values in 2011 and 2012.

Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area.

174 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

This is a medium-bodied skate, found in the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, from the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway to South Africa, in the Mediterranean, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge south from Iceland, and in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. It is the second most vulnerable of the main commercial ray species in this area according to a Productivity– Susceptibility Analysis (McCully et al., 2012). The species is mainly found on hard seabed (e.g. gravel and pebble), in areas of intermediate to strong tidal currents (Ellis et al., 2005). In western Galicia this species is found in the sedimentary grounds of the continental shelf at depths from 20 m to 400 m, but it is more abundant between 50 and 200 m depth, particularly close to 75 m. In the Portuguese continental waters it occurs along the entire coast at depths ranging from 18 m to 700 m, being more abundant in the southwestern and southern regions (i.e. south off Cabo Carvoeiro), at depths shallower than 200 m. In the Gulf of Cadiz R. clavata occurs along the whole area at depths ranging from 20 to 800 meters, being especially abundant in the trawlable grounds in the southern area of the Gulf, at depths ranging between 100 and 350 m.

The fisheries

This species is usually caught as a bycatch in artisanal fisheries by Portuguese fleets and in trawl fisheries by Spanish fleet.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown, estimated landings are 703 t. Discards have not been quantified.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on an biomass index from surveys used as indicator of stock size. The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

The quality of landings data has improved in recent years but remains somewhat uncertain, due to misidentification at the species level. Further work is required to refine landings data and workshops are required to compile and refine all available data.

The PT–GFS was not conducted in 2012. However, it is unlikely that the index value was drastically changed.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Survey-based trends. Input data Surveys: PT–GFS, Q1 SP–GCGFS, and Q4 SP–GCGFS. Discards and bycatch The discard rate is considered low, but discards have not been quantified. Indicators Life history and commercial cpues. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 175 7.3.18.3 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytic assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the five preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the estimated biomass has increased by 20% between 2007 and 2011 (average of the five years) and the average between the 2013 Portuguese survey standardized index and the 2012 combined mean of Spanish survey standardized indices. This implies an increase of catches of at most 20% in relation to the last three years’ average.

Considering that there has been a consistent increase in stock abundance over time, no additional precautionary reduction is needed. This corresponds to landings of 911 t in each of 2015 and 2016.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

According to the survey index calculated by the data-limited stocks (DLS) 3.2 method, the relative abundance of R. clavata presents an overall increasing trend. In recent years the mean biomass index has been much higher than at the beginning of the time-series. The surveys (Figure 7.3.18.4.2) cover the whole stock area.

The standardized cpue of the Portuguese polyvalent segment has been used as supporting information (Figure 7.3.18.4.3), as scientific trawl survey data provide a longer time-series.

Regulations and their effects

On 29 December 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 315/2011) that prohibits, in all of the continental Portuguese EEZ and during the whole month of May, the catch, keeping on board, and landing of any skate species belonging to the Rajidae family. In addition, for each fishing trip outside of May a maximum of 5% bycatch, in weight, of those species is allowed to be kept on board and to be landed.

On 22 August 2011, the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 170/2014) that establishes a minimum landing size of 520 mm (total length) for specimens of the genus Leucoraja or Raja, valid for the whole continental Portuguese EEZ.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Last year’s advice was based on ICES approach to data-limited stocks Category 5.2. However, this year the advice is based on ICES approach to data-limited stocks Category 3.2 with a combined index from three surveys. This is the first time that a quantification of the advised landings is provided.

176 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Sources

Chevolot, M., Hoarau, G., Rijnsdorp, A. D., Stam, W. T., and Olsen, J. L. 2006. Phylogeography and population structure of thornback rays (Raja clavata L., Rajidae). Molecular Ecology, 15: 3693–3705. Ellis, J. R., Cruz-Martinez, A., Rackham, B. D., and Rogers, S. I. 2005. The distribution of chondrichthyan fishes around the British Isles and implications for conservation. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 195–213. Gallagher, M. J., Nolan, C. P., and Jeal, F. 2005. Age, Growth and Maturity of the Commercial Ray Species from the Irish Sea. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 47–66. doi:10.2960/J.v35.m527. Holden, M. J. 1975. The fecundity of Raja clavata in British waters. Journal du Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer, 36: 110–118. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp. McCully, S. R., Scott, F., and Ellis, J. R. 2012. Lengths at maturity and conversion factors for skates (Rajidae) around the British Isles, with an analysis of data in the literature. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1812–1822. Ryland, J. S., and Ajayi, T. O. 1984. Growth and Population Dynamics of three Raja species (Batoidea) in Carmarthen Bay, British Isles. Journal du Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer, 41: 111–120.

Figure 7.3.18.3.2 Raja clavata in Division IXa. Relative abundance of thornback ray in survey area: PT–GFS (top left), Q1 SP– GCGFS (top right), and Q4 SP–GCGFS (bottom). The 2013 indices from the Spanish surveys were not used in the advice, due to concerns about a possible change in catchability.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 177

Figure 7.3.18.3.3 Raja clavata in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). Commercial standardized cpue time-series of the Portuguese polyvalent segment during 2008–2013. Dashed line: Average of the entire time- series.

Table 7.3.18.3.1 Raja clavata in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 811 2012 No specific advice 763 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 703 catch to decrease by at least 20%. 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 increase up to 20% from last 3 years’ average 911 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 911 Weights in tonnes.

Table 7.3.18.3.2 Raja clavata in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). ICES estimated total landings in tonnes and DLS approach implementation.

year Landings (t) 2003 351 2004 516 2005 480 2006 569 2007 472 2008 745 2009 739 2010 611 2011 811 2012 763 2013 703 Mean 2011-2013 759.0 20% increase 910.8

178 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.3.3 Time-series of survey indices used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. Series are scaled to their mean; the annual mean of the Portuguese standardized indices with the combined mean of Spanish surveys was used for advice. Data from the 2013 Spanish survey were not considered for advice because two different boats were used with unknown catchabilities.

Combined Q1-SP- GCGFS Q4- Year PT-GFS SP-GCGFS Mean

1990 1991 0.864 0.86 1992 1.210 1.21 1993 1.280 1.00 1.14 1994 0.606 0.33 0.47 1995 0.634 0.09 0.36 1996 0.62 0.62 1997 1.575 0.13 0.85 1998 0.493 0.91 0.70 1999 1.251 0.20 0.72 2000 1.083 0.49 0.79 2001 0.796 0.69 0.74 2002 0.487 0.76 0.63 2003 1.01 1.01 2004 0.71 0.71 2005 1.161 1.06 1.11 2006 0.458 1.57 1.02 2007 1.173 1.54 1.36 2008 0.796 0.80 0.80 2009 1.310 0.94 1.12 2010 1.203 1.63 1.42 2011 1.353 2.53 1.94 2012 2.02 2.02 2013 1.180 - 1.18 Mean 2007–2011 1.3 Mean 2012–2013 1.6 Ratio 1.2

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 179 7.3.18.4 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches should be reduced by 20%. Based on estimated species-specific landings this would imply landings of 94 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discards are known to take place but have only been quantified partially and there is some discard survival.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Increasing

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Decreasing

Figure 7.3.18.4.1 Raja montagui in Subarea VIII. Left: total landings in subarea VIII. right: Survey trend of the SpGFS- WIBTS-Q4. 2013 survey data not used due to suspected catchability change.

In Subarea VIII the abundance of R. montagui decreased by 26% in the last two survey available years (2011-12) in relation to the five preceding years (2006-2010). Landings have increased since 2007 with the maximum historical peak in 2013. Fishing mortality is unknown, but the increase in landings since 2007 and the decrease in abundance indicates it is increasing.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

180 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

Raja montagui is a small-bodied skate occurring in the Northeast Atlantic (North Sea to Morocco) and the western Mediterranean. R montagui juveniles and egg cases are often abundant in inshore sheltered nursery areas.

The fisheries This species is usually caught as a bycatch in demersal fisheries.

Catch distribution Preliminary total landings (2013) were 0.172 kt. Discard estimates of the OTB Spanish fleet in 2013 were 0.0052 kt. (4% of total R. montagui Spanish landings).

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

Some rays may benefit from scavenging on trawl-damaged organisms and discards.

Quality considerations

The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size, but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

Landings for this species in Subarea VIII in 2013 are preliminary

The Spanish survey data for 2013 were not used because a new vessel was used in the survey leading to suspected changes in catchability. This issue is being addressed in intercalibration work and it is expected that these data can be included in future years when the potential bias is corrected for.

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a) Assessment type Survey-based trends. Input data Surveys: SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4 in VIIIc Discards and bycatch Discard rate considered low but cannot be quantified. Indicators Life history Other information None Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF)

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 181 7.3.18.4 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable assessment can be presented for this stock. Survey trends provide limited information. Stock identity needs to be better described.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule on an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the five preceding years, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the biomass is estimated to have decreased by 26% between 2006 and 2010 (average of the five years) and 2011–2012 (average of the two years). This implies catches should be decreased by 20% in relation to the last three years (2011-2013) average. This corresponds to landings of no more than 94 t in each of 2015 and 2016.

Considering the increase in the survey trend over the longer term (Figure 7.3.18.4.2), no additional precautionary reduction is needed.

Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified, and there is some discard survival, therefore total catches cannot be calculated.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

The survey used for the advice (SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4 in VIIIc) do not cover the whole stock area. The French EVHOE- WIBTS-Q4 (VIIIab) survey has not been used in the advice because it is not considered suitable as an abundance indicator for R. montagui.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice The basis for the assessment has changed from last year. The advice in 2012 was based on the ICES data-limited approach for category 5.2. In 2014 the advice is based on the ICES data-limited approach method 3.2 using data of abundance Survey Indices.

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 19–26 June 2012, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:19. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014.

182 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Raja montagui VIIIc

3

90 % 1  2 haul  kg

1

10 %

0

1983 1985 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 Year

Figure 7.3.18.4.2 Raja montagui in Subarea VIII. Survey trend of SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4 (time-series of survey biomass index used for the advice calculation). Boxes mark parametric standard error of the stratified biomass index. Lines mark bootstrap confidence intervals (α= 0.80, bootstrap iterations = 1000). 2013 survey data (last point in the figure) not used due to suspected catchability change.

Table 7.3.18.4.1 Raja montagui in Subarea VIII (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES corresp. to advice Species-specific landings:– minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 70 2012 No specific advice 109 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 172 (preliminary) catch to decrease by at least 20%. 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 20% decrease from last 3 years average 94 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 94 Weights in tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 183 Table 7.3.18.4.2 ICES estimated species-specific landings (in tonnes). Time-series of survey indices used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. * The Spanish survey data for 2013 were not used because a new vessel was used in the survey leading to suspected changes in catchability

Year Landings (T) Spanish Demersal (kg/haul) 1999 46 0.5 2000 55 2.1 2001 67 2.2 2002 64 1.0 2003 62 1.0 2004 73 0.9 2005 60 1.3 2006 67 1.0 2007 34 1.2 2008 49 0.5 2009 65 0.7 2010 81 0.9 2011 70 0.5 2012 109 0.8 2013 172 * mean (2011-2013) 117.01 mean (2006–2012) 0.87 20% decrease 93.61 mean (2011–2012) 0.65 Ratio (2011–2012)/(2006–2010) 0.74

184 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.5 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches should be reduced by 20% from current levels. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of no more than 106 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discards have not been quantified and there is some discard survival.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Landings (t)

300 250 200 150 100 50 0

1.00 Mean Survey Index 0.90

0.80) 1 0.70- 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00 Biomass Index (kg.h Index Biomass

Figure 7.3.18.5.1 Spotted ray Raja montagui in Division IXa. Left: Total estimated landings (in tonnes) in Division IXa. Landings for the year 2013 are preliminary. Right: Biomass index from the PT–GFS surveys from 2003 to 2013 (dashed line: average biomass indices for the reference period (2007–2011) and for 2013). No survey was conducted in 2012.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 185 In Division IXa the abundance of R. montagui shows a stable trend along the whole time-series, particularly since 2008. Last year’s biomass index (2013) is similar to the average of the five previous years (2007–2011). Landings estimates increased until 2010 and have decreased in the following years.

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

186 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

Raja montagui is a small-bodied skate occurring in the Northeast Atlantic (North Sea to Morocco) and the western Mediterranean. Age-at-maturity occurs at ages 3–4 (53–57 cm TL) (Gallagher et al., 2005), and maximum age is reported as 8 (Ryland and Ajayi, 1984). The observed length range was 10–67 cm TL and 10–76 cm TL for males and females, respectively (McCully et al., 2012).

The fisheries

This species is usually caught as a bycatch in artisanal fisheries by Portuguese fleets and in trawl fisheries by Spanish fleets.

Catch distribution Total catches (2013) were 0.165 kt, where 100% of the Spanish landings are official but preliminary while 100% of the Portuguese landings are ICES estimates.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on an abundance index from the PT–GFS Survey. The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

The quality of landings data has improved in recent years but remains somewhat uncertain, due to misidentification, mainly with Raja brachyura. Further work is required to refine landings data and workshops are required to compile all available data.

Landings from 2013 are preliminary.

