Search

Vinther, M., and Eero, M. 2013. Quantifying relative fishing impact on fish populations based on spatio-temporal overlap of fishing effort and stock density. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 618–627.Evaluations of the effects of management measures on fish populations are usually based on the analyses of population dynamics and estimates of fishing mortality from stock assessments. However, this approach may not be applicable in all cases, in particular for data-limited stocks, which may suffer from uncertain catch information and consequently lack reliable estimates of fishing mortality. In this study we develop an approach to obtain proxies for changes in fishing mortality based on effort information and predicted stock distribution. Cod in the Kattegat is used as an example. We use GAM analyses to predict local cod densities and combine this with spatio-temporal data of fishing effort based on VMS (Vessel Monitoring System). To quantify local fishing impact on the stock, retention probability of the gears is taken into account. The results indicate a substantial decline in the impact of the Danish demersal trawl fleet on cod in the Kattegat in recent years, due to a combination of closed areas, introduction of selective gears and changes in overall effort. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The performance of the EU long-term management plan for cod stocks, in force since 2009, is analysed focusing on the human and institutional factors. The plan operates through landings quotas (TACs) and effort restrictions following a Harvest Control Rule, and deploys a novel instrument allowing Member States to ‘buy back’ or increase fishing effort for fleet segments engaged in cod-avoidance measures. The stipulated fishing mortality reductions have not been achieved. On the positive side, the ‘buy-back’ instrument has led to increased uptake of selective gear and implementation of permanent and real-time temporary closures. On the negative side, ignoring the dimension of fishers as reactive agents in the design, the impact assessment, and the annual implementation of the measures has contributed to the failure to adequately implement the plan and achieve its objectives. The main problem is that the landings quotas taken in a mixed fishery did not limit catches because fishers were incentivised to continue fishing and discard overquota catch while quota for other species was available. The effort limitations intended to reduce this effect were insufficient to adequately limit fishing mortality in targeted fisheries, although fishers experienced them as prohibiting the full uptake of other quotas. Recommendations for future plans include (i) management through catch rather than landings quotas, (ii) the internalisation of the costs of exceeding quotas, (iii) use of more selective gear types, (iv) the development of appropriate metrics as a basis for regulatory measures and for evaluations, (v) participatory governance, (vi) fishery-based management, (vii) flexibility in fishing strategy at vessel level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Eastern Baltic cod stock was until recently below safe biological limits and suffered from high fishing pressure. In most recent years, fishing mortality substantially declined and spawner biomass more than tripled. Similar developments have not been observed for any other depleted cod stock in the North Atlantic during the last few decades. This paper investigates relative impacts of changes in different ecological and management-related drivers, which could have contributed to the rapid recovery of the Eastern Baltic cod. The results show that the success to reduce fishing mortality below management target in 2008 was due to a combination of increased recruitment and improved compliance with TAC. The reversal of the negative trend in biomass and rebuilding of the stock to the present level were largely driven by increased recruitment. Harvest control rules of the multi-annual management plan for setting TACs currently maintain the fishing mortality at a low level, which allows the stock to accumulate biomass and further accelerate its recovery. Relatively strong incoming year-classes and recently better control over removals distinguish the Eastern Baltic cod from other depleted European cod stocks, which have not shown similar positive trends in recent years. Sound management measures and compliance to those as well as favourable biological conditions are required for a successful stock recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ad hoc multispecies tuning is a method for estimation of terminal fishing mortalities in multispecies virtual population analysis (VPA) using the existing single-species tuning packages. The method works by an iterative exchange of natural mortalities and terminal fishing mortalities between multispecies VPA and single species tuning modules, until equilibrium is obtained. Multispecies tuned assessment is compared with single species assessments using constant at-age natural mortality for the Baltic and the North Sea fish stocks. Correlation between estimated stock size and survey abundance indices is similar for tuned multi- or single species assessment. The tuned multispecies assessment gives, however, higher correlation coefficients for the North Sea whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and the Baltic Sea sprat (Sprattus sprattus), whilst the traditional single species assessment performed better for North Sea haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and herring (Clupea harengus). Tuned multispecies assessment performs best when there is a clear temporal trend in the estimated natural mortality whereas the correlation between estimated stock size and survey indices was not improved for species with highly variable natural mortalities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]