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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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  • 5
Caught at sea Demersal otter trawl
Capture Area North East Atlantic  FAO 27
Stock Area Faroes (Plateau)
Stock Detail Vb 1
Summary
This stock has shown some increase after reaching a historical low in 2007 but biomass is still below target and fishing effort too high. In 2011 a 30% reduction in fishing effort was recommended by scientists. In 2013 the advice is for a 63% reduction in order to achieve a sustainable level. Avoid eating fish from over-fished 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. On the Faroes Plateau the stock has shown some increase after reaching a historical low in 2007, but remains below MSY trigger (a biomass reference point that triggers a cautious response i.e. reduce fishing mortaility to allow a stock to rebuild). Fishing mortality has decreased since 2002 and is now between F lim and F pa, but still above F msy. ICES recommends a further decrease in fishing mortality in 2013 to bring the stock within Precautionary limits. An effort management system has been in place since 1996; however this is not considered to be in line with the precautionary approach, and currently it is not being achieved. Management by effort can encourage accelerated technical creep and rapid increase of capacity per vessel. ICES advice for this stock in 2013 is to further reduce fishing mortality by 63%.
Capture Information
Cod are mainly taken in a directed cod and haddock fishery with longlines, in a directed jigging fishery, and as bycatch in the trawl fishery for saithe.
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.