The PT–GFS was not conducted in 2012. However, it is unlikely that the index value has drastically changed.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Survey-based trends. Input data Survey: PT–GFS. Discards and bycatch Discards have not been quantified; it is considered that they may be negligible. Indicators Life history and commercial cpue from the Portuguese polyvalent segment. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 187 7.3.18.5 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Spotted ray (Raja montagui) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz) Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable forecast can be presented for this stock.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which a biomass index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the five preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the biomass is estimated to be stable (ratio of the mean biomass index = 1) between 2007 and 2011 (average of the five years) and 2013 (no survey conducted in 2012). This implies catches are maintained in relation to 2011–2013.

Considering that exploitation status in relation to reference points is unknown, a precautionary reduction of 20% is applied. This corresponds to landings of no more than 106 t in each of 2015 and 2016.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

According to the survey index calculated by the data-limited stocks (DLS) 3.2 method, the relative abundance of R. montagui appears stable (Figure 7.3.18.5.1). The standardized cpue of the Portuguese polyvalent segment has been used as supporting information (Figure 7.3.18.5.2), as the scientific trawl survey data provide a longer time-series.

Regulations and their effects

On 29 December 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 315/2011) that prohibits, in all of the continental Portuguese EEZ and during the whole month of May, the catch, keeping on board, and landing of any skate species belonging to the Rajidae family. In addition, for each fishing trip outside of May a maximum of 5% bycatch, in weight, of those species is allowed to be kept on board and to be landed.

On 22 August 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 170/2014) that establishes a minimum landing size of 520 mm ( total length) for specimens of the genus Leucoraja or Raja, along the whole continental Portuguese EEZ.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Last year’s advice was based on Category 5.2 of ICES approach. This year´s advice is based on the DLS method 3.2, using the indices from the Portuguese GFS survey.

188 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Sources

Ellis, J. R., Cruz-Martinez, A., Rackham, B. D., and Rogers, S. I. 2005. The distribution of chondrichthyan fishes around the British Isles and implications for conservation. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 195–213. Gallagher, M. J., Nolan, C. P., and Jeal, F. 2005. Age, Growth and Maturity of the Commercial Ray Species from the Irish Sea. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 47–66. doi:10.2960/J.v35.m527. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp. McCully, S. R., Scott, F., and Ellis, J. R. 2012. Lengths at maturity and conversion factors for skates (Rajidae) around the British Isles, with an analysis of data in the literature. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1812–1822. Ryland, J. S., and Ajayi, T. O. 1984. Growth and Population Dynamics of three Raja species (Batoidea) in Carmarthen Bay, British Isles. Journal du Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer, 41: 111–120.

Standardized CPUE 1.00 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30kg/Trip 0.20 0.10 0.00 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Figure 7.3.18.5.2 Raja montagui in Division IXa. Commercial standardized cpue time-series of the Portuguese polyvalent segment during 2008–2013. Dashed line: Average of the entire time-series.

Table 7.3.18.5.1 Raja montagui in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 121 2012 No specific advice 110 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 165* catch to decrease by at least 20%. 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 20% decrease from last 3 years’ average 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 Weights in tonnes. *Landings from 2013 are preliminary.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 189 Table 7.3.18.5.2 Raja montagui in Division IXa. ICES estimated species-specific landings (in tonnes) and DLS approach implementation. Species-specific data are not available for earlier years. * In the absence of consistent species- specific reporting from Spain, 2013 preliminary landings of Raja brachyuran were estimated by ICES through applying the average species composition from the Portuguese fishery. Year Landings 2003 56.0 2004 82.0 2005 76.2 2006 90.4 2007 118.7 2008 144.1 2009 183.9 2010 274.6 2011 120.6 2012 110.3 2013* 164.8 Average (2011–2013) 131.9 0% increase 131.9

PA buffer 20% decrease 105.52

Table 7.3.18.5.3 Time-series of PT–GFS biomass indices used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. *No PT survey was conducted in 2012. Portuguese survey PT_GFS 2003 0.12 2004 0.16 2005 0.25 2006 0.04 2007 0.03 2008 0.15 2009 0.25 2010 0.13 2011 0.18

2012 2013 0.15 Mean 2007–2011 0.15 Mean 2012*–2013 0.15 Ratio 1

190 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.6 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations that there should be no targeted fisheries on this stock. Any possible provision for bycatch to be landed should be part of a management plan, including close monitoring of the stock and fisheries.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Decreasing

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Increasing

A mark–recapture study suggests that the spawning biomass has increased in response to the fishing ban that was implemented in 2009.

Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any ray or skate stock in the ICES area.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 191 Biology

Raja undulata is a patchily distributed coastal skate, occurring mostly in the central part of the Bay of Biscay, but there are several areas along the Bay of Biscay coast where the undulate ray is common and sometimes locally abundant.

Undulate rays may form a discrete population in the Bay of Biscay. The lesser abundance in the northern part of this area as well as the limited moves shown by the tagging (<20 nm) must limit mixture with the eastern Channel population.

It is one of the larger-bodied coastal skates. In view of this biological feature, it may be vulnerable to trawling, particularly when spawning aggregation occurs.

The fisheries

This is a bycatch species on the longline, trawl, and gillnets of the French fleet in the Bay of Biscay. French discards in Divisions VIIIa, b were estimated at 154 tonnes in 2013 (about 33% for each fleet). Except for Leucoraja naevus, no other ray is discarded as much in the Bay of Biscay.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown. Discarding is known to take place but is only quantified for part of the fisheries (150 t in 2013).

Quality considerations

The advice is based on precautionary low catches because of missing or non-representative data. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated.

Species-specific landings data are very limited, since the obligation to report such data was only implemented in 2009 and the prohibition on landing undulate ray was introduced in the same year.

Fishery-independent trawl surveys provide the longest time-series of species-specific information, although these surveys do not sample all the size classes and habitats for the various species.

A mark–recapture abundance estimate provides data for an exploratory analysis that provides fishing mortality and stock number estimates (Table 7.3.18.6.2). Numerous assumptions were needed. Consequently, this analysis must be regarded as only indicative of the biomass trend.

Scientific basis Stock data category 6.3.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Discards and bycatch Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified. Indicators Mark–recapture data. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

192 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.6 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

No analytic assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary approach

Based on the precautionary approach, ICES advises that there be no targeted fishery in 2015 or in 2016 unless information is provided to show that these are sustainable.

Additional considerations

In view of the patchy distribution, and following the precautionary approach, ICES recommends that no target fisheries should be permitted unless information is provided to show that these are sustainable.

Although locally abundant, this stock has a patchy distribution and is susceptible to local depletion, if fishing mortality is too high. ICES advises against target fisheries. Measures to prevent targeting and control bycatch should be implemented as part of an agreed management plan. Proposed management measures must be evaluated and ICES is prepared to be involved in such a management plan evaluation.

The FAO Code of Conduct for developing fisheries should be followed in developing management strategies for this stock (FAO, 1996).

The generic TACs and quotas for skates in the Celtic Seas ecoregion do not apply to Raja undulata. The TAC regulation states that, when accidentally caught, this species must not be harmed, must be promptly released, and fishers are encouraged to use techniques to facilitate rapid and safe release.

This stock was placed on the EU’s prohibited species list from 2009 until 2013. This was a high level, long-term conservation strategy aimed at very depleted and vulnerable species. ICES did not support the listing of Raja undulata on this designation (ICES, 2010).

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year; it is based on the precautionary approach.

Sources

FAO. 1996. Precautionary approach to capture fisheries and species introductions. Elaborated by the Technical Consultation on the Precautionary Approach to Capture Fisheries (Including Species Introductions). Lysekil, Sweden, 6–13 June 1995. FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries, No. 2. Rome, FAO. Section 3.1.47, pp. 8–9. ICES. 2010. EC request on Raja undulata. In Report of ICES Advisory Committee, 2010. ICES Advice 2010, Book 9, Section 9.3.2.3. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 193 Table 7.3.18.6.1 Raja undulata in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay). ICES advice and catches.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch Discards ICES species-specific corresp. to landings: minimum advice estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice na - 2012 No specific advice na - 2013 No specific advice - 0.15 - 2014 No specific advice - 2015 no directed fishery and reduce - bycatch. 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 Weights in tonnes.

194 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.6.2 Raja undulata in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay). Stock number in 2008 derived from the 2014 mark–recapture abundance estimates (lower estimates in the upper table and higher estimates in the lower table), assuming no fishing mortality below age 4 and a flat fishing pattern above age 6 in 2008, no fishing from 2009 to 2015 (example given for half of the highest possible fishing mortality-at-age 7 and above in 2008 according to a recruitment constraint based on the number of eggs released). Biomass in 2009 and 2015 assuming constant recruitments. Given the numerous assumptions needed, this analysis must be regarded as only indicative of the biomass trend. Year 2008 2008 2008 2009 2014 2015 2015 Age Stock Number F Catch (t) Biomass (t) Mark–recapture estimate Stock number Biomass (t) 0 100 621 0.00 0 0 100 621 0 1 76 812 0.00 0 5 76 812 5 2 58 637 0.00 0 17 58 637 17 3 44 762 0.00 0 30 44 762 30 4 34 171 0.17 6 42 34 171 42 5 22 092 0.17 6 41 26 085 49 6 14 228 0.27 8 37 19 913 52 7 8254 0.38 8 28 15 201 52 8 4313 0.38 5 18 Lower 11 604 49 9 2253 0.38 3 11 estimates 8858 44 10 1177 0.38 2 7 5705 6762 39 11 615 0.38 1 4 3688 4355 28 12 321 0.38 1 2 2816 20 13 168 0.38 0 1 1633 13 Total 267 803 39 245 412 232 441 Spawning 8848 12 44 36 029 194

Year 2008 2008 2008 2009 2014 2015 2015 Age Stock Number F Catch (t) Biomass (t) Mark–recapture estimate Stock number Biomass (t) 0 139 771 0.00 0 0 139 771 0 1 106 698 0.00 0 7 106 698 7 2 81 451 0.00 0 23 81 451 23 3 62 178 0.00 0 42 62 178 42 4 47 465 0.17 8 58 47 465 58 5 30 687 0.17 8 58 36 234 68 6 19 764 0.27 11 52 27 660 73 7 11 465 0.38 11 39 21 115 72 8 5991 0.38 7 25 Higher 16 119 68 9 3130 0.38 4 16 estimates 12 305 62 10 1636 0.38 3 9 7925 9393 54 11 855 0.38 2 6 5124 6050 39 12 447 0.38 1 3 3911 28 13 233 0.38 1 2 2269 18 Total 371 999 55 340 572 620 613 Spawning 12 291 17 61 50 047 269

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 195 7.3.18.7 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIc (Cantabrian Sea)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary approach, considering also the patchy distribution of this stock and its susceptibility to local depletion, that there be no targeted fishery for this stock in 2015 or 2016, unless information is provided to show that such fisheries are sustainable. Measures to mitigate bycatch in coastal fisheries should be implemented in 2015 and in 2016.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Raja undulata is known to have areas of local abundance along the Cantabrian coast. Scientific trawl surveys do not cover the inshore range of the species and stock status is unknown.

Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area.

Biology

This is one of the larger-bodied, coastal skates. The discrete population in Division VIIIc is likely to have some connectivity with other populations in Divisions VIIIa, b and IXa. The patchiness of the spatial distribution of this stock makes it particularly vulnerable to localized depletion.

The fisheries

This species is mainly a bycatch caught in the Spanish gillnet fisheries.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown, estimated landings: unknown. Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on precautionary low catches because of missing or non-representative data. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated.

No landings species-specific identification is available.

Fishery-independent trawl surveys do not provide reliable information on this inshore stock.

196 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Scientific basis Stock data category 6.3.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type None. Input data None. Discards and bycatch Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified. Indicators None. Other information Bycatch from studies of tanglenetting. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 197 7.3.18.7 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Divisions VIIIc (Cantabrian Sea)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytic assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary approach

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary approach, considering also the patchy distribution of this stock and its susceptibility to local depletion, that there be no targeted fishery for this stock in 2015 or 2016, unless information is provided to show that such fisheries are sustainable. Measures to mitigate bycatch in coastal fisheries should be implemented in 2015 and in 2016.

Additional considerations

Due to the inshore habitat of undulate ray, survey information is very limited for this stock. Scientific trawl surveys do not cover the inshore range of the species. In a recent commercial trammelnet fishing experience along the Basque country, undulate ray was the fourth most abundant species (Figure 7.3.18.7.1). Given the prohibition to land this species, fishers may avoid areas of local abundance and, therefore, commercial catch and effort data are limited and may not be informative about the status of the stock.

Regulations and their effects

The generic TAC and quota for skates in ICES Subareas VIII and IX does not apply to Raja undulata. The TAC regulation states that, when accidentally caught, it must not be harmed, must be promptly released, and fishers are encouraged to use techniques to facilitate rapid and safe release.

This stock was mentioned on EU’s prohibited species list from 2009 until 2013. This was a high level of protection afforded to a few species and a long-term conservation strategy that aimed at very depleted and vulnerable species. ICES did not support the listing of Raja undulata on this designation.

Information from the fishing industry

Scientific studies have confirmed the localized abundance of Raja undulata in the Cantabrian Sea (Division VIIIc).

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

This is the first year that ICES gives advice for this stock.

Sources

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp.

198 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.7.1 Raja undulata in Division VIIIc (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice Na 2012 No specific advice Na 2013 No specific advice - Na 2014 No specific advice - Na 2015 No directed fishery and bycatch should be - mitigated 2016 No directed fishery and bycatch should be - mitigated Weights in tonnes.

