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Advice on marine fisheries

Our scientists are recognised experts in fisheries management, helping to inform the management and control of fish stocks in the UK and beyond.

Our teams assess fisheries, and provide biological and survey evidence and data. They monitor the movements and behaviour of fish stocks. This research and evidence provides a reliable basis for the EU's Fisheries Council, which is responsible for making decisions about economically viable and sustainable fisheries within Europe.

Various management options are provided by the Advisory Committee of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), an independent scientific body. Cefas scientists fill many senior roles within ICES, and are acting at the highest level internationally.

For the main North Sea fish stocks, options also take account of management agreements between the EU and Norway.

Stock assessments

Our teams use stock assessments in the development of fisheries management plans, and to monitor the results of fisheries policies. Many fish stocks are shared by more than one regulator, and this can pose management challenges of international concern.

Cefas is experienced in dealing with the full range of regional and international fisheries management issues, including shared, straddling and migratory stocks and the development and operation of regional fisheries management bodies.

Stock status

In recent years, some seriously depleted stocks have become the subject of emergency measures and recovery plan proposals.

We advise on single and multi-species stock status. We design, implement, analyse and advise on the following for national and international clients:

  • the evaluation of appropriate survey and sampling techniques, and their frequency
  • acoustic surveys
  • egg-production assessments using plankton survey results
  • biological, market and commercial fleet sampling
  • stock recruitment assessment
  • training in the application of stock-assessment methodologies
  • training in the formulation of management advice.

Please contact us if you would like to know more about how we can help you.

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Last Modified: 24 June 2011