Herring in the Firth of Clyde: setting the total allowable catch for 2024

On consideration of the Marine Directorate scientist’s report we note that:

• The herring fishery in the Clyde has declined from its peak in the 1960s, with catches typically less than 500 tonnes over the last 20 years. Excluding 180 tonnes caught in 2021, there have been no commercial catches recorded in the Clyde since 2014.

• Scientific surveys suggest that the herring population currently found in the Clyde is heavily dominated by young age classes (1- and 2- year old herring). These fish are below the regulation minimum landing size (20 cm) for this area.

• There is no evidence to indicate that herring stocks in the Clyde have significantly decreased since 2022, with Q4 data suggesting a year-on-year increase in stock biomass at this time of year, but this is tempered by only a small increase during Q1. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to suggest an increase above the 2023 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 583 tonnes would be appropriate. Similarly, the data does not suggest that the TAC should be reduced below the current level.

• Due to the lack of available data for Clyde herring, the current control measures should remain in place, and awareness raised among fishers to ensure compliance with these measures.

• It should be also noted that Clyde herring are likely linked to other herring stocks in the region although the levels of intermixing are unknown. Clyde herring are managed as a distinct stock, and the TAC is based on the scientific evidence covered in this consultation document, not on the ICES advice for the 6aN West of Scotland autumn spawning herring component. The 6aN autumn spawning herring is currently deemed a separate stock, and subject to its own evidence base and TAC setting process.

Our goal is to be responsible fisheries managers, but also responsive to the evidence we have available, as well as that which may come in future.

The evidence currently available for the stock indicates that there is no strong case for setting the TAC above or below the current level. In light of this evidence, we propose that the TAC should be rolled over from 2023 and set at 583 tonnes in 2024.