Deep-water fish are species that live in waters of depths greater than 400m. Fisheries for these species are comparatively new - the deep-water fisheries taking place in waters to the west of Scotland are approximately 20 years old - with significant commercial interest only being developed in the last decade. Fishermen are seeking new fishing opportunities, as catches for more traditional species - cod, haddock and whiting - decrease, and quotas for landing these fish decrease.

Background
Little information is available on the biology and life-histories of deep-water fish. and despite concern for the sustainability and long-term viability of deep-water fisheries there is currently no adequate monitoring. management or protection of these fish stocks.

Deep-water species are particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation because they are generally long lived. slow growing with a relatively high age of first maturity. and low fecundity. If stocks are overfished they are likely to take a long time to recover. Indeed, fisheries for some species, such as orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), have already collapsed after only a few years of exploitation.

Threats & Management

Management of species in deep-waters have a national, European and international perspective. In the Northeast Atlantic the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) has responsibility for the management of deep-water species in international waters whilst those waters under the jurisdiction of individual nations and the European Community are administered through the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

At present the only management measure applied to deep-water fisheries within the NEAFC and EU areas is the regulation of total fishing effort by fishing vessels and a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for monkfish or angler fish (Lophius piscatorius) within EU waters. Already the fishing industry is calling for an increase in quota for this species to allow for the expansion of the fishery into deeper water.

Poor knowledge of the biology and stock structure of deep-water species means it is essential that a precautionary approach is taken towards the management of these fisheries and that the lack of adequate scientific information should not be used as an excuse for postponing or failing to take conservation action now. A framework for the management of deep-water fisheries exists. in particular the NEAFC Convention 1980; the CFP; the UN Fish Stocks Declaration 1995; and the Food and Agriculture (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing.

Deepsea fisheries are also threatening beautiful but fragile cold water coral reefs. These incredibly diverse habitats can take thousands of years to develop, but are only now being described by science. However, a single pass with a bottom trawl net can reduce these reefs to rubble and destroy the unique marine life that relies on them. 

Scientific Advice

The International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES), who are the chief scientific body advising the EU on fisheries management, called for "a complete overhaul of deepwater fisheries" in North East Atlantic waters in October 2005. ICES stated that all their evidence indicates that current levels of fishing effort on deepsea fish stocks are much too high - and advised cutting back fishing as much as possible. ICES also recommends that a number of large deep-sea areas in the NE Atlantic are permanently closed to fishing to protect fragile cold water coral reefs.

action alert:
If you like to eat fish, avoid deepsea species and insist that your local supermarket or fish shop does not stock them on their shelves. See the MCS guide to alternative, environmentally responsible seafood choices.
http://www.fishonline.org/

Support MCS in our campaigns to protect marine life from unsustainable fisheries and pollution by making a donation or joining today.

MCS Recommendations

MCS recommends that within regulated areas (eg. EU & NEAFC) the precautionary approach is adopted and that fishing effort is dropped to minimal levels until it can be shown to be sustainable. We are also strongly pushing for the immediate introduction of closed areas for the protection of spawning stocks and endangered deep-water habitat such as cold water coral reefs.

In the unregulated high seas we are pushing for a global moratorium on deepsea bottom trawling. Through our work with partners such Seas at Risk and the Deep Sea Conservation Coaltion (http://www.savethehighseas.org/) this concept is now supported by many nations around the world and has a real chance of being passed at United Nations General Assembly meetings this year.

For more information contact the MCS Fisheries Officer:

Dr. Bryce Beukers-Stewart.
Ph. (01989) 561584
Email. bryce@mcsuk.org