The polar cod stock is presently at a high level (Figure 4.3.28). Norway took some catches of polar cod in the 1970s and Russia has fished on this stock more or less on a regular basis since 1970. The stock size has been measured acoustically since 1986 and the stock has fluctuated between 0.1-1.9 million t. In 2008, the stock size was measured to about 1.2 million t., which is equal to the estima...

Based on the most recent estimates of fishing mortality and SSB, ICES classifies the stock as having full reproductive capacity, but being harvested unsustainably. SSB increased to a historical high in 2003 but has decreased since, and is expected to be just above Bpa in 2009. The estimated fishing mortality is well above Fpa. Recruitment in the last decade appears to be at a much higher level tha...