Based on the most recent estimates of spawning stock biomass, ICES classifies the stocks of cod and haddock to have full reproductive capacity and being harvested sustainably. Signs of improved recruitment of redfish are now seen in the Barents Sea. In this regard, it is of vital importance that the juvenile age groups be given the strongest protection from being caught as bycatch in any fishery.
There is at present no accepted assessment for Greenland halibut, mainly due to age-reading problems and lack of contrast in the data. However, indications from fishery independent surveys are that the stock has increased in recent years.
Based on the most recent estimates of SSB and recruitment ICES classifies the stock of capelin as having full reproductive capacity. The stock is increasing and observations during the international 0-group survey in August-September 2008 indicated that the 2008 year class is strong.
Based on the most recent estimates of SSB and fishing mortality of herring, ICES classifies the stock as having full reproductive capacity and being harvested sustainably. Preliminary indications show that the year classes 2005-2008 are below average. Therefore the abundance of herring in the Barents Sea is believed to be at a relatively low level in 2009.
The polar cod stock is presently at a high level. The natural mortality rate in this stock seems to be very high, and this is explained by the importance of polar cod as prey for cod and different stocks of seals.
In autumn 2008, the acoustic abundance of blue whiting was estimated to 0.1 million tonnes, which is much lower than in 2007. Thus, the abundance of blue whiting in the Barents Sea is expected to stay at a low level until the recruitment to the stock increases again.
ICES classifies the saithe stock as having full reproductive capacity and harvested sustainable.
