Stock assessment and international mackerel fishing in the North-East Atlantic: history and modernity

Abstract

In the historical aspect, the estimates of the state of the North-East Atlantic mackerel stock made at ICES in 1980–2020 are considered. The dynamics of input data for setting up models and biological reference points used in assessments in different years is analyzed. Some aspects of the international mackerel fishery are briefly presented and trends in the management of the exploitation of its stock are studied. On the basis of long-term data, the consequences of the ICES recommendations for the historical development of the international Atlantic mackerel fishery are estimated. It is shown that the significant change in trends in the dynamics of spawning stock and commercial mortality of mackerel observed in the second decade of the XXI century reflects changes in the settings of the models used and indicates the instability of estimates of mackerel stock. It is noted that only compliance with the established rules of stock operation and target biological guidelines will prevent the decline of the spawning stock of mackerel to a level below the safe biological boundaries and minimize the risk of its collapse. The necessity of strict regulation of fishing within the framework of ICES and NEAFC with the application of the principles of the “precautionary” approach and scientific research data is shown.