Project UK Fisheries Improvement Action Plan

Transcription

1 Table 1: Plan overview Fishery name: North Sea Lemon Sole Start date: 01/01/2017 Fishery location: ICES Subarea 4 (North Sea) and Subdivision 3.a.20 (Skagerrak). Project leaders (organisation responsible for Plan): Project UK Fisheries Improvement (PUKFI) Overview of the Plan: Fishing methods: Seine Demersal trawl Beam trawl End date (anticipated): 31/12/2020 (4 years) Improvements recommended by: Poseidon P1: Lemon sole is currently managed under a precautionary combined TAC for lemon sole and witch. ICES states that "Management of lemon sole and witch under a combined species TAC prevents effective control of the single-species exploitation rates and could potentially lead to overexploitation of either species". s are required to assess the stock to derive reference points, then to use this as the basis for a single species TAC set in line with MSY. P2: The priority action (i.e. to address those PIs not currently meeting 60) is on the of secondary species. A review of alternative measures to reduce unwanted catch of secondary species should be carried out. This should include any out of scope species, such as incidental bird by-catch. The proposed review should also define the catch composition for a range of gears as separate UoAs and highlight those without secondary main species. Separation of demersal trawl into TR1 and TR2 gear is expected to show that TR1 gear may could progress to assessment, while further actions are necessary for TR2 gear to address of Nephrops and monkfish as main secondary species. s are required under P2 to develop an ETP strategy which will improve information, and help to inform status of ETP species interacting with the fishery. The more specific requirements under version 2.0 of the standard in relation to habitat, makes it more of a challenge for mobile bottom gears to achieve the standard. A habitat strategy is needed to (i) quantify the impact of gears on commonly encountered and VME habitats; (ii) manage the impact, taking steps to reduce potential impacts. P3: There is a lack of fishery-specific for North Sea lemon sole. A Long-Term Management Plan that includes lemon sole would address the issues highlighted in the pre-assessment (lack of objectives, decision-making processes and evaluation). If lemon sole is not included in the North Sea mixed fishery plan for demersal stocks (being developed at EU level), amendment or a separate specific plan is required to ensure PIs are met. 1

2 Table 2: Plan details Standard requirement s Resources required lead partners Stakeholders Timescale / milestones Stock Status It is highly likely that the stock is above the PRI. The stock is at or fluctuating around a level consistent with MSY Assessment of stock status - The assessment is appropriate for the stock and for the harvest control rule. - The assessment estimates stock status relative to reference points that are appropriate to the stock and can be estimated. - The assessment takes uncertainty into account. - The assessment of stock status is subject to peer review. Lemon Sole Stock Assessment Review Explore current status & European interest via the A.C. Review current information levels to determine requirements for stock assessment Undertake a stock assessment to establish reference points. This action can then inform on stock status and on assessment of stock status. In the absence of a stock assessment with reference points the RBF is used and a high risk score is likely leading to a fail. Use of RBF gives a default 80 for Fisheries scientists to undertake the review and (if possible with current information) estimation of reference points (MSY proxies). SFSAG Icelandic Seachill MSC to develop funding application Cefas to undertake the assessment review subject to funding Seafish (to feed into RASS) ICES Working Group on Multispecies Assessment Methods (WGSAM) NSAC members Overall timescale: 1 year* Yr1: six months Report on AC discussions (incl. Dutch and Danish) Complete assessment review Yr1: Undertake assessment to determine reference points *Assumes existing information is sufficient to enable assessment 2