Proportion of species in the catch (live weigth) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Leucoraja Raja clavata Leucoraja Leucoraja Raja Raja undulata Raja naevus circularis fullonica montagui brachyura

2011 2012 2013

Figure 7.3.18.7.1 Raja undulata in Division VIIIc (Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea). Species-specific composition of catches (kg of live weight) for the period 2011–2013 from an exploratory commercial artisanal fleet using trammelnet.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 199 7.3.18.8 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations that there should be no targeted fisheries on this stock. Any possible provision for bycatch to be landed should be part of a management plan, including close monitoring of the stock and fishery.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Raja undulata is locally abundant in Iberian waters. There is no evidence of overexploitation, though sustainable exploitation levels are unknown.

Management plans

Raja undulata is listed on the EU prohibited species list in Division IXa, This is a high level, long-term conservation strategy aimed at very depleted and vulnerable species. ICES does not support the listing of Raja undulata on this designation.

200 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

This species is confined to Southwestern Europe and Northwestern African waters only (including the western Mediterranean). It is a patchily distributed coastal skate, which occurs along the Iberian continental coast, being more frequently caught at depths between 30 and 40 m. Hatchlings, juveniles, and egg-laying females are recorded in estuarine and lagoon habitats. Its whole life cycle occurs within the same geographic area. The life-history patterns suggest populations with a productivity that can sustain relatively moderate levels of exploitation within the skate assemblage. Length- and age-at-maturity are 73–76 cm and 7–9 years (Coelho and Erzini, 2006). In southern Portugal it breeds mainly during winter, while in the Portuguese west coast it breeds during winter and in spring (Coelho and Erzini, 2006; Moura et al., 2007).

The fisheries

This is a coastal stock, frequently caught as bycatch in coastal fisheries along the Iberian coast that mostly operate with gillnets and trammelnets. Catches are also reported for trawlers and longlines, although in less quantities.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown. Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on precautionary low catches because of missing or non-representative data. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated.

Species-specific landings data are very limited, since the obligation to report such data was only implemented in 2009 and the prohibition on landing undulate ray was introduced in the same year.

Undulate ray is considered to be patchily distributed within this ecoregion, mostly in inshore waters and bays (Figure 7.3.18.8.2). The inshore nature of this species means that it is not adequately sampled in many trawl surveys.

Scientific basis Stock data category 6.3.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data None. Discards and bycatch Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 201 7.3.18.8 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Undulate ray (Raja undulata) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytic assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary approach

Based on the precautionary approach, ICES advises that there be no targeted fishery in 2015 or in 2016 unless information is provided to show that these are sustainable.

Additional considerations

Available evidence shows that there may be discrete stocks in the Iberian waters. In view of the patchy distribution, and following the precautionary approach, ICES recommends that no target fisheries should be permitted unless information is provided to show that these are sustainable.

Raja undulata is locally abundant in Iberian waters. The stability and broad range (covering the species’ entire range) of length–frequency distributions across years suggests that the exploitation rate is not excessive. Sustainable exploitation levels are unknown; therefore, precautionary management measures are suggested that deter target fisheries and monitoring the stock status.

The FAO Code of Conduct for developing fisheries should be followed in developing management strategies for this stock (FAO, 1995).

The generic TACs and quotas for skates in the Celtic Seas ecoregion does not apply to Raja undulata. The TAC regulation states that, when accidentally caught, this species must not be harmed, must be promptly released, and fishers are encouraged to use techniques to facilitate rapid and safe release.

Discard survival is relatively high for this species in this area.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year and is based on the precautionary approach.

Sources

Coelho, R., and Erzini, K. 2006. Reproductive aspects of the undulate ray, Raja undulata, from the south coast of Portugal. Fisheries Research, 81: 80–85. Ellis, J. R., McCully, S. R., and Brown, M. J. 2012. An overview of the biology and status of undulate ray Raja undulata. Journal of Fish Biology, 80: 1057–1074. FAO. 1996. Precautionary approach to capture fisheries and species introductions. Elaborated by the Technical Consultation on the Precautionary Approach to Capture Fisheries (Including Species Introductions). Lysekil, Sweden, 6–13 June 1995. FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries, No. 2. Rome, FAO. Section 3.1.47, pp. 8–9. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp. Moura, T., Figueiredo, I., Farias, I., Serra-Pereira, B., Coelho, R., Erzini, K., Neves, A., and Gordo, L. S. 2007. The use of caudal thorns for ageing Raja undulata from the Portuguese continental shelf, with comments on its reproductive cycle. Marine and Freshwater Research, 58: 983–992.

202 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.8.1 Raja undulata in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice na 2012 No specific advice na 2013 No specific advice - na 2014 No specific advice - 2015 No targeted fishery, management plan for - bycatch 2016 No targeted fishery, management plan for - bycatch Weights in tonnes.

0.04 0.03 Density 0.02 0.01 0.00

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Catch by trip (Kg)

Figure 7.3.18.8.1 Raja undulata in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). Histograms of the catch rates (kg trip−1) based on onboard observations from the Portuguese polyvalent fleet operating with trammelnets (2008–2013).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 203

Figure 7.3.18.8.2 Geographical distribution of Raja undulata in ICES Divisions IVc–IXa, as recorded in recent IBTS (squares) and beam trawl surveys (circles), with additional locations from the scientific literature (triangles). Source: Ellis et al. (2012).

20 40 60 80 100 2011 2012 2013

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00 Longline Density 2008 2009 2010 Nets

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00

20 40 60 80 100 20 40 60 80 100 TL (cm)

Figure 7.3.18.8.3 Length–frequency distribution of Raja undulata by fishing gear (longline and nets) for the period 2008–2013.

204 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.9 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division VIIIc (Cantabrian Sea)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches could be increased by a maximum of 1%. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of 347 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discarding is known to take place but has not been quantified, and there is some discard survival.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

700 600 500 400 300

200 (t) Landings 100 0 2011 2012 2013

Figure 7.3.18.9.1 Leucoraja naevus in Division VIIIc. Left: Estimated landings from Division VIIIc. Right: Biomass index from the Spanish demersal trawl survey (SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4). 2013 survey data were not used due to a suspected change in catchability. The average of the abundance indicator in the last two years available in the survey (2011–2012) is 1% higher than the average of the five previous years (2006–2010). Fishing mortality is unknown.

Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 205 Biology

Leucoraja naevus is a small-bodied skate with a wide geographic distribution in the Northeast Atlantic (North Sea to Senegal) and Mediterranean Sea (Stehmann and Bürkel, 1984). It is one the most productive species within the commercial skate assemblage in these waters. It is most often observed in sandy offshore areas. Maturity (50%) is at 56 cm TL, and 4 years of age (Gallagher et al., 2005). Maximum age is 12 years (Du Buit, 1976b). Fecundity is 90 eggs per year (Du Buit, 1976a). The observed length range is up to 93 cm. Recent observed lengths were in the range of 10–72 cm TL (McCully et al., 2012).

The fisheries

This species is usually caught as a bycatch in demersal fisheries. This is an important offshore commercial species, and as such is normally caught by trawl fleets rather than by inshore gill- or tanglenets. It is a bycatch in the mixed demersal fisheries targeting gadoids, hake, anglerfish, and megrim. As one of the smaller and less valuable species in the skate complex, it is not targeted. In general discarding levels vary depending on market value.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown; estimated landings in 2013 were 646 t. Discarding isDiscards known to take place but cannot be quantified.

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

This species may benefit from scavenging on trawl-damaged organisms and discards.

Quality considerations

Data on landings are currently not available at the appropriate spatial scale. Hence ICES cannot provide a quantification of the advised landings for 2015 and 2016.

The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size, but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

Spanish survey data for 2013 were not used because a new vessel was used in the survey, leading to suspected changes in catchability. This issue is being addressed in the intercalibration work and it is expected that these data can be included in future years when the potential bias is corrected for.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Survey-based trends. Input data Surveys: SpGFS-WIBTS-Q4. Discards and bycatch Discards were not quantified. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).)

206 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.9 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division VIIIc (Cantabrian Sea)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which an abundance index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the five preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the abundance is estimated to have increaseddecreased by 126% between 20062007 and 20102011 (average of the five years) and 2011–2012–2013 (average of the two years). This implies landings could increaseshould decrease by at most 1least 20% in relation to the last three years’ average.

Considering the increase in the survey trend over the longer term (Figure 7.3.18.9.2), no additional, precautionary reduction is needed. This implies. However as total landings of no more than 347 tare unavailable for this stock, ICES is unable to quantify the advised landings in each of 2015 and 2016.

Discarding isDiscards known to take place but cannot be quantified, and there is some discard survival; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Additional considerations

An examination of French EVHOE survey catches of this species displayed continuity across the boundary between Subareas VII and VIII. Therefore L. naevus in Divisions VIIIa,b,d is now assessed and advised for along with L. naevus in Subareas VI and VII. Division VIIIc is considered to be separate from Divisions VIIIa,b,d because this is an offshore outer shelf species and there is a canyon that would block eastward exchange with the Division VIIIc stock.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

This is the first time advice is provided separately for Leucoraja naevus in Division VIIIc. The basis for the advice is the ICES data-limited approach.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 207 Sources

Du Buit, M.H. 1976a. Age et croissance de Raja batis et de Raja naevus en Mer Celtique. Journal du Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer, 37(3): 261–265. Du Buit, M.H. 1976b. The ovarian cycle of the cuckoo ray, Raja naevus (Muller and Henle), in the Celtic Sea. Journal of Fish Biology, 8: 199–207. Ellis, J. R., Cruz-Martinez, A., Rackham, B. D., and Rogers, S. I. 2005. The distribution of chondrichthyan fishes around the British Isles and implications for conservation. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 195–213. Gallagher, M. J., Nolan, C. P., and Jeal, F. 2005. Age, Growth and Maturity of the Commercial Ray Species from the Irish Sea. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 35: 47–66. doi:10.2960/J.v35.m527. ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 19–26 June 2012, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:19. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp. McCully, S. R., Scott, F., and Ellis, J. R. 2012. Lengths at maturity and conversion factors for skates (Rajidae) around the British Isles, with an analysis of data in the literature. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1812–1822. Stehmann, M., and Bürkel, D. L. 1984. Rajidae. In Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. P. J. P. Whitehead, M-L. Bauchot, J-C. Hureau, J. Nielsen, and E. Tortonese (eds.). UNESCO, Paris. Vol. 1, pp. 163–196.

Leucoraja naevus VIIIc

1.0

90 %

0.8 1  0.6 haul  kg

0.4

10 %

0.2

0.0

1983 1985 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 Year

Figure 7.3.18.9.2 Leucoraja naevus in Division VIIIc. Time-series of survey biomass index used for the advice calculation. Boxes mark parametric standard error of the stratified biomass index. Lines mark bootstrap confidence intervals (α = 0.80, bootstrap iterations = 1000). 2013 survey data (last point in the figure) not used due to suspected catchability change.

Table 7.3.18.9.1 Leucoraja naevus in Division VIIIc. ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 143 2012 No specific advice 241 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 646 catch could increase by maximum 6% 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 Catch could increase by maximum 1% 347 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 347 Weights in tonnes.

208 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.18.9.2 Leucoraja naevus in Division VIIIc. ICES estimated species-specific landings by country (in tonnes) and DLS approach application. Species-specific data were not available for earlier years.

2011 2012 2013 Belgium 0 0 0 France 36 81 71 Spain 107 160 575 Total 143 241 646

3-year average 343 landings 1% increase 347

Table 7.3.18.9.3 Leucoraja naevus in Division VIIIc. Time-series of survey index used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. The survey data for 2013 were not used because a new vessel was used in the survey, leading to suspected changes in catchability.

Year Spanish Demersal index 1999 0.9 2000 1.5 2001 1.7 2002 0.9 2003 0.5 2004 0.9 2005 1.5 2006 0.8 2007 1.1 2008 0.5 2009 1.0 2010 0.9 2011 1.2 2012 0.5 2013 * mean (2006–2010) 0.86 mean (2011–2012) 0.87 ratio 1.01

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 209 7.3.18.10 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that landings should be reduced by 4%. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of 46 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discards have not been quantified and there is some discard survival.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Stable

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Landings Leucoraja naevus IXa 120

100

80

60 Tonnes

40

20

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year

Figure 7.3.18.10.1 Cuckoo ray Leucraja naevus in Division IXa. Right: Total landings in Division IXa from 2002 to 2013. Left: combined biomass index from surveys in the Gulf of Cadiz (SP–GC GFS-Q1, SP–GC GFS-Q4).

An overall increasing trend in ICES Division IXa has been observed in recent years in the Gulf of Cadiz survey. The mean biomass index values in recent years are more than twice the values at the beginning of the time-series. Landings have remained stable since 2008, with a slight decrease in 2013.

The average of the abundance indicator in the last two available years years (2011–2012) is 32% higher than the average of the five previous years (2006–2010).

Management plans

No specific management objectives are known to ICES.

210 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

Leucoraja naevus is a small-bodied skate with a wide geographic distribution in the Northeast Atlantic (North Sea to Senegal) and Mediterranean Sea (Stehmann and Bürkel, 1984). It is one the most productive species within the commercial skate assemblage in these waters. It is more often observed in sandy offshore areas. In Portuguese waters, L. naevus size-at-first-maturity is 56 cm for both males and females. Egg-laying females are more frequent between January and May, although reproductively active females can be found throughout the year. Fecundity is estimated to be around 63 eggs female−1 year−1, released in nine batches of seven follicles each (Maia et al., 2012).

