Golden Redfish fisheries managed with catch rules

The government has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Industries and Innovation to the effect that Golden Redfish fisheries within Icelandic territorial waters should henceforth be managed by means of catch rules effective for five years and that such rules are to be reviewed in the fifth year. This decision is in accordance with government policies on responsible fisheries management focusing on sustainability and economic use.The catch rules are based on ensuring good Redfish catches in the long-term by annually harvesting a moderate proportion of the stock according to stock assessments and the recommendations of scientists in the field.

This decision is the final step in a long process. The process is based on marine research involving the testing of various catch rules. These tests were carried out by Icelandic scientists. The selected rules were decided in co-operation with stakeholders as well as the assessment of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) of the selected rule based on requirements for sustainability and precautionary methods in fisheries management. Having received the positive opinion of ICES, the Minister subsequently submitted the proposal to the government for approval.