Russia: ICES proposes cutting hake catch by 28 percent

By 2025, ICES recommends a significant reduction in the total allowable catch (TAC) of northern hake stocks. The new guidelines propose limiting catch to a maximum of 52,466 tonnes, representing a 28% reduction from the 2024 regulation, which was set at 72,839 tonnes. The decline in TAC is mainly due to the observed decline in the northern hake population. According to ICES, population numbers are trending downward, requiring a cautious approach to ensure sustainable fishing practices. In addition, estimates and near-term forecasts were revised downward from the prior year. Northern hake stocks covering subzones 4, 6 and 7 and areas 3.a, 8.ab and 8.d (Great North Sea, Celtic Seas and northern Bay of Vizcaya) continue to exceed critical biomass thresholds. ICES reports that fishing pressure on this stock is currently below maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and spawner biomass (SSB) exceeds all key biological control points, ...