The fisheries

This is an important, offshore, commercial species, and so is only normally caught by trawl fleets rather than by inshore gill- or tanglenets. This species is usually caught as a bycatch in trawl and in artisanal fisheries by Portuguese fleets and in trawl fisheries by Spanish fleet. In the Western area of the Iberian Peninsula Rajidae species are usually caught as bycatch in other fisheries. In the past, there was a directed fishery for these species in the north of Spain. At the present there are no directed fisheries for skates and most of the landings come from the trawl fishery targeting other species (Rodriguez-Cabello et al., 2005). In the Portuguese continental coast Rajidae species are mainly landed by the polyvalent segment, which represents around 75% of the total landed weight, followed by the trawl segment that represents around 24%.

The fisheries Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown. Estimated landings are 0.037 kt, where 100% of Spanish landings (0.011 kt) are official while 100% of Portuguese landings are ICES estimates (0.026 kt). Discards have not been quantified.

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

The populations of skates R. clavata, L. naevus, and R. montagui were positively impacted by increases in the abundance of their common prey (mainly detritivorous organisms), and also by the discards and detritus due to their scavenging behaviour (Sánchez et al., 2005). The populations of these species are negatively impacted by trawl and gillnet fishing gears.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on an abundance index from the Spanish Trawl Survey. The uncertainty associated with the index values is not available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The harvest control rules are expected to stabilize stock size in the short term (3–5 years), but they may not be suitable if the stock size is low and/or overfished.

The quality of landings data has improved in recent years but remains somewhat uncertain. Further work is required to refine landings data and workshops are required to compile all available data.

Scientific basis Stock data category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Survey-based trends. Input data Survey indices: Q1 SP–GCGFS and Q4 SP–GCGFS. Discards and bycatch The discard rate is considered low but cannot be quantified. Indicators Life history and commercial cpues. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 211 7.3.18.10 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No reliable assessment can be presented for this stock.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks for which an abundance index is available, ICES uses as harvest control rule an index-adjusted status quo catch. The advice is based on a comparison of the two most recent index values with the five preceding values, combined with recent catch or landings data. Knowledge of the exploitation status also influences the advised catch.

For this stock the abundance is estimated to have increased by more than 20% between 2006 and 2010 (average of the five years) and 2011–2012 (average of the two years). This implies landings could increase by 20% in relation to the last three years’ average.

Although an overall increasing trend is observed in the survey index, this covers only a relatively small part of the stock area (Gulf of Cadiz). The standardized commercial cpue from Portuguese fleets is stable over the available years (6 years), but not long enough to infer long-term trends. Given the uncertainty in stock status in relation to reference points, ICES considers that applying a 20% precautionary reduction is appropriate. This corresponds to landings of no more than 46 t in each of 2015 and 2016.

Additional considerations

Advice considerations

According to the survey index calculated by the data-limited stocks (DLS) 3.2 method, the relative abundance of L. naevus presents an increasing trend in recent years.

The standardized cpue of the Portuguese polyvalent and trawl segments have been used as supporting information, as scientific trawl survey data provide a longer time-series (Figure 7.3.18.10.2). The trend observed in the polivalent fleet, which represents 74% of the landings, is consistent with the biomass survey trend.

Regulations and their effects

On 29 December 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 315/2011) that prohibits, in all of the continental Portuguese EEZ and during the whole month of May, the catch, keeping on board, and landing of any skate species belonging to the Rajidae family. In addition, for each fishing trip outside of May a maximum of 5% bycatch, in weight, of those species is allowed to be kept on board and to be landed.

On 22 August 2011 the Portuguese Administration adopted a national legislation (Portaria no. 170/2014) that establishes a minimum landing size of 520 mm (total length) for specimens of the genus Leucoraja or Raja, in the whole continental Portuguese EEZ.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Last year’s advice was based on Category 5.2 of ICES approach to data-limited stocks. This year’s advice is based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks method 3.2, using the survey indices from Q1 SP–GCGFS and Q4 SP–GCGF in the southern Division IXa and a PA buffer. This is the first time that ICES provides a quantification of the advised landings.

212 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Sources

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp. Maia, C., Erzini, K., Serra‐Pereira, B. and Figueiredo, I. 2012. Reproductive biology of cuckoo ray Leucoraja naevus. Journal of Fish Biology 81: 1285–1296. Rodríguez-Cabello, C., A. Fernández, I. Olaso, F. Sánchez, R. Gancedo, A. Punzón, and O. Cendrero. 2005. Overview of continental shelf Elasmobranch Fisheries in the Cantabrian Sea. J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci., 35: 375–385. Sánchez, F., Rodríguez-Cabello, C., and Olaso, I. 2005. The Role of Elasmobranchs in the Cantabrian Sea Shelf Ecosystem and Impact of the Fisheries on Them. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, Vol. 35: 467–480. Stehmann, M., and Bürkel, D. L. 1984. Rajidae. In Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. P. J. P. Whitehead, M-L. Bauchot, J-C. Hureau, J. Nielsen, and E. Tortonese (eds.). UNESCO, Paris. Vol. 1, pp. 163–196.

Figure 7.3.18.10.2 Cuckoo ray in Division IXa. Commercial standardized cpue time-series of the Portuguese polyvalent segment during 2008–2013. Dashed line: Average of the entire time-series.

Table 7.3.18.10.1 Leucoraja naevus in Division IXa (west of Galicia, Portugal, and Gulf of Cadiz). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 56 2012 No specific advice 51 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 37 catch to decrease by at least 20% 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 4% decrease from last 3 years average 46 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 46 Weights in tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 213 Table 7.3.18.10.2 Leucoraja naevus in Division IXa. ICES estimated species-specific landings (in tonnes). Time-series of survey indices used for the advice calculation according to the DLS method 3.2. Series are standardized to their mean; the annual mean of the two standardized indices was used for advice.

Spanish ARSA-Q1 Spanish ARSA-Q1 Year Landings SP GCGFS-Q1 SP GCGFS-Q4 mean index

1998 0.010750361 0.090287561 0.050518961 1999 0.305244036 0.10186367 0.203553853 2000 0.039393233 0.20094802 0.120170626 2001 0.149694251 0.525155346 0.337424798 2002 12.70 0.14949155 2.069829834 1.109660692 2003 18.00 1.694133324 1.694133324 2004 113.00 1.649433074 0.653012892 1.151222983 2005 42.81 0.456549063 2.802139251 1.629344157 2006 50.76 2.317770538 2.40613214 2.361951339 2007 78.80 0.479962397 1.398663954 0.939313176 2008 49.77 0.839414062 0.709591287 0.774502674 2009 50.22 2.393418269 1.192888626 1.793153447 2010 54.96 0.645096909 1.489388897 1.067242903 2011 56.45 0.959243764 1.544961751 1.252102757 2012 51.16 2.91040517 1.888840274 2.399622722 2013 37.31 na na na Mean 2010–2013 48.3 Mean 2006–2011 1.39 20% increase 58.0 Mean 2012–2013 1.83 PA Buffer 20% 46.4 Ratio 1.32

214 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.11 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Common skate (Dipturus batis)-complex in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the precautionary approach, ICES advises that there should be no targeted fishery for either Dipturus cf. flossada or Dipturus cf. intermedia, and measures should be taken to minimize bycatch.

Measures to minimize bycatch may include seasonal and/or area closures or technical measures. Such measures should be developed through stakeholder consultations, as part of a rebuilding plan, considering the overall mixed-fisheries context.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY Unknown MSY (F ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Overfished

Stock size 2011–2013

trigger Unknown MSY (B ) Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Below poss. reference Qualitative evaluation points

Landings Tonnes

Figure 7.3.18.11.1 Dipturus batis complex (Dipturus cf. flossada and Dipturus cf. intermedia) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES estimated species-specific landings (in tonnes).

There is insufficient information to present trends in species-specific landings for this stock. Dipturus batis complex is only rarely encountered in the Biscay and Iberian ecoregions.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 215 Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area. However, the EU prohibits the Dipturus batis complex species from being fished for, retained on board, transhipped, or landed. This is the highest protection possible under the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, a long-term conservation strategy that is similar to a long- term management plan for such species. In 2010, ICES evaluated the inclusion of Dipturus batis complex as prohibited species, and concluded that this stock should be removed from the list.

Biology

The Dipturus genus are very large, slow-growing species, and as such are highly vulnerable to overfishing. The complex is confined to the Northeast Atlantic (Russia to Morocco), Madeira, and the western Mediterranean. It comprises two species; D. cf. flossada and D. cf. intermedia. These are distributed in shelf waters across Subareas VI and VII with D. cf. flossada being more often found in the southern part of these subareas and D. cf intermedia in the northern part. Dipturus oxyrinchus more commonly occurs on the outer shelf and slope area and has a more southerly distribution, from southern Norway to the eastern Mediterranean. Dipturus nidarosiensis has a more restricted distribution in deep waters (>400 m) from western Norway to Ireland and Iceland. Life-history data for these species are scarce and are confounded by taxonomic and identification issues. Limited information suggests that both D. cf. intermedia and D. batis may be found towards the northern part of the Bay of Biscay.

Environmental influence on the stock

The degree of resource competition and species interactions between the various skate species is poorly understood. These species were known to predate on smaller skate individuals, and the longer term decline in the larger skates may have benefited populations of smaller skate species.

The fisheries

Dipturus batis species were traditionally an important commercial species in northern European seas, taken in trawl and line fisheries. Whilst there was a larger reduction in the geographical range over the latter half of the 20th century, they remained a bycatch species in fisheries along the outer shelf of the Atlantic seaboard, including trawl and tanglenet fisheries.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown, estimated landings: 10 kg in 2013. Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified.

Quality considerations

Since legal obligations to declare most demersal elasmobranchs to species level were introduced, a greater proportion of data are reported to this level.

Scientific basis Stock data category 6.3.0 (ICES,2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data None. Discards and bycatch Discarding is known to take place but cannot be quantified. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

216 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.11 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Dipturus batis-complex in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytic assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

Precautionary approach

ICES advises on the basis of the precautionary approach that there should be no be no targeted fishery for either Dipturus cf. flossada or Dipturus cf. intermedia. Measures should be taken to minimize bycatch.

Measures to minimize bycatch may include seasonal and/or area closures or technical measures. Such measures should be developed through stakeholder consultations, as part of a rebuilding plan, considering the overall mixed-fisheries context.

Additional considerations

If refuges, spawning and nursery grounds are identified, these could be used to frame management measures for these species.

Regulations and their effects

Dipturus batis complex species in this area receive the highest degree of protection available in the EU, being on the prohibited species list in ICES Division IIa and ICES Subareas III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X. This may lead to species misreporting with other species like Dipturus oxyrinchus, which is not on this list.

The generic TAC and quota for skates in the Celtic Seas ecoregion does not apply to the Dipturus batis complex (Dipturus cf. flossada and Dipturus cf. intermedia) or to Raja undulata and Rostroraja alba. When accidentally caught, these species must not be harmed, promptly released, and fishers are encouraged to use techniques to facilitate rapid and safe release. In contrast, D. oxyrinchus is not subject to these provisions.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year, the precautionary considerations.

The advice is the same as provided for 2011 and 2012 (Table 7.3.18.11.1). The basis of the advice is also the same, the precautionary approach.

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 19–26 June 2012, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:19. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 217 Table 7.3.18.11.1 The Dipturus batis complex (Dipturus cf. flossada and Dipturus cf. intermedia) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2009 No targeted fishery 0 0.6 2010 No new advice, same as 2009 0 0.0 2011 Zero TAC 0 0.0 2012 No new advice, same as 2011 0 0.1 2013 No targeted fishery, minimize bycatch 0 0.01 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 0 2015 No targeted fishery, minimize bycatch 0 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 0 Weights in tonnes.

Table 7.3.18.11.2 The Dipturus batis complex (Dipturus cf. flossada and Dipturus cf. intermedia) in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES estimated species-specific landings (in tonnes). Species-specific data were not available for earlier years. Year Landings (t) VIII and IXa 1999 1 2000 11 2001 11 2002 13 2003 4 2004 7 2005 8 2006 6 2007 4 2008 9 2009 0.6 2010 0.05 2011 0.00 2012 0.08 2013 0.01

218 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.12 Advice October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Other skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

This advice relates to skates not specified elsewhere in the ICES advice, including skates not reported to species level and some other, mainly deep-water species throughout the region. It also applies to R. clavata, R. brachyura, and R. microcellata outside defined stock boundaries. The advice only relates to species belonging to the Rajidae (skates), and does not refer to manta rays, stingrays, electric rays, or devil rays.

Other species of skates and ray also found in this ecoregion occur in small, variable proportions in the landings. These include:

Dipturus oxyrinchus Leuroraja circularis Leucoraja fullonica Raja microocellata Raja asterias Raja miraletus

Advice for 2015 and 2016

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that landings should be reduced by 20%. Based on estimated species-specific landings, this would imply landings of 614 t in each of 2015 and 2016. Discarding is known to take place but has not been quantified, and there is some discard survival.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011–2013

MSY (FMSY) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa, Flim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Stock size 2011–2013

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown

Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa, Blim)

Qualitative evaluation Unknown

Landings (t) 2000

1500

1000

500

0

Figure 7.3.18.12.1 Other skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters). ICES estimated landings (t) for Raja spp. (including A. radiata). Species-specific data were not available for earlier years.