3 Standard requirement s Resources required lead partners Stakeholders Timescale / milestones Harvest Strategy The harvest strategy is responsive to the state of the stock and the elements of the harvest strategy work together towards achieving stock objectives reflected in PI SG80. The harvest strategy may not have been fully tested but evidence exists that it is achieving its objectives. Change to a lemon sole TAC if necessary For harvest strategy and HCRs to be sufficiently responsive to the state of the stock, a single species TAC is required. Paper detailing the requirements and road map for a single species TAC for lemon sole. Fisheries science and expertise to produce the position paper and road map. SFSAG & Icelandic Seachill (as members of both steering group and NSAC) Cefas to peer review. Lowestoft PO MSC to introduce leads to Danish contact NSAC members ICES working groups Overall timescale: 4 years Yr1: Background paper that advises the appropriateness of. YR2: agreement on changes to the TAC arrangements if necessary. YR3: Lemon sole advice provided by ICES YR4: implementation of single species TAC (as part of well-defined HCR and tools) Harvest Control Rules and tools Well-defined harvest control rules are in place that are consistent with the harvest strategy and ensure that the exploitation rate is reduced as limit 3

4 Standard requirement s Resources required lead partners Stakeholders Timescale / milestones reference points are approached Secondary species outcomes Main secondary species are highly likely to be above biologically based limits OR If below biologically based limits, there is either evidence of recovery or a demonstrably effective partial strategy in place such that the UoA does not hinder recovery and rebuilding. AND Where catches of a main secondary species outside of biological limits are considerable, there is either evidence of recovery or a, demonstrably effective strategy in place between those Catch composition Review. 4. Refine UoA catch composition (TR1/TR2 split may enable TR1 to progress, Angler species split may reduce % below main) 5. explore Nephrops status (P2 stocks required to be above Blim) 6. Assess Nephrops FU status in relation to requirements Data analysis and interpretation. Output expected to: define UoAs for fast track Clarify Nephro ps status per FU and likely assess ment route (RBF?) Provide justifica tion for assess ment or further actions needed. SFSAG (on behalf of steering group) data request MSC responsible for exploring funding - complete MMO data provider MSC interpretation of standard NSAC members Overall timescale 6 months Yr1: Delivery of review report. Yr2: Determine recommendation and next steps based on Yr 1 outputs 4

5 Standard requirement s Resources required lead partners Stakeholders Timescale / milestones MSC UoAs that have considerable catches of the species, to ensure that they collectively do not hinder recovery and rebuilding. [Same action for NS plaice] scoring issue (e) There is a regular review of the potential effectiveness and practicality of alternative measures to minimise UoArelated mortality of unwanted catch of main secondary species and they are implemented as appropriate. Review of alternative measures for by-catch Review catch composition data to identify unwanted catch. To include noncommercial, undersized and out of scope species. Review measures to minimise such catch. Fisheries expertise to undertake the review and identify potential mitigation measures Youngs (DP) WWF Icelandic Seachill Seafish to undertake peer review. Steering group members NFFO Yr1: Review report delivered. a. Paper on existing initiatives b. Detail on measures Yr 2: Incorporate outputs of 3 if required Yr 2 onwards: [Same action for NS plaice] Implementation of measures where necessary , 2.3.2, ETP Strategy Fisheries / WWF SFSAG to JNCC Overall timescale: 3 5

6 Standard requirement s Resources required lead partners Stakeholders Timescale / milestones ETP species outcome, and information. [Same action for NS plaice] An ETP strategy should be developed that: a. identifies ETP species interacting with each UoA b. Manages and minimizes impact by the fishery c. Ensures sufficient information is collected to inform. nature conservation expertise to develop the ETP strategy. Expected focus is on skates & rays. Data collection programme involving UoA vessels provide advice on current info and provisions NFFO MMO years Yr 1: Strategy developed Yr 2: Data collection programme undertaken Yr 3: Analysis of data collection and review of strategy , 2.4.2, Habitat outcome, and information [Same action for NS plaice] Habitat Assessment To provide a quantitative assessment of the scale of overlap, the level of impact and the rate of recovery. In relation to commonly encountered habitats and VMEs. Results will indicate if a habitat strategy is necessary. The outcomes are dependent on the beam trawl industry wanting to move forward. Fisheries / nature conservation expertise to undertake the habitat assessment. If required: Fisheries / nature conservation expertise to develop habitat strategy. Data collection Sainsburys (AD) With input from MSC to develop funding proposal Cefas Fisheries administrations WWF MMO JNCC NFFO Overall timescale: Assessment: 6 months Strategy (if needed): 3 years Yr 1: Assessment undertaken Yr 2: Habitat strategy developed (if necessary) Data collection programme undertaken Yr 3: Analysis of data 6

