– We see no major changes in stock status compared to last year. In general, the situation for species managed at the national level is most concerning in the Baltic Proper. Here, we assess that the stocks of perch, pike, and pikeperch are not within biologically safe limits, says Stefan Larsson, scientific editor of Fiskbarometern and senior environmental analysis specialist at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua).
When a stock is assessed to be outside biologically safe limits, it means that mortality, biomass, or size and age structure are at undesirable levels. In turn, this indicates that the stock is not in a sustainable condition and that management measures are needed.
A brighter outlook in the large lakes
The situation for whitefish along the coast remains concerning. Of the four assessed stocks in the Baltic Sea, only the one in the Bothnian Bay is within biologically safe limits.
In contrast, the situation in the large lakes looks generally better. The assessed stocks of perch, pike, and pikeperch are within safe limits. This also applies to Arctic char in Lake Vättern.
– After hitting a record-low level in the early 2000s, the char stock has recovered thanks to management measures. We are seeing a positive trend in both size and age structure, says Göran Sundblad, researcher at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua).
Lack of data – a challenge for stock assessments
For some species and stocks, there is insufficient data to conduct assessments. One such example is burbot, which has previously only been assessed in the large lakes. This year, the burbot stock in the Baltic Sea is also included in the Fiskbarometer, despite the significant lack of data. Data limitations are also a challenge for species such as sea trout.
– Even if we lack sufficient data for a proper assessment, it is important to highlight these gaps in the Fiskbarometer. This helps improve data collection, stock assessments, and fisheries management, says Stefan Larsson.
Visit fiskbarometern.se for assessments, analyses, and reports on 48 species and over 110 stocks.