There is insufficient survey or abundance data available to assess these species individually or collectively.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 219

Management plans

There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) is unknown. Estimated landings in 2013 were 458 t.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on a precautionary reduction of catches because of missing or non-representative data. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated.

The quality of landings data has improved in recent years, but about 500 t of skates were reported in unspecified categories in 2013 (Spain). Further work is required to refine landings data and workshops are required to compile all available data.

Since legal obligations to declare most demersal elasmobranchs to species level were introduced, a greater proportion of data are reported to this level.

Stock identity of the named species needs to be refined. Connectivity with neighbouring stocks should be reviewed.

There is no information on discard rates.

Landings in Subarea VIII in 2013 are preliminary.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Estimated landings. Discards and bycatch None. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF).

220 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.18.12 Supporting information October 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Other skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015 and 2016

No analytic assessment can be presented for this stock. Therefore, fishing possibilities cannot be projected.

ICES approach to data-limited stocks

For data-limited stocks without information on abundance or exploitation ICES considers that a precautionary reduction of catches should be implemented, unless there is ancillary information clearly indicating that the current exploitation is appropriate to the stock.

For this stock, ICES advises that catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three years’ average, corresponding to landings of no more than 614 t in 2015 and 2016.

Additional considerations

The TAC covers all skates in Subareas VIII and IX.

The EU regulations require Leucoraja naevus, Raja clavata, and Raja brachyura to be reported separately to species level in landings.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year: the data-limited stocks (DLS) method 5.2, with the precautionary approach (PA) buffer. In 2014, for the first time, ICES provides a quantitative landings advice. This is because more complete landings data are now available. Because quantitative advice is provided for the first time, the PA buffer is applied in 2014.

Sources

ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014. Report of the Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes (WGEF), 17–26 June 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:19. 671 pp.

Table 7.3.18.12.1 Other skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters). ICES advice and landings.

Year ICES advice Predicted catch ICES species-specific corresp. to advice landings: minimum estimate based on reported landings 2011 No specific advice 1263 2012 No specific advice 580 2013 No TAC, species-specific measures needed, - 458 catch to decrease by at least 20% 2014 No new advice, same as 2013 - 2015 Decrease landings by at least 20% 614 2016 No new advice, same as 2015 614 Weights in tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 221 Table 7.3.18.12.2 Other skates in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters). ICES estimated landings for Raja spp. (including A. radiata) and DLS approach implementation.

Year Landings (t) 1999 18 2000 62 2001 82 2002 1578 2003 143 2004 370 2005 775 2006 778 2007 919 2008 845 2009 433 2010 321 2011 1263 2012 580 2013 458 mean (2011–2013) 767 20% PA Buffer decrease 614

222 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.19 Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations, and taking into account the current low biomass that catches in 2015 should be no more than 16 000 tonnes. Discards are considered to be negligible and all catches are assumed to be landed.

Stock status Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013 MSY (FMSY) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Fpa,Flim)

Quality considerations Above average

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Unknown Precautionary Unknown approach (Bpa,Blim)

Quality consierations Well below average

Figure 7.3.19.1 Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes, biomass expressed in weight-at-age 1 and older fish; Biomass 1+). Top right: Biomass 1+ and F over the years. Assumed recruitment values are shaded.

The biomass of age 1 and older fish has decreased since 2006 and is currently around the historic low. Recruitment has been below the long-term average since 2005. Fishing mortality since 2009 has been above the average of the last two decades prior to 2009.

Management plans

ICES has evaluated a proposed management plan developed by Portugal and Spain (ICES, 2013a, Annex 7.3.19). ICES concluded that the proposed management plan is provisionally precautionary.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 223 Biology Sardine is prey for a range of fish and marine mammal species. Sardine is an omnivorous predator able to feed on both phytoplankton and zooplankton. In addition, sardines have been found to ingest their own eggs (and probably those of other species) and this cannibalism may act as a density control mechanism.

Environmental influence on the stock

As one of the most abundant pelagic forage fish species in Iberian waters, sardine may exert bottom–up control of their predators or top–down control of their prey, or they may control both prey and predators.

The fisheries Most catch is taken by purse-seiners. Sardine catches are highest in the second half of the year and catches are traditionally concentrated mainly in western part of Portugal, Galicia and Cantabrian Sea. Catches in the Gulf of Cadiz and Algarve areas have increased since 2011. In Spain, vessels target anchovy, mackerel, sardine, and horse mackerel; in summer, part of the fleet switches to tuna fishing. In Portugal, sardine is the main target species, but chub mackerel, horse mackerel, and anchovy are also landed. Most catches are taken off the north coast. Discards are uncertain but are assumed to be negligible. Slipping estimates are available for the Portuguese fleet, but with a limited coverage in time and extent.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013) = 46 kt, where 46 kt were official landings (99% purse-seine and 1% other gear types). Discards are assumed to be negligible.

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem Purse-seines have a low bycatch of non-target species: when targeting sardine, the catches are mostly monospecific. Observer data and interview surveys of fishers also indicate a low impact on megafauna such as cetaceans, seabirds, and turtles. Because purse-seiners operate in open waters, there is little impact on the seabed. The overall effect of the sardine fishery on the pelagic ecosystem of the Atlantic Iberian waters has not been evaluated. The most likely impacts will take place in alterations of prey–predator relationships via modification of sardine abundance, size structure, and behaviour.

Quality considerations The main uncertainties in the assessment relate to the discrepant signals about the stock trends provided by the daily egg production method (DEPM) and acoustic surveys. Uncertainty continues regarding the extent of sardine movement across the northern stock boundary, on the comparability of Portuguese and Spanish acoustic surveys, on survey and fishery selection patterns, and on the weighting of the different data sources in the assessment.

Figure 7.3.19.2 Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Historical assessment results (final-year recruitment and biomass estimates included). The stock was benchmarked in 2012.

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 1 (ICES, 2014a) Assessment type Age-based analytical assessment (SS3). Input data Commercial catches (international landings, ages and length frequencies from catch sampling), survey indices (PELAGO&PELACUS-Q2, PT-DEPM&SP-DEPM). Annual maturity data from DEPM survey, and natural mortalities from Gislason formula. Discards and bycatch Not included and are considered negligible. Indicators None Other information Benchmarked in February 2012 (WKPELA; ICES, 2012). Working group Working Group on Anchovy and Sardine (WGHANSA)

224 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.19 Supporting information July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Reference points

No reference points are defined for this stock.

Outlook for 2015

Basis: F(2014) = average F (2011–2013) scaled to F2013=0.44; B1+ (2014) = 188; B1+ (2015) = 169; Catches (2014) = 51; R (2014) and R (2015) = GM (2009–2013) = 4384 million. Rationale Catches Basis F B1+ %B1+ (2015) (2015) (2016) change 1) Precautionary 16 F2002–2007 × (B1+2014/ B1+2002–2007) 0.11 193 14 considerations Proposed Catch 2015 is (0.36 × ( B1+2014 – 19.095 0.13 191 13 management plan lower trigger level)) Zero catch 0 F = 0 0 205 21 Other options 12 F2014 × 0.2 0.09 196 16 24 F2014 × 0.4 0.17 187 11

35 F2014 × 0.6 0.26 179 6 36 F = average 2002–2007 0.27 179 6 45 F2014 × 0.8 0.35 172 2 55 F2014 0.44 165 -2 Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) B1+ 2016 relative to B1+ 2015.

Management plan

ICES has evaluated a management plan as requested by the EC (ICES, 2013a). The management plan description can be found in Annex 7.3.19. ICES concluded that the plan is provisionally precautionary, causing low probabilities of unsustainable fishing mortality, when the biomass used for comparison in the harvest control rule is the B1+ at the beginning of the intermediate year.

Following the proposed EC management plan implies that the TAC is set by the formula 0.36 × ( B1+ (2014) – lower trigger level) = (0.36 × (188−135)) because the biomass is currently between the two trigger points in the harvest rule, which implies catches of no more than 19 095 t in 2015. Discards are considered to be negligible and all catches are assumed to be landed.

Precautionary considerations

The stock biomass is at a historically low level and fishing mortality peaked in 2010–2011. It has decreased since then but it is still above the long-term average. F should be brought back to where it was before the start of this increase, i.e. the 2002–2007 average (0.27). However, taking into account the low biomass, below previous Bloss and the below-average recruitment, ICES considers fishing mortality F should be reduced further. This reduction is based on the ratio between the current biomass (B1+(2014) = 188 000 t) and the average biomass in the period before high fishing mortality occurred (average B1+(2002-2007) = 406 000 t, ratio of 41%) to F = 0.11.This results in catches of no more than 16 000 t. Discards are considered negligible and all catches are assumed to be landed.

Additional considerations

Management plan evaluations

ICES has evaluated a proposed management plan developed by Portugal and Spain (ICES, 2013a). Given the available data, ICES was unable to define reference points to use for the evaluation. ICES concludes the plan is provisionally precautionary, because it gives low probabilities of exceeding Floss or driving B1+ below Bloss and a high probability of rapid recovery when B1+ declines to below trigger values. The proposed plan implies a relatively modest exploitation rate

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 225 with mean F = 0.22, which is 70% of the natural mortality. As an F slightly lower than the natural mortality is a potential proxy for FMSY (Deriso, 1982), the plan results in exploitation in the lower range of candidate FMSY values.

Further exploration of sardine stock dynamics is required; for example it may be possible to draw inferences from studies of other sardine stock dynamics at low biomass. This will provide a better informed basis for determining precautionary criteria which may improve the evaluation of the current proposed plan. Additionally, alternative settings (lower target catch, higher trigger points) and catch stabilizers could be tested to improve the performance of the plan and make it more precautionary.

Regulations and their effects

There is no international TAC. Almost all catches are taken by purse-seiners in a directed human consumption fishery. Until 2014, the fisheries are managed by Portugal and Spain through minimum landing size, maximum daily catch, days fishing limitations, and closed areas.

Since 2010, annual catch limits are set for the Portuguese fishery by the Portuguese authorities. In 2013, the catch limit was 36 000 t, following the multiannual management plan.

In Spain, management measures include a maximum allowable catch of 7000 kg per fishing day and a 5-fishing-days week limitation since 1997.

In both countries, fishing for sardine was banned for 45 days during the first quarter of the year, with different regional periods.

Biology

Sardine is distributed in the Iberian region, to the north in Subareas VII and VIII and in the North Sea, and to the south on the Moroccan shelf. The information presented here assumes that sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa is a unit stock, based on biological characteristics. However, some movement of fish between Divisions VIIIb and VIIIc is known to occur. The effect of this movement is uncertain but is currently considered to have little influence on the estimation of the stock in the assessed area (Divisions VIIIc and IXa).

The environment

Sardine recruitment is considered to be influenced at both the local and the global scale by environmental variables that may reduce the transportation of eggs and larvae offshore which are critical to ensuring egg and larval survival. Indirect effects, e.g. on growth and condition through variations in food supply or water temperature have been given less attention. Results from such studies show that environmental effects, although present, are often weak and in some cases findings have been contradictory. For example, upwelling intensity has been found to affect recruitment both positively and negatively.

The Iberian sardine is considered a forage fish, i.e. a fish that provides food for predatory fish as well as marine mammals and birds. Sardine is one of the most abundant small pelagic species in western Iberian waters and has been found to be important in the diet of several species of fish and marine mammals. Forage fish such as sardine may exert bottom–up control of their predators or top–down control on their zooplanktonic prey, or they may control both prey and predators (wasp-waist control).

Uncertainties in assessment and forecast

The assessment shows a retrospective pattern overestimating SSB and underestimating F is observed in the last 3 years.

The DEPM and the acoustic surveys show discrepant signals in the stock trajectory. The assessment tends to accommodate the signals from the two surveys by providing a broad average perspective but follows the acoustic survey in the years when the DEPM is not available.

Some unresolved technical issues in the software code prevented the inclusion of confidence interval in fishing mortality. Hence confidence intervals are not shown.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

The basis for the assessment has not changed from last year, but the forecast has been amended to account for changes in F in recent years (the intermediate year F was scaled to 2013). The basis for the advice is the same as last year: precautionary considerations.

226 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Sources

Deriso, R. B. 1982. Relationship of fishing mortality to natural mortality and growth at the level of maximum sustainable yield. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 39: 1054–1058. ICES. 2012. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Pelagic Stocks (WKPELA 2012), 13–17 February 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:47. 572 pp. ICES. 2013a. Management plan evaluation for sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2013. ICES Advice, 2013. Book 7, Section 7.3.5.1. ICES. 2013b. Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 21–26 June 2013, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:16. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 20–25 June 2014, ICES HQ, Copemhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:16.

Table 7.3.19.1 Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Single-stock exploitation boundaries (advice), management, and catch.

