The structure of boarfish stocks is uncertain. (Farrell et al. 2016) consider the existence of seven biological units over the species' range. A single assessment unit is considered within ICES Subareas IV, VI, VII, VIII and IXa. This distribution is broader than the current EC TAC area: VI, VII and VIII. A discontinuity in distribution was suggested between ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa, however, it is unclear if this suggested hiatus represents a true stock separation (ICES 2016). Most of the catches are presently from the Celtic Sea (Division VIIj) and this profile describes that proposed NE Atlantic unit.