UK: Inshore cod stocks are strong in Shetland waters

Inshore cod stocks strong in Shetland waters. Survey catches of cod in the inshore waters around Shetland last year were at their best for five years. And the record squid catch rate observed in inshore waters in 2022 was surpassed, said scientists from UHI Shetland. The results come from the 2023 Shetland Inshore Fish Survey (SIFS), an independent survey of commercial species. The purpose of the survey, which has been carried out annually since 2011 using the 12m Atlantia II (LK 502), UHI Shetland’s own research vessel, is to provide independent information on the distribution, relative abundance and population structure of fish species in local waters. It is an important signal of the future health of key stocks. Haddock was the main component of the survey catches, which are carried out in 52 pre-defined locations within 12 nautical miles of Shetland including in 25 areas of shallow water that are assessed as potential nursery grounds. But cod was at its highest level since ...