Year ICES Predicted catch Agreed Official ICES Advice corresp. to advice TAC landings catch a VIII & IX 1987 No increase in F; TAC 140 - 178 1988 No increase in F; TAC 150 - 167 162 1989 No increase in F; TAC 212 - 146 141 1990 Room for increased F 227 a - 150 149 1991 Precautionary TAC 176 - 135 133 1992 No advice - - 139 130 1993 Precautionary TAC 135 - 153 142 1994 No advice 118 b - 147 137 1995 No advice; apparently stable stock - - 137 125 1996 Lowest possible level - - 134 117 1997 Lowest possible level - - n/a 116 1998 Significant reduction - - n/a 109 1999 Reduce F to 0.2 38 - n/a 94 2000 F below 0.2 < 81 - n/a 86 2001 F below 0.2 < 88 - n/a 102 2002 F below 0.25 < 95 - n/a 100 2003 No increase in F 100 - n/a 98 2004 No increase in F 128 - n/a 98 2005 No increase in F 106 - n/a 97 2006 No increase in F 96 - n/a 87 2007 No increase in F 114 - n/a 96 2008 No increase in F 92 - n/a 101 2009 No increase in F 71 - n/a 88 2010 No increase in F 75 - n/a 90 2011 Maintain F at 2002–2007 level 75 - 77 80 2012 Reduce F to the 2002–2007 level 36 - 52 55 2013 Reduce F to the 2002–2007 level < 55 - 46 46 2014 Reduce F to the 2002–2007 level adjusted to < 17 - low biomass 2015 Reduce F to the 2002–2007 level adjusted to < 16 low biomass Weights in thousand tonnes. n/a = not available. a Includes only Divisions VIIIc and IXa. b Estimated catch at status quo F.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 227 Table 7.3.19.2 Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES estimates of catch (tonnes) by subarea.

VIIIc IXa North IXa Central IXa Central IXa South IXa South All Year Div. IXa North South Algarve Cadiz subareas 1940 66816 42132 33275 23724 165947 99131 1941 27801 26599 34423 9391 98214 70413 1942 47208 40969 31957 8739 128873 81665 1943 46348 85692 31362 15871 179273 132925 1944 76147 88643 31135 8450 204375 128228 1945 67998 64313 37289 7426 177026 109028 1946 32280 68787 26430 12237 139734 107454 1947 43459 21855 55407 25003 15667 161391 117932 1948 10945 17320 50288 17060 10674 106287 95342 1949 11519 19504 37868 12077 8952 89920 78401 1950 13201 27121 47388 17025 17963 122698 109497 1951 12713 27959 43906 15056 19269 118903 106190 1952 7765 30485 40938 22687 25331 127206 119441 1953 4969 27569 68145 16969 12051 129703 124734 1954 8836 28816 62467 25736 24084 149939 141103 1955 6851 30804 55618 15191 21150 129614 122763 1956 12074 29614 58128 24069 14475 138360 126286 1957 15624 37170 75896 20231 15010 163931 148307 1958 29743 41143 92790 33937 12554 210167 180424 1959 42005 36055 87845 23754 11680 201339 159334 1960 38244 60713 83331 24384 24062 230734 192490 1961 51212 59570 96105 22872 16528 246287 195075 1962 28891 46381 77701 29643 23528 206144 177253 1963 33796 51979 86859 17595 12397 202626 168830 1964 36390 40897 108065 27636 22035 235023 198633 1965 31732 47036 82354 35003 18797 214922 183190 1966 32196 44154 66929 34153 20855 198287 166091 1967 23480 45595 64210 31576 16635 181496 158016 1968 24690 51828 46215 16671 14993 154397 129707 1969 38254 40732 37782 13852 9350 139970 101716 1970 28934 32306 37608 12989 14257 126094 97160 1971 41691 48637 36728 16917 16534 160507 118816 1972 33800 45275 34889 18007 19200 151171 117371 1973 44768 18523 46984 27688 19570 157533 112765 1974 34536 13894 36339 18717 14244 117730 83194 1975 50260 12236 54819 19295 16714 153324 103064 1976 51901 10140 43435 16548 12538 134562 82661 1977 36149 9782 37064 17496 20745 121236 85087 1978 43522 12915 34246 25974 23333 5619 145609 102087 1979 18271 43876 39651 27532 24111 3800 157241 138970 1980 35787 49593 59290 29433 17579 3120 194802 159015 1981 35550 65330 61150 37054 15048 2384 216517 180967 1982 31756 71889 45865 38082 16912 2442 206946 175190 1983 32374 62843 33163 31163 21607 2688 183837 151463 1984 27970 79606 42798 35032 17280 3319 206005 178035 1985 25907 66491 61755 31535 18418 4333 208439 182532 1986 39195 37960 57360 31737 14354 6757 187363 148168 1987 36377 42234 44806 27795 17613 8870 177696 141319 1988 40944 24005 52779 27420 13393 2990 161531 120587 1989 29856 16179 52585 26783 11723 3835 140961 111105 1990 27500 19253 52212 24723 19238 6503 149429 121929 1991 20735 14383 44379 26150 22106 4834 132587 111852 1992 26160 16579 41681 29968 11666 4196 130250 104090 1993 24486 23905 47284 29995 13160 3664 142495 118009 1994 22181 16151 49136 30390 14942 3782 136582 114401 1995 19538 13928 41444 27270 19104 3996 125280 105742 1996 14423 11251 34761 31117 19880 5304 116736 102313 1997 15587 12291 34156 25863 21137 6780 115814 100227 1998 16177 3263 32584 29564 20743 6594 108924 92747 1999 11862 2563 31574 21747 18499 7846 94091 82229 2000 11697 2866 23311 23701 19129 5081 85786 74089 2001 16798 8398 32726 25619 13350 5066 101957 85159 2002 15885 4562 33585 22969 10982 11689 99673 83787 2003 16436 6383 33293 24635 8600 8484 97831 81395 2004 18306 8573 29488 24370 8107 9176 98020 79714 2005 19800 11663 25696 24619 7175 8391 97345 77545 2006 15377 10856 30152 19061 5798 5779 87023 71646 2007 13380 12402 41090 19142 4266 6188 96469 83088 2008 13636 9409 45210 20858 4928 7423 101464 87828 2009 11963 7226 36212 20838 4785 6716 87740 75777 2010 13772 7409 40923 17623 5181 4662 89571 75798 2011 8536 5621 37152 13685 6387 9023 80403 71867 2012 13090 4154 19647 9045 2891 6031 54857 41768 2013 5272 2128 15065 9084 4112 10157 45818 40546

228 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.19.3 Sardine in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Summary of stock assessment.

Year Recruitment Biomass 1+ Landings Mean F Age 0 Tonnes Tonnes Ages 2-5 thousands tonnes tonnes 1978 23313500 294134 146000 0.544 1979 26550000 343568 157000 0.51 1980 30285900 450693 195000 0.471 1981 18960200 556295 217000 0.444 1982 10642300 571954 207000 0.417 1983 48373200 487789 184000 0.396 1984 15330800 655710 206000 0.379 1985 14560900 712052 208000 0.315 1986 12031500 622478 187000 0.332 1987 24643900 543282 178000 0.359 1988 13625600 532279 162000 0.353 1989 13067400 536293 141000 0.293 1990 13450900 492039 149000 0.359 1991 36815500 484998 133000 0.318 1992 26263000 774800 130000 0.233 1993 11628100 916842 142000 0.243 1994 9952300 822745 137000 0.209 1995 7193820 830272 125000 0.203 1996 11217800 555005 117000 0.268 1997 6660780 483536 116000 0.343 1998 8735370 392693 109000 0.396 1999 7115880 355411 94000 0.375 2000 22021700 295942 86000 0.329 2001 13111700 433069 102000 0.319 2002 7163760 485050 100000 0.269 2003 5425150 431469 98000 0.261 2004 23600100 407352 98000 0.289 2005 8461540 467955 97000 0.284 2006 2808970 509794 87000 0.245 2007 4500140 458709 96000 0.259 2008 5536170 339881 101000 0.391 2009 6511940 256338 87000 0.449 2010 3186420 205491 90000 0.604 2011 3159520 178372 80001 0.683 2012 3953520 131407 55000 0.515 2013 6247200 149172 46000 0.437 2014 4383901* 188000 Average 13797037 444107 129528 0.364 * Geometric mean (2009–2013).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 229 Annex 7.3.19 Proposed management plan

In the document referred to in the plan (Plan de gestion sardina), the harvest rule is stated as:

B1+ > Btrigger  CMAX = Ct kt B0< B1+ < Btrigger  CMAX = d(B1+ – B0) kt B1+ < B0  CMAX = 0 where 6) B1+ = the biomass of the ages 1 and older, in kt CMAX = maximum catch in kt Btrigger = 368.4 kt (1.2 Blim) d = 0.36 B0 = 135 kt Ct = target catch = 86 kt.

The harvest rule is illustrated in the figure below:

The harvest rule sets a TAC directly according to an estimate of the biomass of fish aged 1 and older (B1+). The TAC is fixed at Ct when B1+ is above Btrigger, and reduced if it is below.

ICES has not defined a Blim for this stock, but for the purposes of the formulation of this plan the value is taken as Bloss in 2000 according to the 2012 assessment.

6 For the purpose of this evaluation the B1+ in the beginning of the intermediate year is used.

230 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.20 Advice July 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Sardine in Divisions VIIIa,b,d and Subarea VII

Advice for 2015

The 2014 advice for this stock is biennial and valid for 2014 and 2015 (see ICES, 2013a). New data (landings and surveys) available for this stock do not change the perception of the stock. Therefore, the advice for this fishery in 2015 is the same as the advice for 2014. ICES advises on the basis of precautionary considerations that catches should be no more than 27 554 t.

Quality considerations

The advice is based on biomass indices from two surveys, used as indicators of stock size. The uncertainty associated with one index is available. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated. The lack of catch composition and survey information in the Celtic seas and the English Channel impairs the possibility of performing an analytical assessment for the whole area. The current assessment is based solely on information from the Bay of Biscay.

Scientific basis Stock Data Category 3.2.0 (ICES, 2014a) Assessment type Trends based assessment. Input data Commercial catches (international landing, ages and length frequencies from catch sampling in Divisions VIIIa,b,d only); two survey indices in Divisions VIIIa,b,d (PELGAS (acoustic), BIOMAN (eggs)); the same natural mortalities are assumed as for southern sardine (M = 0.33). Discards and bycatch Not included and are considered negligible. Indicators BIOMAN, PELGAS surveys indices. Other information Benchmarked in February 2013 (WKPELA; ICES, 2013b). Working group Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA)

Sources

ICES. 2013a. Sardine in Divisions VIIIa,b,d and Subarea VII. Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2013. ICES Advice, 2013. Book 7, Section 7.4.20. ICES. 2013b. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Pelagic Stocks (WKPELA 2013), 4–8 February 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:46. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b Report of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA), 20–25 June 2014, ICES HQ, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:16.

Table 7.3.20.1 Sardine in Divisions VIIIa,b,d and Subarea VII. Single-stock exploitation boundaries (advice), management, and catches.

Year ICES Predicted catch corresp. Official ICES Advice to advice landings catches 2010 None 37.1 32.2 2011 None 30.9 30.9 2012 None 37.2 37.2 2013 None 45.5 41.0 2014 20% Reduction of catches (average of last 3 years) < 27.554 2015 No new advice, same as for 2014 < 27.554 Weights in thousand tonnes.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 231 7.3.21 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Sole in Divisions VIIIa, b (Bay of Biscay)

Advice for 2015

ICES advises on the basis of the MSY approach that catches in 2015 should be no more than 2407 tonnes. All catches are assumed to be landed.

Stock status

Fishing pressure 2011 2012 2013

MSY (FMSY) Above target Precautionary Increased risk approach (Fpa,Flim)

Stock size 2012 2013 2014

MSY (Btrigger) Just below trigger Precautionary Increased risk approach (Bpa,Blim)

Ages 3-6

Figure 7.3.21.1 Sole in Divisions VIIIa, b. Summary of stock assessment (weights in thousand tonnes). Assumed recruitment values are shaded. Top right: SSB and F over the years for the time-series used in the assessment.

The spawning stock increased from a historical low in 2003 but has been decreasing since 2012 and is currently just below MSY Btrigger. During this period, the fishing mortality has been stable around Fpa. The 2012 and 2013 recruitments are the lowest values in the time-series.

Management plans

A multiannual plan has been agreed by EU in 2006 (EC Reg. No. 388/2006, Annex 7.3.21). The aim of the plan was first to bring the spawning–stock biomass above 13 000 tonnes in 2008 and thereafter to ensure the sustainable exploitation of the stock. ICES has not evaluated the plan.

232 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Biology

Sole is present on nearly all of the Bay of Biscay continental shelf, from the coast to a depth of about 150 m. Adult fish gather in deeper areas to spawn in the first quarter of the year, becoming more vulnerable to exploitation during this period. Juveniles spend their first two years of life on nursery grounds which are located in estuaries and semi-closed coastal areas. The quality of these habitats is consequently essential to sole survival.

Environmental influence on the stock

Environmental conditions have a large influence on catches of the fixed-net fishery. Those conditions were especially favourable in 2002. Studies in Vilaine Bay showed a significant positive relationship between the fluvial discharges in winter–spring and the size of the local nursery. This localized effect is not apparent for the whole of the Divisions VIIIa,b stock and the impact of this relationship was therefore not taken into account in stock projections.

The fisheries

The French fleet, which consists mainly of trawlers and fixed-nets, is the major participant in the Bay of Biscay sole fishery with landings comprising about 90% of the total official international landings over the historical series. The remaining part is landed by the Belgian beam trawler fleet. The landings of the French fixed-net fishery have increased from less than 5% of total landings prior to 1985 to around 65% in recent years. This shift between fleets has resulted in a change in the selection pattern towards older fish.

Catch distribution Total catch (2013): 4.2 kt, where 4.2 kt were ICES estimated landings (inshore trawlers 7%, offshore otter trawlers 18%, offshore beam trawlers 7%, 68% fixed nets). Discards are not quantified and considered to be negligible.

