CV13015

This report provides the main results and findings of the eighth annual underwater television survey on the ‘Smalls grounds’ ICES assessment area; Functional Unit 22. The survey was multi-disciplinary in nature collecting UWTV, CTD and other ecosystem data. The sampling intensity was reduced this year from around 100 stations in the past to 51 stations this year. A randomised isometric grid design was employed with UWTV stations at 4.5nmi or 8.3km intervals. Previously a 3.0 nmi square grid was used. The krigged burrow abundance estimate for the Smalls ground has decreased by 19% relative to 2012 and was the fourth highest in the 8 year history of the survey. Abundance estimates have been fairly stable over the time series. The 2013 randomised isometric grid design result in a CV (or relative standard error) of 7% which is well below the upper limit of 20% recommended by SGNEPS 2012. Total catches and landings options at various different fishing mortalities were calculated and fishing at Fmsy in 2014 implies a total catch option at Fmsy (=Fmax) of 2,937 tonnes which results in landings of no more than 2,674 tonnes.Funder: Marine Institut