Black bellied anglerfish in the Celtic Seas and Bay of Biscay is not overfished and not subject to overfishing.
Reference points for black bellied anglerfish were established in 2022 for this Celtic Seas and Bay of Biscay stock.
The spawning stock biomass (SSB) in this area has increased overall from a low of around 13,167 tonnes in 2003 to 49028t in 2022 - well above target levels (MSY BTrigger = 16,776t). Therefore, the stock is not in an overfished state. Recruitment has averaged 222.7 million between 2013-2022, which is considerably higher than the low of 35.3million in 2002. Assumed recruitment in 2021 and 2022 is relatively low at 146.6 and 146.8 million respectively.
Fishing mortality (F) has been generally declining since 2013 from 0.181 to 0.106 in 2021. This is below levels associated with Maximum Sustainable Yield (FMSY = of 0.163). The stock is therefore not subject to overfishing.
ICES advises that when the MSY approach is applied, catches in 2023 should be no more than 23,958 tonnes. The advice is 28% higher for 2023 because the advice is now based on the MSY approach using a category 1 assessment method and forecast after being benchmarked in 2022.
