Working group on acoustic and egg surveys for small pelagic fish in Northeast Atlantic (WGACEGG; outputs from 2023 meeting) ...

• Main Author: ICES
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: ICES Scientific Reports 2024
• Subjects: Ecosystem observation, processes and dynamics; Technologies and data; Fisheries and aquaculture; Oceanic Northeast Atlantic ICES Ecoregion; Northeast Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.25296220; https://ices-library.figshare.com/articles/report/Working_group_on_acoustic_and_egg_surveys_for_small_pelagic_fish_in_Northeast_Atlantic_WGACEGG_outputs_from_2023_meeting_/25296220

WGACEGG coordinates and provides quality control for acoustic and daily egg production (DEPM) surveys of several pelagic stocks in ICES areas 6-9.During the 2023 meeting results from four DEPM surveys and nine acoustic surveys were presented and discussed jointly with members of the Working Group on Southern Horse Mackerel, Anchovy, and Sardine (WGHANSA). The provided abundance estimates were considered reliable. However, given the increase in the distance between transects in the JUVENA acoustic survey, its potential impact on the estimates was discussed. Anchovy stocks in areas 7 and 8 showed good conditions and continued evidence of northward migration. Sardine in area 9 was also in good condition due to last year’s recruitment, while horse mackerel and mackerel stocks were in generally poorer condition. Sprat biomass decreased in division 8 and increased in 7. Herring biomass in the western Channel is still under analysis, and boarfish stocks in divisions 6 and 7 are above average and increasing.The ...