The biological stock index of Icelandic cod has grown for five years in a row; there hasn’t been more cod in Icelandic fishing grounds since 1985, as reported by the Icelandic Marine Research Institute last week.
Icelandic cod. Copyright: Icelandic Photo Agency.
The figures are based on research conducted in March. The Marine Research Institute’s director Jóhann Sigurjónsson told ruv.is that this news is pleasing and proof that the institute’s measures of restriction are delivering results.
Since 2007 cod fishing has been reduced to guarantee the stock’s growth.
Minister of Fisheries Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said the improved condition of the cod stock indicates that the fishing quota may be increased to 200,000 tons next season.
However, Jóhann stressed that further research is necessary to confirm the cod stock’s recovery.
ESA
