MEDITERRANEAN SWORDFISH

SCI-020

Background

Unique genetic stock Some mixing with the N. Atlantic one Different biological characteristics than the Atlantic stocks Last assessment few weeks ago.

Fishery Catches around 12000-16000 t in the last decade. 14000 t in 2005. Incomplete information for 2006. Gears: Longlines & Gillnets

Catch composition Large catches of juveniles (50-70%)

SWO Figure 4 Proportion of catch numbers at age by year.

Stock assessment Two assessment types

Production modelling (long data series)

Age based VPAs (short data series) }Stock decline

State of the stocks

Production modeling

Current stock level about 13% lower than optimum

Current F about 25% higher than optimum

VPA40% reduction in spawning stock level but modest changes in the last decade

Stable recruitment over the past 20 years.

Current spawning stock level half than optimum

Current F double than optimumY/R

Current (2005) stock status

Prod. Mod. medianVPA median

Time trends

Production modelingVPA

Projections

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2.0

2000 2005 2010 2015

Year

B/B

MS

Y

10,000 t

12,000 t

14,300 t

16,000 t

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2.0

2000 2005 2010 2015Year

B/B

MS

Y

10,000 t12,000 t14,300 t16,000 t

VPA Production modeling

Assessment conclusions

The stock is below the level which can support MSY

Current fishing mortality exceeds FMSY.

The degree to which biomass is below BMSY and F is above FMSY

differs between assessment models.

Fishing pressure needs to be reduced to move the stock towards to

biomass levels which could support MSY and away from levels

which could result in non-negligible risks of rapid stock decline;

although such worrying signals have not been seen so far in the

fisheries.

Maximum Sustainable Yield 14,250-15,500 1

Current (2005) Yield2 14,600 t

Current (2007) Replacement Yield ~12,000-14,000 t1

Relative Biomass (B2005/BMSY) 0.26-0.87 1

Relative Fishing Mortality F2005/FMSY

F2005/FMAX

F2005/F0.1

F2005/F20%SPR

F2005/F30%SPR

1.3 (0.6-2.5) 3

2.9 (2.4->5) 4

4.6 (3.7->5)4

3.0 (2.6->5)4

4.2 (3.6->5) 4

Management measures in effect No ICCAT regulations; national closed areas, minimum size and effort controls.

Mediterranean Swordfish Summary

Exploitation scenarios

Fishery closures during recruitment

Management recommendations

Adoption of a management plan with the goal of rebuilding the stock to levels that are consistent with the ICCAT Convention objective.

Technical measures, such as fishery closures and gear modifications, as well as capacity reductions should be considered in the frames of a management plan