The aim of this project is to improve the management of western Baltic cod by incorporating stock identification routines in order to discriminate between eastern and western Baltic cod stocks.

In recent years evidence from fishery patterns and otolith structures have indicated an increasing degree of mixing between the two cod stocks which are currently managed as two separate stocks. Changes in fishing pressure and patterns result in a risk for local depletion of the smaller western stock.

Stock identification methods will be based on the established approaches using genetic discrimination and otolith shape analysis, and improved by linking these methods. This method will provide a tool to estimate the degree of stock mixing using the existing otolith archives.

The consequences of the present management regulations will be evaluated based on the results from the stock identification approach with the aim to improve stock exploitation.

The project is coordinated by Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, UK.