7 Standard requirement s Resources required lead partners Stakeholders Timescale / milestones programme collection and review of strategy , 3.2.2, fishery-specific Management Plan for lemon sole This may be a specific plan or a joint plan that includes lemon sole within a North Sea mixed fishery plan 1. Check progress on mixed fishery plan & extent to which lemons included. See proposal for a Regulation (COM 2016/493) 2. Depending on outcome either a. ensure inclusion of lemons in mixed plan or b. develop plan for lemons with key fishing nations Fisheries science and expertise to progress fisheriesspecific plans. Build on GAP2 outputs & NSAC mixedfish plan to establish North Sea LTMP Note: EU request for Fmsy values from ICES does not include lemon sole. SFSAG Icelandic Seachill Cefas Lowestoft PO (as members of both steering group and NSAC) WWF to find out when the next discussion on the NS MAP is NSAC Members ICES Working Group on Mixed Fisheries (WGMIXFISH) - with oups/ Pages/WGMIXFISH.aspx Overall timeline may be dependent on timescale for North Sea mixed fishery plan SG members with AC links to ask re. progress on mixed fishery plan. (if that plan includes lemon sole and so can be considered as fishery-specific ) If no inclusion of lemons, development of plan specific to lemons required with key fishing nations: UK Germany Netherlands Belgium France Denmark 7

8 Table 3: Evaluation against Plan milestones Standard requirement s Timescale / milestones Progress / outcome Revised milestone Stock Status It is highly likely that the stock is above the PRI. The stock is at or fluctuating around a level consistent with MSY Assessment of stock status - The assessment is appropriate for the stock and for the harvest control rule. - The assessment estimates stock status relative to reference points that are appropriate to the stock and can be estimated. - The assessment takes uncertainty into account. - The assessment of stock status is subject to peer review Harvest Strategy Lemon Sole Stock Assessment Review Explore current status & European interest via the A.C. Review current information levels to determine requirements for stock assessment Undertake a stock assessment to establish reference points. This action can then inform on stock status and on assessment of stock status. In the absence of a stock assessment with reference points the RBF is used and a high risk score is likely leading to a fail. Use of RBF gives a default 80 for Change to a lemon sole TAC For harvest strategy and HCRs to Overall timescale: 1 year* Yr1: six months Report on AC discussions (incl. Dutch and Danish) Complete assessment review Yr1: Undertake assessment to determine reference points *Assumes existing information is sufficient to enable assessment Overall timescale: 4 years 8

9 Standard requirement s Timescale / milestones Progress / outcome Revised milestone The harvest strategy is responsive to the state of the stock and the elements of the harvest strategy work together towards achieving stock objectives reflected in PI SG80. The harvest strategy may not have been fully tested but evidence exists that it is achieving its objectives Harvest Control Rules and tools Well-defined harvest control rules are in place that are consistent with the harvest strategy and ensure that the exploitation rate is reduced as limit reference points are approached. be sufficiently responsive to the state of the stock, a single species TAC is required. Paper detailing the requirements and road map for a single species TAC for lemon sole. YR1: JM to talk to MP about discussions with the AC to date. NE to talk to European commercial group that sits on AC. Ensure asking same question. Then talk to Dutch & Danish 3mnth: Leads to write up findings and report back to group.report on AC discussions then deliver position paper YR2: agreement on changes to the TAC arrangements. YR3: Lemon sole advice provided by ICES YR4: implementation of single species TAC (as part of well-defined HCR and tools) 9

