According to the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, advice for next year’s quota for cod, haddock and whiting in the North Sea is for an increase.
The quota advice comes from ICES, to which the Norwegian IMR is a key contributor.
‘It has been a while since we have had seen ‘our’ demersal stocks in such a good state in the North Sea,’ commented researcher Geir Huse.
The cod stock is reported to be in a relatively good state, with advice for a 60,000 tonne quota, an increase of almost 26% over last year. The recommendation for whiting is 27,000 tonnes, up 16% compared to this year
Haddock is reported to be in good condition, but has suffered from poor recruitment in recent years. The recommendation is for a 40,000 tonnes quota, a 29% lift.
There is some uncertainty over saithe recruitment, and the recommendation is for a 118,000 tonne quota, down 11% compared to this year, while the plaice advice is for 134,000 tonnes, a 15% reduction, although the stock is judged to be in a healthy state.
