Capelin

An assessment benchmark was undertaken in late January 2015 and a new Harvest Control Rule (HCR) following the acoustic assessment surveys was proposed. This new approach is based on leaving more than 150 thousand tons for spawning with more than 95% probability. 

Two acoustic surveys are conducted yearly since 1978 to assess the mature part of the stock: in autumn (September-December) and in winter (January-February). The surveys in autumn have a dual purpose, aimed at covering both the immature and the mature part of the stock; the winter surveys in January–March target the spawning migration. The operations are highly dependent on the weather conditions and aggregation of capelin, which occasionally influences uncertainties in the stock assessment (ICES 2018). The acoustic surveys provide absolute biomass estimates of the spawning stock and numerical abundance indices of the immature fraction (1-2 yr old) of the stock. These estimates are fed directly into the management of the stock (SAI Global 2017). The model used includes predation by cod, haddock and saithe and uncertainties from the surveys performed (MFRI 2017). 

ICES recommends the evaluation of assumptions and practical operation of the HCR in the upcoming years as well as different kinds of studies such as optimal harvesting of the fishery, biological studies regarding the life history and ecological key role of capelin. Known restrictions of the surveys performed to assess the stock should be planned and weighted to attain better coverage (ICES 2018). Changes in the stock distribution are related to climate changes, affecting the results of the autumn survey (Carscadden et al. 2013). The peer review of the assessment conducted by the Icelandic Marine Research Institute is also suggested (ICES 2017).

A benchmark assessment was undertaken in late January 2015 and a biomass limit reference point was proposed at 150 thousand tons, at B_loss level (ICES, 2015). Exploitation estimates are not in use. 

The advice is based on the new HCR agreed by the Coastal States (Iceland, Greenland, and Norway) in 2015 that aims to leave at least 150,000 t for spawning (escapement strategy) (ICES 2017). This review of the HCR, first established in 1979, is in accordance with the precautionary approach and considers predation on capelin and the spawning season (Kvamsdal et al. 2016). However, ICES only considers the initial TAC as precautionary and not the whole HCR (ICES 2017).   

Two fixed points were defined for the HCR: U_trigger = 50 billion immature capelin and TAC_MAX = 400 kt for U >127 billion immature capelin. The agreed method for setting the initial/preliminary TAC was:

• TAC = 5.2x(U_imm–U_trigger) kt for U_imm in the range 50–127 billion.
• TAC = 0 if U_imm <50 billion.
• TAC = 400 kt if U_imm >127 billion.

The final TAC is likewise based on <5% probability of SSB< B_lim this is accomplished by

1. bootstrapping the historical January acoustic estimate and finding the 95% lower confident limit;
2. adding catches taken before the January survey;
3. subtracting 300 kt (B_lim=150 kt and an allowance of 150 kt for predation, set at the average model estimate from survey to spawning); and
4. setting up a regression model with this value vs. acoustic indices of immature capelin. The slope of the regression line is 5.2.

ICES and the MRI advised an initial quota of zero tons in 2017/2018. The immature portion of the stock was well below the trigger value. An intermediate quota of 208,000 tons was advised by the MRI in October 2017 (MRI 2017) and was later updated to 285,000 tons in February 2018 (final quota) (MRI 2018). As for the 2018/2019 season, ICES advised that when the harvest control rule agreed by the Coastal States is applied, the initial TAC for the fishing season should be zero tonnes (ICES 2018). The intermediate advice has been published by Iceland and the result was for a continuation of zero catch (MFRI 2018). Final survey data from Jan/Feb are not yet available, but indications are that the stock abundance is likely to be revised downward yet again (Iceland Review 2019)(UCN 2019). Upon publication of the stock assessment working group report in May 2019 (ICES 2019) it was revealed that the stock appears to now be below B_lim. 

Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) of Icelandic capelin is considered very variable, as it is mostly dependent on one age group (ICES, 2011b). 

Approximately 849,000 tonnes of mature capelin were measured in the first coverage of the winter survey conducted by the MRI in January 2018, with a CV of 0.38 which is the highest CV observed since the HCR was adopted in 2015. In the second coverage, also in January 2018, the estimate was 759,000 tonnes with a CV of 0.19 (MRI 2018). The predation model (ICES 2015), accounting for the catches of 285 000 t and predation between survey and spawning by cod, saithe, and haddock, estimated that 364,000 t was left for spawning in spring 2018 (MRI 2018). During the ICES advice process in Autumn 2018 (ICES 2018) it was noted that the 2017/2018 SSB had fallen to 352,000 t and had a 5% probability that the stock would be at the 150,000 cut-off. Further surveys conducted by MRI (MFRI 2018) indicated that the stock was in worse shape at 238,000 t the lowest in the recent time series. The intermediate recommendation was for zero fishing in 2019/2020 with final recommendations being given after the Jan-Feb survey. While that survey information is not officially available, indications are that the stock status has been revised downward even further (Iceland Review 2019)(UCN 2019).

