Conservation of fishery resources: stock of cod in the Irish Sea ICES VIIa, measures for 2002

PURPOSE : to establish measures for 2002 relating to the recovery of cod stock in the Irish Sea. CONTENT : Scientific advice provided in 1999 by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea indicated that the quantity of mature cod then present in the Irish Sea was at an historically low level. Subsequent advice stated that this quantity has further decreased in 2000 and 2001. This gives rise to concern that the cod stock may be in such a condition that it cannot easily recover. Steps have already been taken to protect mature cod during the spawning season of 2000 and 2001 to allow them to produce as many eggs as possible. Similar conditions need to be established for the spawning season of 2002, pending consideration by Council of proposals for a multi-annual recovery programme for cod and hake stocks that is intended to replace those measures. As Council decisions on the recovery programme are unlikely before mid-2002, it is necessary to renew the current measures for a further year.