Improving the management basis for Danish data-limited fish stocks (ManDaLiS) (39414 & 39310)

A substantial proportion of EU's fish stocks lack a quantitative assessment and are therefore regarded as data-limited.

The specific objectives of the project was to develop and implement further newly developed statistical methods by DTU Aqua for assessment and management strategy evaluation of data limited stocks in relation to maximum sustainable yield (MSY) benefitting Danish, European and global fisheries. Furthermore, the aim was to improve the management basis for 4-6 limited fish stocks with special importance for Danish fishery and which are managed conservatively because of limited available information.

Obtaining quantitative assessments and fleet-specific fishing mortalities as further developed in this project is a necessary step toward mitigating the impact of choke-species and improving management of such fisheries. By improving knowledge about data-limited fish stocks, the project minimises the risk of yield reductions that result from an increased precautionary buffer applied when quantitative stock assessments are lacking. Similarly, the risk of overexploitation is minimised with the aim to prevent a subsequent potential longterm stock rebuilding period with reduction in quotas.

The project provides quantitative knowledge and new assessments regarding several Danish data-limited fish stocks. This knowledge is not only new, but has also been necessary to enable implementation of sustainable management for the stocks. Furthermore, the project has created the foundation for analytical assessments of these stocks and not least further development of the statistical assessment and forecast models.

The DTU Aqua model used (SPiCT) has been upgraded to an ICES (International Council for Exploration of the Sea) standard assessment model for data poor stocks not least due to input from the current project. Furthermore, the novelty of the model improvements provided by the project has had a high impact to both the current and future advisory and scientific assessment development work within ICES. The case studies and model implementations have covered a large number of fish stocks important to Danish fishery. As such the models, their improvements and their implementation provide advice directly to and relevant for the Danish fisheries industry and all stakeholders within the fisheries sector.

Funding  
The project is financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and Danish Fisheries Agency.

Research area: Fisheries Management
Research area: Marine Living Resources