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Cod, Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

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Common name - Cod, Atlantic Cod
Scientific name - Gadus morhua
Rating
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Caught at sea Jig
Capture Area North East Atlantic  FAO 27
Stock Area Faroes (Bank)
Stock Detail Vb 2
Summary
Fishing effort in this area has been too high and cod is being exploited unsustainably. The fishery has been closed since January 2009. However in 2010 and 2011, respectively, a total of 61 and 100 fishing days were allowed to small jiggers in the shallow waters of the Bank. The scientific advice should however apply to all fisheries. Avoid eating fish from depleted stocks.
Biology
Cod belongs to a family of fish known as gadoids, which also includes species such as haddock, pollack, pouting, and ling. It is a cold-temperate (boreal), demersal (bottom-dwelling) species.They spawn in winter and spring from February to April. In the North Sea, cod mature at 4-5 years at a length of about 50cms and can live up to 60 years.
Stock Information
Two distinct stocks are recognised in the Faroes. The Faroes Bank fishery is not defined in relation to scientific limits, but surveys indicate that the stock is severely depleted. The Bank has been closed to fishing since January 2009, with a nominal landing of 80t in the same year - the lowest since 1965. Because of the very low stock size ICES advises that the fishery should be closed.
Capture Information
Since 1996 trawlers have been excluded from fishing on the Faroes Bank, and the fishery restricted to longliners and jiggers, with a total fishing ban during the spawning season, March to May. The fishery is now closed to all fishing except jigging.
References
ICES Advice 2012, Book 4
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.