Overall stock is experiencing lower recruitment than in previous decades (ICES 2018). The stock collapsed twice, giving room to moratoriums in 1982 and the early 1990s. Recent acoustic survey information coupled with the predation removal analysis suggests that the stock is below B_lim (ICES 2019).

ICES notes that 2016 onwards SSB is not comparable to other years as a new methodology that has different assumptions of natural mortality is being used (ICES 2018).

Part of the Icelandic capelin stock migrates seasonally into the jurisdiction of the Greenland and Norwegian fisheries. The capelin is, therefore, a shared stock and its jointly managed by Iceland, Norway, and Greenland. Through an agreement, the Icelandic Ministry of Industries and Innovation determines the annual TAC to be shared between the three countries. The agreement from 2003 states that Iceland’s share in the TAC should be 81%, Greenland’s 11%, and Norway’s 8%. These shares have not been disputed so far (SAI Global 2017).

The fishery is based on the maturing portion of the stock, taking place from late June to the end of March of the following year (Kvamsdal et al. 2016).   

According to ICES the fishery is managed in line with a two-step management plan which sets an initial quota based on acoustic surveys the previous year, and then sets a final quota which regulates harvest such that a minimum spawning-stock biomass of < 150 kt has less than a 5% probability of occurring (ICES, 2015).  An initial TAC is set at the catch given the juvenile abundance (ages 1-2) estimated according to the autumn acoustic survey. An intermediate TAC is based on in-season acoustic survey results performed in autumn and a final TAC (released in winter) is grounded on the autumn and/or winter surveys conducted. There is no F_target or F at low biomass as the current harvest control rule is a pure escapement strategy (ICES 2015).

Zero catches were advised as an initial TAC for the 2019/2020 fishing season (ICES 2018). This advice was later maintained by MRI (MFRI 2018) given the stock's poor condition. Managers have heeded this advice and fishing has not occurred while the full results of the Jan-Feb survey are pending (Iceland Review 2019)(UCN 2019). That survey will illuminate the final quotas if any for the year.

The fishery is managed through Individual Transferable Quotas allocated to individual vessels.

As agreed by the coastal states pelagic trawls are not allowed to operate in the summer fishery to protect the juvenile portion of the stock. Besides, area closures are defined when the proportion of juveniles (individuals < 14cm) exceeds 20% of the catch for up to 2 weeks (ICES 2017).  Juvenile areas have been protected from midwater trawling and harvesters have complied with these measures as well. In Icelandic waters, only purse-seiners are allowed in these areas to target capelin.

Fishers compliance has been strong, though minor overages have occurred since 2015 (ICES 2018). All the vessels have to report the logbook, even if it is a manually logbook. On board inspectors are present on many of the vessels and is a legal requirement when fishing in certain designated areas (SAI Global 2017).

Discards are considered negligible (ICES 2017): there is no discarding of capelin and there are no reported cases of slippages in the capelin fishery in Iceland (SAI Global 2017). As a consequence the landings figures are considered by the ICES assessment working group to be a fair reflection of the actual catch (SAI Global 2017).

The Icelandic Coast Guard monitors fishing activities in Icelandic waters, including surveillance of areas closed for fishing and inspection of mesh sizes and other gear related practices (SAI Global 2017).

The seabird community in Icelandic waters is composed of relatively few but abundant species, accounting for roughly ¼ of total number and biomass of seabirds within the ICES area. At least 12 species of cetaceans occur regularly in Icelandic waters, and an additional 10 species have been recorded more sporadically; the most abundant cetacean off the Icelandic continental shelf is the common minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata (IUCN status: “Least Concern”) (ICES 2010). Two species of seals, common seal Phoca vitulina and grey seal Halicoerus grypus breed in Icelandic waters, while 5 northern species of pinnipeds are also found in the area (ICES, 2010b).

According to the MSC assessment team (SAI Global 2017) the following ETP species have the potential to interact with this fishery: Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), Blainville´s (Mesoplodon densirostris), Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus), Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), Common or harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), Cuvier´s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), Fin whale (Balaenopterus physalus), Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), Grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus), Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Killer whale (Orcinus orca), Long- finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), Sowerby´s (Mesoplodon bidens), Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), White-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), Brunnich Guillemot (Uria lomvia), Common Guillemot (Uria aalge), Razorbill (Alca torda), Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis).

The legislation in Iceland regarding ETP species is regulated by the Icelandic legislation (557/2007) who states to complete the logbook where any interaction or catch of birds or other endangered species must be reported to the Directorate of Fisheries.

There are no official reports of impacts of the Icelandic capelin fishery on ETP species. However, (Basran 2014) reported some interactions between humpback whales and the capelin fishery in Iceland through encirclement in purse seines. However, the same source reports that in most cases the fishermen are able to lower the net and release the whales even if it means a loss of catches. The MRI is not aware of any of these interactions resulting in serious injury or mortality to humpback whales (SAI Global 2017).

Indirect effects of the fishery on ETP species are unlikely to be beyond acceptable limits according to the MSC assessemnt team, although there is a lack of information on how the capelin could affect the feeding patterns of whales and seasbirds (SAI Global 2017).

