Irish Haddock FIP Workplan

 

This Fishery Improvement Project is focused on Irish fisheries for Haddock which is an important species for the Irish fishing industry.

 

 

Haddock FIP work plan April 2020 – March 2022

Fishery: Demersal trawl and seine fishery in ICES Areas VI & VII

Fleet: Irish registered vessels fishing for Haddock with demersal trawls and seines.

A pre-assessment report under the Marine Stewardship Council Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing was conducted in August 2018 which covered the trawl fisheries for Haddock and Whiting together.

 

Principle 1: Stock Management

The Haddock stock in ICES Area VIIb-k is assessed by the most recent ICES advice (June 2019) as being above MSY level but fishing mortality is still above FMSY.  

Objective:   

  • To work with Marine Institute scientists to identify barriers to achieving MSY and to improve the data available for management and decision making.

Tasks:

  • Task 1.1 Meet with MI scientists to discuss MSY and stock scientific issues. October 2020 – February 2021.  Task 1.2 Identify issues and priorities with catching sector FIP members. October 2020 – February 2021. 

    Task 1.3 Develop industry data provision and improved observer coverage program. January – December 2021.  

    Task 1.4 Link data collection with P3 traceability initiative. January – December 2022

       

Principle 2: Environment:

Objective:  

  • To collect baseline information to improve the knowledge of the impact of the fishery on the primary species Cod, on ETP species and on habitats

 

Tasks:    

    • Task 2.1 Develop a program with BIM and the Marine Institute to collect baseline data on bycatches of Cod in the haddock fishery. October 2020 – September 2021 Task 2.2 FIP member vessels will participate in gear trials with BIM and industry will be informed of trial results. Jan 2021 – June 2022 

      Task 2.3 Develop incentives (possibly with state fisheries board BIM) for FIP vessels to improve uptake of proven effective TCMs. Jan 2022 – December 2022

Principle 3: Management System

Objective:  

To define fishery specific management objectives for the Irish Haddock FIP

Tasks:  

  • Task 3.1 Create a shortlist of fishery specific management objectives and discuss at FIP meetings and with Marine Institute scientists. October 2020 – September 2021 Task 3.2 By Q4 2021 agree on a set of management objectives for the fishery that FIP members will be bound by.