Stocks in the Eastern English Channel (Division VIId)

摘要

A large proportion of the Eastern Channel is in the coastal zone (12 miles zone) which is exploited by small scale fisheries. The major fleets operating in this area are: a French inshore fleet, mainly comprising small vessels using various gears, an English inshore fleet using fixed gear, English and Belgian offshore beam trawlers and French offshore otter trawlers. Both beam trawl fleets mainly target sole and take a significant amount of plaice as a by-catch. Sole is also taken in directed inshore UK fisheries using trammels and in French fisheries using trammels and otter trawl. The major part of the plaice landings originates from a seasonal fishery in winter by French offshore otter trawlers taking sole as by-catch. The major part of the cod landings originates from French offshore trawlers and inshore gill netters. It is a by-catch in the other fisheries. Whiting are caught by inshore and offshore French trawlers in the Channel in mixed fisheries. A pelagic trawl fishery takes place in the winter during the herring spawning season. Effort directed at flatfish increased consistently and considerably in all fleets from 1975 and reached a peak during 1989-1990, after which it has stabilised. Stock identity and relevant aspects of management Up to and including 1995, cod, whiting, plaice and sole in Division VIId were assessed as separate stocks. ICES reviewed the stock identity of these species in 1995. Tagging data for plaice indicate that there is substantial movement of plaice between various management areas. These data need to be further analysed to evaluate the appropriate assessment units. The available information on sole justifies an assessment of the stock in this area separately.