10 Standard requirement s Timescale / milestones Progress / outcome Revised milestone Secondary species outcomes Main secondary species are highly likely to be above biologically based limits OR If below biologically based limits, there is either evidence of recovery or a demonstrably effective partial strategy in place such that the UoA does not hinder recovery and rebuilding. AND Where catches of a main secondary species outside of biological limits are considerable, there is either evidence of recovery or a, demonstrably effective strategy in place between those MSC UoAs that have considerable catches of the species, to ensure that they Catch composition Review. 4. Refine UoA catch composition (TR1/TR2 split may enable TR1 to progress, Angler species split may reduce % below main) 5. explore Nephrops status (P2 stocks required to be above Blim) 6. Assess Nephrops FU status in relation to requirements Overall timescale 6 months Yr1: Review report delivered. 10

11 Standard requirement s Timescale / milestones Progress / outcome Revised milestone collectively do not hinder recovery and rebuilding. [Same action for NS plaice] scoring issue (e) There is a regular review of the potential effectiveness and practicality of alternative measures to minimise UoA-related mortality of unwanted catch of main secondary species and they are implemented as appropriate. [Same action for NS plaice] , 2.3.2, ETP species outcome, and information. Review of alternative measures for by-catch Review catch composition data to identify unwanted catch. To include non-commercial, undersized and out of scope species. Review measures to minimise such catch. ETP Strategy An ETP strategy should be developed that: d. identifies ETP species interacting with each UoA e. Manages and minimizes Overall timescale: 6 months (follow action 2 review of catch composition) Yr1: Review report delivered. a. Paper on existing initiatives b. Detail on measures Yr 2 onwards: Implementation of measures where necessary Overall timescale: 3 years Yr 1: Strategy developed Yr 2: 11

12 Standard requirement s Timescale / milestones Progress / outcome Revised milestone [Same action for NS plaice] , 2.4.2, Habitat outcome, and information [Same action for NS plaice] , 3.2.2, fishery-specific impact by the fishery f. Ensures sufficient information is collected to inform. Habitat Assessment To provide a quantitative assessment of the scale of overlap, the level of impact and the rate of recovery. In relation to commonly encountered habitats and VMEs. Results will indicate if a habitat strategy is necessary. The outcomes are dependent on the beam trawl industry wanting to move forward. Management Plan for lemon sole This may be a specific plan or a joint plan that includes lemon sole within a North Sea mixed fishery plan 3. Check progress on mixed Data collection programme undertaken Yr 3: Analysis of data collection and review of strategy. Overall timescale: Assessment: 6 months Strategy (if needed): 3 years Yr 1: Assessment undertaken Habitat strategy developed (if necessary) Yr 2: Data collection programme undertaken Yr 3: Analysis of data collection and review of strategy. Overall timeline may be dependent on timescale for North Sea mixed fishery plan SG members with AC links to ask re. progress 12

13 Standard requirement s Timescale / milestones Progress / outcome Revised milestone fishery plan & extent to which lemons included. See proposal for a Regulation (COM 2016/493) 4. Depending on outcome either a. ensure inclusion of lemons in mixed plan or b. develop plan for lemons with key fishing nations on mixed fishery plan. (if that plan includes lemon sole and so can be considered as fishery-specific ) If no inclusion of lemons, development of plan specific to lemons required with key fishing nations: UK Germany Netherlands Belgium France Denmark 13

14 Summary of Pre-assessment results Likely scoring Principle Component PI Performance Indicator UoA 1 Seine UoA 2 Trawl Outcome Stock status < Stock rebuilding N/A Harvest Strategy Harvest control rules and tools Management Information and monitoring 80 UoA 3 Beam 2 Primary Species Secondary species ETP species Habitats Ecosystem Assessment of stock status Outcome Management Information Outcome 80 < Management <60 <60 < Information Outcome Management Information Outcome < Management Information Outcome Management

15 Principle Component PI Performance Indicator 3 Governance & policy Fishery specific system Likely scoring UoA 1 Seine UoA 2 Trawl UoA 3 Beam Information Legal and customary framework Consultation, roles responsibilities Long term objectives Fishery specific objectives Decision making processes Compliance and enforcement Mgt performance evaluation