The stock unit definition of whiting (Merlangius merlangus) in this area is not clear and Atlantic Iberian waters (Division 9.a) represent the southern limits of the distribution of the species. In the absence of specific information on stock structure, the ICES ecoregions have been used as a minimum level of disaggregation for the definition of stock units. This is an interim solution until more information is available on the stock (ICES 2016). The bulk of the fishery takes place at the northern boundary of the stock area (ICES 2019).