The Icelandic Directorate of Fisheries (DoF) provides the total composition of catches by vessels. According to this entity, catches for the period 2011-2016 were composed almost exclusively by capelin (99.98%), with some anecdotic catches of cod (0.01%) and haddock (<0.01%). Therefore, the only target species of this fishery is capelin and bycatch can be considered negligible (SAI Global 2017). A landing obligation is implemented in the fishery. Discarding is allowed when catches surpass the carrying capacity of the vessel, but are almost zero due to methods of transferring catches between purse-seiners. Catch sensors are used, which helps reduce the need to discard. Observers are frequently on board vessels during autumn fisheries in areas where juveniles are likely to occur (ICES 2010) (ICES 2014). 

Detailed maps of the seabed of the areas where this fishery operates are available through the EMODnet sea habitats project. The sea bottom topography around Iceland is generally irregular, with hard rocky bottom prevailing in most areas; and in some cases the shelf around Iceland is cut by many sub‐sea canyons. At present considerably large coral areas exist on the Reykjanes Ridge and off SE-Iceland. Other known coral areas are small (Steingrímsson and Einarsson 2004). Many of the cold-water coral areas that have been surveyed have already been destroyed. Currently, 5 areas with relatively undisturbed cold-water corals have received full protection and several other areas are under consideration for further protection. 

As in other pelagic fisheries, no direct effects on the sea floor or benthic communities are known to occur in the Icelandic capelin fishery. 98% of catches are captured by purse-seines (ICES 2017).

Iceland anticipates three different types of area closures: Real Time, Permanent, and Temporary; still, the latter measure has not been related to the capelin fishery:

• Real Time and Temporary area closure: A quick closure system has been in force since 1976 with the objective to protect juvenile fish. Fishing is prohibited for at least two weeks in areas where the number of small fish (< 14 cm) measured by inspectors exceeds 20% of the catch (ICES 2017). If, in a given area, there are several consecutive quick closures the Minister of Fisheries can with regulations close the area for longer time forcing the fleet to operate in other areas. Inspectors from the Directorate of Fisheries supervise these closures in collaboration with the Marine Research Institute.
• Permanent area closure: In addition to allocating quotas on each species, there are other measures in place to protect fish stocks. Based on knowledge on the biology of various stocks, many areas have been closed aiming at protecting juveniles. Some of them are temporary, but others have been closed for fishery for decades.

Seven designated Nature Reserves, established from 1974 to 1988, and one Conservation Area, designated in 1995, exist along the Icelandic coast and off Surtsey Island totaling 3,507 km² (Wood, 2007). Iceland has 39 marine protected areas (in accordance with the OSPAR definition), including 11 relative large areas and 16 offshore areas, which are closed year-round or seasonally or have restricted access for fisheries management purposes (detailed information in Hoyt, 2005).

Besides, in the Icelandic EZZ there are 18 MPAs but they are not overlapped with the main capelin fishing grounds.

The ecosystem where this fishery operates is relatively well described. ICES provides a detailed review of the Icelandic Waters Ecoregion including information on main oceanographic features, productivity, major regional pressures, human activities and state of the ecosystem components (Ovens 2016). The Iceland Sea Ecosystem project (Pálsson et al. 2012) analyzed the principal ecosystem patterns of that area, including the life-history of capelin. Mendy and Buchary (Mendy and Buchary 2001) described the ecosystem state in 1997 using a mass-balance modeling approach. A gadget model (a type of multispecies model) has been developed to understand the interactions between capelin, cod and shrimp in Icelandic waters (Taylor and Stefansson 2004).

Capelin is a key species in the North Atlantic marine ecosystem in general and in the Icelandic ecoregion in particular, and its lifecycle and migration pattern is an important energy transfer in the ecosystem (Ovens 2016). Capelin feeds mainly on copepods and euphausiids in waters north of Iceland and then moves to Icelandic waters where it is one of the most important prey for many species, e.g. cod, haddock, saithe, Greenland halibut, seabirds, and marine mammals (Ovens 2016) (Vilhjálmsson 2002).

A decline in the stock may be expected to have implications on the productivity of their predators. The key role of capelin as food for many predator fish is reflected for instance by the high correlation between mean weight of cod in Icelandic and biomass of adult capelin (Vilhjálmsson 2002). The combined annual removal of capelin by all its natural predators might range between roughly 2 and 3.8 million tones (Vilhjálmsson 2002). These direct effects are likely to cascade through the ecosystem, although the extent of these changes is beyond our predictive abilities (Rose 2005).

Harvest control rule for this stock was adopted by managers in spring 2015. The HCR is based on leaving 150,000 ton of capelin to spawn with 95% probability. The HCR incorporates uncertainty in stock size estimates and model estimation of predation by cod, haddock and saithe on capelin (ICES 2015).  However, predation by seabirds and mammals are not accounted for, in spite of representing 1-2 million tons (Vilhjálmsson 2002). Other measures designed to minimize the effect of the fishery on the ecosystem are: individual transferable quota systems, monitoring programme and surveillance, landing obligation, control size, closed areas, etc.