Potential collapse of North Sea cod stocks
Cook, R.M.; Sinclair, A.; Stefánsson, G. (1997). Potential collapse of North Sea cod stocks. Nature (Lond.) 385: 521-522
In: Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science. Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 0028-0836; e-ISSN 1476-4687, more
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| Keywords |
Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Fish > Marine fish
Conservation
Depletion
Overexploitation
Protection
Stocks
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Cook, R.M.
- Sinclair, A.
- Stefánsson, G.
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| Abstract |
In common with many fish stocks in the North Sea, cod are heavily exploited with as much as 60% of the fishable stock being removed annually. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which advises fishery managers on the state of fish stocks in the northeast Atlantic, has recommended that exploitation rates be reduced considerably and immediately, in order to prevent further stock decline. We examine the most recent ICES assessment of the North Sea cod stock1 to see if the present exploitation regimen is sustainable. Our analysis suggests that not only is the present exploitation rate unsustainable, but that even regimens close to the maximum sustainable yield may be potentially prone to risk There is a need for swift and effective action to protect the stock and avoid the problems of the much publicized collapse of cod stocks off the coast of Atlantic Canada. |
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