PELAGIC VarBio

Context

Fishing for pelagic fish, particularly anchovy, sardine, mackerel and horse mackerel, together with albacore tuna, provides the main economic livelihood for the Basque Country’s inshore fishing fleet. These species, which are important from both an economic and ecological perspective, support a significant share of fishing activity and the economies of many Basque coastal communities.

Since its creation, AZTI has monitored and scientifically assessed pelagic fisheries in the Basque Country, working closely with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). This project continues that work, bringing together all the assessment, methodological development and scientific advisory activities required to ensure the sustainable exploitation of these marine resources.

The species studied include European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) and horse mackerels (Trachurus trachurus and Trachurus mediterraneus). All are key resources for pelagic fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic and require continuous assessment to ensure their biological and economic sustainability.

Objectives

The main objective of the project is the comprehensive monitoring and assessment of small and medium-sized pelagic fisheries within the ICES scientific framework, contributing to science-based fisheries management advice.

The specific objectives are:

• Complete the assessment and management advice for the main pelagic species (anchovy, sardine, mackerel and horse mackerel) through active participation in ICES working groups (WGWIDE, WGHANSA1, WGHANSA2, among others).
• Improve assessment methods for short-lived species or stocks with limited information (DLS, data-limited stocks) within the framework of the ICES WKLIFE group.
• Optimise the incorporation of scientific survey data into stock assessment and management through the ICES WGISDAA group.
• Improve knowledge of the population dynamics and structure of small pelagic species through collaboration within the ICES WGSPF group.
• Provide scientific advice to the Basque Government’s Fisheries Directorate and the fishing sector, contributing knowledge on the biology, assessment and management of these species.

Expected impact

The implementation of this project will make it possible to provide the best available scientific assessment and advice for pelagic fisheries exploited by the Basque fishing fleet.

Expected results include:

• Robust scientific assessments providing a basis for ICES advice and fisheries management decisions at European level.
• Methodological advances in pelagic stock assessment and the integration of information from scientific surveys.
• A stronger technical and scientific position for AZTI, consolidating its role as a leading organisation in the assessment of small pelagic species in the Northeast Atlantic.
• A direct contribution to the sustainability and competitiveness of Basque inshore fisheries, helping to ensure their long-term economic and ecological viability.

In this way, the project promotes sustainable fisheries based on science and international cooperation, helping to achieve a balance between the conservation of marine resources and the prosperity of coastal communities in the Basque Country.

Funding