Effects of the fisheries on the ecosystem

A large part of the French fishery is a fixed-net fishery directed on sole. Bycatch of non-commercial species is limited in this fishery.

Quality considerations

The 2012 low recruitment is estimated fairly well by the survey.

In addition to the two commercial tuning fleets, fisheries-independent data (ORHAGO survey) were incorporated in the assessment last year. This is an improvement in the quality of the assessment.

The catch and SSB in the forecast are dominated by year classes for which geometric mean recruitment is assumed.

Figure 7.3.21.2 Sole in Divisions VIIIa,b. Historical assessment results (final-year recruitment estimates are included, for 2014 the GM was used).

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 233 Scientific basis Stock data category 1 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Age-based analytical assessment (XSA). Input data Commercial catches (international landings (French and Belgian), ages and length frequencies from catch sampling); one survey index (FR-ORHAGO in 2007–2013); four commercial indices (FR-SABLES and FR-ROCHELLE in 1991–2009, FR-BB-IN-Q4 in 2000–2013, and FR-BB-OFF-Q2 in 2000–2012). Maturity ogive fixed, estimated in 2000. Assumed natural mortalities fixed (0.1). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information Benchmarked in 2011 and 2013 (ICES, 2011b, 2013a). Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

234 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

7.3.21 Supporting information June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Sole in Divisions VIIIa, b (Bay of Biscay)

Reference points

Type Value Technical basis MSY Btrigger 13 000 t Bpa (provisional estimate). MSY FMSY 0.26 Fmax (ICES, 2010) because stock–recruitment relationship, limited approach variations of recruitment, and fishing mortality pattern are known with low uncertainty. Blim Not defined. Bpa 13 000 t The probability of reduced recruitment increases when SSB is Precautionary below 13 000 t, based on the historical development of the stock. approach Flim 0.58 Based on the historical response of the stock. Fpa 0.42 Flim × 0.72. (Last changed in: 2010)

Outlook for 2015

F (2014) = (Fsq = mean F (2011–2013)) = 0.42; SSB (2015) = 13.763; R (2014 age 2) = (GM (1993–2011) = 22.7 million; catches (2014) = landings = 3.435; discards = negligible. %SSB %TAC Catch F total SSB Rationale Basis change change (2015) (2015) (2016) 1) 2)

MSY approach 2.407 FMSY 0.26 16.105 17% −37% Precautionary 3.675 Fpa 0.42 14.699 7% −3% approach Zero catch 0.0 F = 0 0.00 18.795 37% −100%

Other options 421 Fsq × 0.1 0.04 18.324 33% −89%

1.026 Fsq × 0.25 0.10 17.646 28% −73%

1.976 Fsq × 0.5 0.21 16.584 20% −48%

2.853 Fsq × 0.75 0.31 15.609 13% −25%

3.219 −15% TAC (Fsq × 0.86) 0.36 15.203 10% −15%

3.668 Fsq × 1 0.42 14.706 7% −3%

3.791 0% TAC (Fsq × 1.04) 0.44 14.570 6% 0%

4.362 +15% TAC (Fsq × 1.23) 0.52 13.938 1% 15% Weights in thousand tonnes. 1) SSB 2016 relative to SSB 2015. 2) Catch 2015 relative to TAC 2014.

Management plan

The multiannual plan for the Bay of Biscay sole (EC Reg. No. 388/2006) does not provide any basis for a TAC advice for 2015.

MSY approach

Applying the MSY approach implies a fishing mortality at the FMSY = 0.26 in 2015. It results in catches that should be no more than 2407 t in 2015. This is expected to lead to an SSB of 16 105 t in 2016, which is above Bpa. All catches are assumed to be landed.

Precautionary approach

The fishing mortality in 2014 should be no more than Fpa, corresponding to catches of less than 3675 t in 2015. This is expected to keep SSB above Bpa in 2016 (14 699 t). All catches are assumed to be landed.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 235 Additional considerations

Management considerations

The aim of the management plan was first to bring the spawning–stock biomass above 13 000 tonnes. This target is estimated to have been achieved. According to the plan, the Council must decide on (a) a long-term target fishing mortality rate; and (b) the rate of reduction in the fishing mortality that should apply until the target fishing mortality rate decided under (a) has been reached. The EC has not yet defined the values for items (a) and (b).

A proposal for a management plan for sole in the Bay of Biscay has been evaluated by ICES (ICES, 2013b, 2014c). It aims to decrease fishing mortality by applying a constant TAC to reach FMSY in 2015–2020. ICES considered the plan to be precautionary for all the TAC values tested, with very low probabilities of SSB falling below 13 000 t (Bpa), and that fixed TAC values equal to or lower than 4300 t would allow F to reach FMSY before 2020.

FMSY is based on Fmax, but this value is ill defined. The current Fmax is higher than was calculated using the 2010 data. The basis for FMSY may need to be reevaluated.

Uncertainty in the assessment and forecast

The estimate of the recruitment in 2013 is based on a survey index that is considered reliable. The incorporation of the Orhago survey in the assessment (2013) is considered to have improved the quality of the assessment. The contribution of assumed recruitment in the predicted catches does, however, remain substantial.

Comparison of the basis of previous assessment and advice

Compared to the 2013 assessment, the SSB in 2013 was revised downwards by 16% and the F in 2012 downwards by 8%.

The basis for the advice is the same as last year: the MSY approach.

Figure 7.4.21.3 Sole in Divisions VIIIa,b. Stock–recruitment relationship (left panel) and yield- and spawning–stock biomass- per-recruit (right panel).

Sources

ICES. 2010. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2010, Bilbao, Spain. ICES CM 2010/ACOM:11. ICES. 2011a. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 5–11 May 2011, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2011/ACOM:11. ICES. 2011b. Report of the Benchmark Workshop on Flatfish (WKFLAT), 1–8 February 2011, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2011/ACOM:39. 257 pp. ICES. 2012. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2012, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:11. ICES. 2013a. Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Southern Shelf Stocks of Hake, Monk, and Megrim (WGHMM), 10–16 May 2013, ICES Headquarters, Copenhagen. ICES CM 2013/ACOM:11A. 701 pp. ICES. 2013b. EU request for the evaluation of the harvest control rule for sole in the Bay of Biscay. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2013. ICES Advice 2013, Book 7, Section 7.3.5.2. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

236 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

ICES. 2014c. EU request for clarification on the request for the evaluation of the harvest control rule for sole in the Bay of Biscay, October 2013. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 7, Section 7.2.3.1.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 237 Table 7.3.21.1 Sole in Divisions VIIIa,b. ICES advice management and landings, discards, and catches.

Year ICES Predicted Agreed Official ICES Discards ICES catch Advice corresp. to TAC landings landings catch advice 1987 Not assessed - 4.4 4.4 5.1 0.2c 5.3 1988 Precautionary TAC 3.7 4.0 4.4 5.4 0.3c 5.6 1989 No increase in effort; TAC 4.5 4.8 5.8a 5.8 0.4c 6.2 1990 No increase in F; TAC 5.1 5.2 5.5a 5.9 0.3c 6.2 1991 Precautionary TAC 4.7 5.3 4.7a 5.6 0.2c 5.8 1992 F = F(90) 5.0 5.3 6.4a 6.6 0.1c 6.7 1993 No long-term gain in increasing F - 5.7 6.5 6.4 0.1c 6.5 1994 No long-term gain in increasing F - 6.6 7.1 7.2 0.2c 7.4 1995 No long-term gain in increasing F 5.4b 6.6 5.9 6.2 0.1c 6.3 1996 No increase in F 5.0 6.6 4.3 5.9 0.1c 6.0 1997 40% reduction in F 3.1 5.4 5.0 6.3 0.1 6.4 1998 No increase in F 7.6 6.0 4.3d 6.0 0.1 6.1 d 1999 Reduce F below Fpa < 5.0 5.4 3.8 5.2 0.2 5.4 d 2000 F at Fpa < 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.7 0.1 5.8 2001 TAC 2001, at most TAC 2000 < 5.8 6.3 4.9d 4.8 0.0 4.9 2002 Establish rebuilding plan or no fishing - 4.0 4.0 5.5 0.0 5.5 2003 Establish rebuilding plan or no fishing - 3.8 4.1 4.1 0.0 4.0 2004 65% reduction in F or recovery plane < 2.0 3.6 4.1 4.0 - -

2005 F at Fpa < 4.1 4.14 4.4 4.5 - -

2006 F at Fpa < 4.2 or 4.1 4.4 4.8 - - management plan 2007 Management plan: 10% reduction in F 4.54 4.54 4.1 4.4 - -

2008 Reach Bpa in 2009 3.85 4.58 3.3 4.3 - -

2009 F at Fpa < 4.43 4.39 4.8 3.6 - -

2010 F at Fstatus quo < 4.9 4.83 4.7 4.0 2011 See scenarios - 4.25 4.6 4.6 2012 MSY transition 4.0 4.25 4.2f 4.3f 2013 MSY transition 3.5 4.1 4.5 4.2 2014 MSY transition 3.270 3.8 2015 MSY approach 2.407 Weights in thousand tonnes. a Not reported for all countries. b Landings assuming current discarding practice. c Discards revised in 1998. d Preliminary. TAC in 2001 increased from 5.8 to 6.3 in November. e Single-stock boundaries and the exploitation of this stock should be conducted in the context of mixed fisheries. f A carry-over of 10% for the French quota was decided.

238 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.21.2 Sole in Divisions VIIIa, b. Landings by country (tonnes).

2 Official landings ICES Discards ICES

1 Year Belgium France Netherlands Spain Others Total landings catches 1979 0 2376 62* 2443 2619 - - 1980 33* 2549 107* 2689 2986 - - 1981 4* 2581* 13* 96* 2694 2936 - - 1982 19* 1618* 52* 57* 1746 3813 - - 1983 9* 2590 32* 38* 2669 3628 - - 1984 na 2968 175* 40* 3183 4038 99 4137 1985 25* 3424 169* 308* 3925 4251 64 4315 1986 52* 4228 213* 75* 4567 4805 27 4832 1987 124* 4009 145* 101* 4379 5086 198 5284 1988 135* 4308 0 4443 5382 254 5636 1989 311* 5471 0 5782 5845 356 6201 1990 301* 5231 0 5532 5916 303 6219 1991 389* 4315 3 4707 5569 198 5767 1992 440* 5928 0 6359 6550 123 6673 1993 400* 6096 13 6496 6420 104 6524 1994 466* 6627 2*** 7095 7229 184 7413 1995 546* 5326 0 5872 6205 130 6335 1996 460* 3842 0 4302 5854 142 5996 1997 435* 4526 0 4961 6259 118 6377 1998 469* 3821 44 0 4334 6027 127 6154 1999 504 3280 0 3784 5249 110 5359 2000 451 5293 5*** 5749 5760 51 5811 2001 361 4350 201 0 4912 4836 39 4875 2002 303 3680 2*** 3985 5486 21 5507 2003 296 3805 4*** 4105 4108 20 4128 2004 324 3739 9*** 4072 4002 - - 2005 358 4003 10 4371 4539 - - 2006 393 4030 9 4432 4793 - - 2007 401 3707 9 4117 4363 - - 2008 305 3018 11 2* 3336 4299 - - 2009 364 4391 4755 3650 - - 2010 451 4248 4699 3966 - - 2011 386 4259 4645 4632 - - 2012 385 3819 4204 4321 - - 2013 312 4181 4492 4234** - - 1 Including reported in Subarea VIII or Divisions VIIIc,d. 2 Discards = partial estimates for the French offshore trawlers fleet. * Reported in Subarea VIII. ** Preliminary. *** Reported as Solea spp. (Solea lascaris and Solea solea in Subarea VIII.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 239 Table 7.3.21.3 Sole in Divisions VIIIa,b. Summary of the assessment.

Year Recruitment SSB Landings Mean F Age 2 Ages 3–6 thousands tonnes 1984 24168 12323 4038 0.312 1985 29535 13370 4251 0.307 1986 28365 14485 4805 0.365 1987 24939 15489 5086 0.37 1988 26755 15372 5382 0.399 1989 28190 14481 5845 0.495 1990 32127 14844 5916 0.452 1991 35773 14822 5569 0.418 1992 35365 16007 6550 0.605 1993 24922 16410 6420 0.523 1994 26261 15891 7229 0.644 1995 23631 14288 6205 0.572 1996 29458 13872 5854 0.541 1997 23726 13377 6259 0.606 1998 22585 13303 6027 0.536 1999 24431 12397 5249 0.62 2000 24972 11915 5760 0.623 2001 16933 10629 4836 0.568 2002 24951 9823 5486 0.826 2003 24532 9671 4108 0.482 2004 17143 11244 4002 0.366 2005 18421 11611 4539 0.457 2006 19003 12317 4793 0.431 2007 18197 11529 4363 0.441 2008 18971 11544 4299 0.47 2009 36376 11558 3650 0.434 2010 22598 13781 3966 0.381 2011 22091 15919 4632 0.365 2012 11120 15340 4321 0.424 2013 10678 13709 4234 0.469 2014 22699* 12752 Average 24159 13357 5122 0.483 * GM (1993–2011).

