Conservation of fishery resources: recovery of the stock of cod in the Irish Sea, measures for 2001

PURPOSE : to establish measures to be applicable in 2001 for the recovery of the stock of cod in the Irish Sea. CONTENT : scientific advice provided in November 1999 by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea indicated that the quantity of mature cod currently present in the Irish Sea is at an historically low level and that this quantity is likely to decrease further in 2001. This gives rise to concern that this stock may be in a condition such that it cannot readily replenish itself by reproduction. Steps have already been taken to protect mature cod during the spawning season of 2000 to allow them to produce as many eggs as possible in the hope that this will result in abundant young cod this year. Similar conditions need to be established during the spawning season of 2001.