240 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Annex 7.3.21 Extract from multiannual plan for Bay of Biscay sole in Divisions VIIIa and VIIIb: Council Regulation (EC) No. 388/2006

Article 2 Objective of the management plan

1. The plan shall aim to bring the Spawning–Stock Biomass of Bay of Biscay sole above the precautionary level of 13 000 tonnes in 2008 or before and, thereafter, to ensure its sustainable exploitation. 2. This objective shall be attained by gradually reducing the fishing mortality rate on the stock.

Article 3 Legislative measures and annual TAC setting

1. Once the Spawning–Stock Biomass is evaluated by ICES to be equal to or above the precautionary level of 13 000 tonnes, the Council shall decide by qualified majority, on the basis of a Commission proposal, on: (a) a long-term target fishing mortality rate; and (b) a rate of reduction in the fishing mortality rate for application until the target fishing mortality rate decided under (a) has been reached. 2. Each year the Council shall decide by qualified majority, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, on a TAC for the following year for Bay of Biscay sole.

Article 4 Procedure for setting the TAC

1. Where the Spawning–Stock Biomass of Bay of Biscay sole has been estimated by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), in the light of the most recent report from ICES, to be below 13 000 tonnes, the Council shall decide on a TAC which, according to the STECF estimation, shall not exceed a level of catches which will result in a 10 % reduction in fishing mortality rate in its year of application compared to the fishing mortality rate estimated for the preceding year. 2. Where the Spawning–Stock Biomass of Bay of Biscay sole has been estimated by the STECF, in the light of the most recent report from ICES, to be equal to or above 13 000 tonnes, the Council shall decide on a TAC which shall be set at a level of catches which, according to the STECF estimation, is the higher of: (a) that TAC whose application conforms with the reduction in fishing mortality rate that has been decided on by the Council in accordance with Article 3(1)(b); (b) that TAC whose application will result in the target fishing mortality rate that has been decided on by the Council in accordance with Article 3(1)(a). 3. Where application of paragraph 1 or 2 of this Article would result in a TAC which exceeds the TAC of the preceding year by more than 15 %, the Council shall adopt a TAC which is 15 % greater than the TAC of that year. 4. Where application of paragraph 1 or 2 would result in a TAC which is more than 15 % less than the TAC of the preceding year, the Council shall adopt a TAC which is 15 % less than the TAC of that year.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 241 7.3.22 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Sole in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

New data (landings) available for this stock do not change the perception of the stock; therefore, the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 is valid for 2015. The advice for 2013 and for 2014 was (see ICES, 2012): Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three year average. Due to the uncertainty in the landings data, ICES is not able to quantify the resulting catch.

The advice for 2015 is the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 (although its value cannot be quantified), not that a further 20% reduction in catch be implemented.

Quality considerations

Assessment data arrived after the ICES data call deadline, thus reducing time to review and audit the assessment results. Although the data were used, the delay may reduce ICES quality assurance.

There is strong evidence of species misidentification in the landings statistics regarding sole species in this area: Solea solea, Solea senegalensis, and Pegusa lascaris. The Spanish reported landings are already corrected to correspond only to Solea solea.

Existing trawl surveys in this area are not dedicated to catch the sole species. A dedicated survey is needed to monitor these species. Specific data on life-history parameters and length composition are only available for part of Division IXa and should be collected for other areas.

Discards are only quantified for part of the fisheries; in Division IXa discards are considered negligible.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Official landings. Discards and bycatch Discards are known to take place but cannot be quantified. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group on Assessment of New MoU Species (WGNEW); Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

Sources

ICES. 2012. Sole in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.4.15. ICES Advice, 2012, Book 7: 165–169. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group on Assessment of New MoU Species (WGNEW), 24–28 April 2014, Copenhagen, Denmark, ICES CM 2014/ ACOM:21.

242 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.22.1 Sole in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, and official landings.

Year ICES Advice Predicted EU TAC a Official Official Official Official catch landings landings landings landings b corresp. to S. solea P. lascaris Solea spp. Total advice 2000 - 2000 159 117 741 1017 2001 - 2000 189 142 653 984 2002 - 2000 115 98 508 721 2003 - 1600 116 99 670 884 2004 - 1520 171 120 668 960 2005 - 1216 520 139 446 1105 2006 - - 467 89 203 759 2007 - 1216 380 55 180 615 c 2008 - 1216 454 80 211 745 c 2009 - 1216 450 138 199 787 c 2010 - 1094 581 161 283 1125 c 2011 - 1072 644 173 86 1003 c 2012 No increase in catch - 1072 589 104 39 732 c 2013 20% reduction in - 1072 687 152 34 873 c catches 2014 Same catch value - 1072 advised for 2013 2015 Same catch value - advised for 2013 Weights in tonnes. Landings statistics for the last year are preliminary. a For Divisions VIIIc, VIIId, and VIIIe, and Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. b For Solea spp. (S. solea, S. senegalensis, and P. lascaris). c Spanish and Portuguese data included for Division VIIIc and IXa.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 243 7.3.23 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK Whiting in Subarea VIII and Division IXa (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

New data (landings) available for this stock do not change the perception of the stock; therefore, the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 is valid for 2015. The advice for 2013 and for 2014 was (see ICES, 2012): Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that catches should decrease by 20% in relation to the last three years average. Due to the uncertainty in the landings data, ICES is not able to quantify the resulting catch.

The advice for 2015 is the same catch advised for 2013 and for 2014 (although its value cannot be quantified), not that a further 20% reduction in catch be implemented.

Quality considerations

Fishery statistics are currently being compiled. At present, only official landings are available, which are considered to be preliminary for the purpose of stock assessment. There are concerns about the reliability of the 2008–2009 French data. Landings statistics need to be quality assured and confirmed for the region. Associated effort should be compiled. Survey information is available and could provide information on recruitment.

The stock unit definition of whiting in this area is not clear and further work is required.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Official landings statistics. Discards and bycatch Not included and considered to be negligible. Indicators None. Other information None. Working group Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

Sources

ICES. 2012. Whiting in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2012, Section 7.4.18. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7: 181–186. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

244 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.23.1 Whiting in Subarea VIII and Division IXa. ICES advice, management, and official landings.

Predicted catch TAC TAC Official Year ICES Advice corresp. to in VIII in IX a landings advice 2000 7.000 2.640 1.449 2001 - 5.600 2.100 2.281 2002 - 5.600 1.700 2.203 2003 - 5.600 1.360 2.452 2004 - 4.500 1.020 2.291 2005 - 3.600 0.816 2.083 2006 - 3.600 0.653 1.842 2007 - 3.600 0.653 2.013 2008 - 3.600 0.653 1.060 2009 - 3.600 0.653 1.473 2010 - 3.240 0.588 2.452 2011 - 3.175 0.588 2.243 2012 No increase in catch - 3.175 0.588 1.995 2013 20% reduction in catches - 3.175 c 2.028 b 2014 Same catch value advised for 2013 - 2015 Same catch value advised for 2013 - Weights in thousand tonnes. a In Subareas IX and X; EU waters of CECAF 34.1.1. b Preliminary. c TAC to be established by Member State article 6º of Council Regulation (EC) No. 43/2014 of 20 January 2014.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 245 7.3.25 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters STOCK European sea bass in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay)

Advice for 2015

There are no new data available that change the perception of the stock; therefore, the advice for this fishery in 2015 is the same as the advice for 2014. The advice for 2014 was (see ICES, 2013): Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that commercial catches should be no more than 1890 tonnes. Discards are considered as negligible, therefore, all catches are assumed to be landed. ICES recommends that implementation of 'input' controls should be promoted.

Quality considerations

Recreational fisheries are likely to contribute substantially to fishery removals in some areas. Time-series of catches, releases, and size/age composition are needed from this component of the fishery to improve the assessment and advice.

Stock structure remains poorly known and further studies (including tagging, genetics, or other types of markers) are needed.

Historical sampling of the commercial catches is of variable quality and data sampling should cover all fleets involved in this fishery. Time-series of relative abundance indices are needed for both the adult and prerecruit components of the stock.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type Landings-based. Input data Commercial catches (international landings). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information Benchmarked in IBPNEW 2012 (ICES, 2012). Working group report Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Inter-Benchmark Protocol on New Species (Turbot and Sea bass; IBPNew 2012), 1–5 October 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:45. 239 pp. ICES. 2013. European sea bass in Divisions VIIIa,b (Bay of Biscay). In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2013, Section 7.4.25. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2 ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

246 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.25.1 European sea bass in Divisions VIIIa,b. ICES advice, management, official and ICES landings. Advice prior to 2014 was given for sea bass in the Northeast Atlantic.

Agreed Predicted catch ICES Year ICES Advice TAC Official landings c corresp. to advice landings

2000a - - none 2147 2362 2001a - - none 2091 2309 2002a No increase in effort or F - none 2113 2392 2003a No increase in effort or F - none 2931 2616 2004a No increase in effort or F - none 2657 2380 2005a - - none 3258 2796 2006a - - none 3488 2877 2007a - - none 3060 2769 2008a - - none 1653 2745 2009a - - none 2534 2279 2010a - - none 2489 2231 2011a - - none 2607 2576 2012a No increase in catch - none 2330 b 2551 b 2013a 20% reduction in catches < 6.0 none 2532 (last 3-year average) 2014 20% reduction in catches < 1890 (last 3-year average) d 2015 Same advice as last year d < 1890 Weights in tonnes. a The advice for 2014 is the first time that ICES has provided specific advice for sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Prior to the 2014 advice, ICES advice was provided for European sea bass in the Northeast Atlantic. b Preliminary. c Official landings were extracted from the ICES Official Statistics webpage for BSS and Divisions VIIIa+VIIIb. The difference between Official and ICES landings values are mainly due to the French landing data that come from a separate analysis of logbooks, auctions, and VMS data from 2000 onwards. From 2011 onwards, data from this method are reported as official landings. d Advice for sea bass in Divisions VIIIa,b.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 247 7.3.26 Advice June 2014

ECOREGION Widely distributed and migratory stocks STOCK European sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters)

Advice for 2015

There are no new data available that change the perception of the stock. Therefore, the advice for this fishery in 2015 is the same as the advice for 2014 (see ICES, 2013): Based on ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that commercial catches should be no more than 598 t. All commercial catches are assumed to be landed. Recreational catches cannot be quantified; therefore, total catches cannot be calculated.

Quality considerations

Recreational fisheries are likely to contribute substantially to fishery removals in some areas. Time-series of catches, releases, and size/age composition are needed from this component of the fishery to improve the assessment and advice.

Stock structure is poorly understood and further studies (including tagging, genetics, or other types of markers) are needed.

Historical sampling of the commercial catches is of variable quality and data sampling should cover all fleets involved in this fishery. Time-series of relative abundance indices are needed for both the adult and prerecruit components of the stock.

The advice is based on a precautionary reduction of catches because of missing or non-representative data. The methods applied to derive quantitative advice for data-limited stocks are expected to evolve as they are further developed and validated.

Scientific basis Stock data category 5.2.0 (ICES, 2014a). Assessment type No assessment. Input data Commercial catches (international landings). Discards and bycatch Not included, considered negligible. Indicators None. Other information This stock was benchmarked in IBPNew 2012 (ICES, 2012). Working group report Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE).

Sources

ICES. 2012. Report of the Inter-Benchmark Protocol on New Species (Turbot and Sea bass; IBPNEW 2012), 1–5 October 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark. ICES CM 2012/ACOM:45. 239 pp. ICES. 2013. European sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa (Atlantic Iberian waters). In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2013. ICES Advice 2012, Book 7, Section 7.4.26. ICES. 2014a. Advice basis. In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2014. ICES Advice 2014, Book 1, Section 1.2. ICES. 2014b. Report of the Working Group for the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Waters Ecoregion (WGBIE), 7–13 May 2014, Lisbon, Portugal. ICES CM 2014/ACOM:11. 714 pp.

248 ICES Advice 2014, Book 7

Table 7.3.26.1 European sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. ICES advice, management, official and ICES landings. Advice prior to 2014 was given for sea bass in the Northeast Atlantic.

Predicted catch Agreed ICES Year ICES Advice a Official landings c corresp. to advice TAC landings 2000 - - none 380 775 2001 - - none 277 635 2002 No increase in effort or F - none 172 518 2003 No increase in effort or F - none 161 466 2004 No increase in effort or F - none 362 676 2005 - - none 453 753 2006 - - none 731 905 2007 - - none 888 910 2008 - - none 655 614 2009 - - none 634 652 2010 - - none 777 814 2011 - - none 759 777 2012 No increase in catch - none 273 b 701 b 2013 20% reduction in catches (last 3-year average) < 6 000 none 1046 1046 2014 20% reduction in catches (last 3-year average) d < 598 2015 Same advice as last year < 598 Weights in tonnes. a 2014 is the first time that ICES provides specific advice for sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa. Prior to the 2014 advice, ICES advice was provided for European sea bass in the Northeast Atlantic. b Preliminary. c Official landings were extracted from the ICES Official Statistics webpage for BSS and Divisions VIIIc and IXa. The difference between ICES statistics and the official statistics are mainly due to the fact that prior to 2006 most of the sea bass catches in the Portuguese statistics were registered under the code BSE, i.e. (Dicentrarchus spp.). After the DCF implementation there was a progressive increase in the correct identification of species in the official statistics (BSS increase, BSE decrease) that consider Dicentrarchus spp. landings minus 2.3% of Dicentrarchus punctatus based on DCF market and on-board sampling between 2008 and 2012. d Advice for sea bass in Divisions VIIIc and IXa.

ICES Advice 2014, Book 7 249