Over the last 40 years average annual catch has been 160.000 tonnes. The catch in 2006 was 212.000 tonnes. In the Norwegian fishery, which at present accounts for more than 90 % of the landings, various gears are used, while other nations mainly use bottom trawl. On average over the last ten years about 40 % of the Norwegian catch originates from bottom trawl, 25 % from purse seine, 20 % from gill net and 15 % from other conventional gears (long line, Danish sine and hand line). The gill net fishery is most intense during winter, purse seine in the summer months while the trawl fishery takes place more evenly all year around.
Quotas and protecting immature fish
In addition to quota regulations there are regulations aiming at protecting immature fish. Minimum catching size is 45 cm in Norwegian waters for all gears except for the purse seine, where the minimum catching size is 42 cm north of Lofoten, 40 cm between Lofoten and 62º N and 35 cm for the first 3000 tonnes between 65º 30’ N and 62º N). Other protective measures are the use of sorting grid with minimum bar spacing in ground fish trawl, and minimum mesh size in trawl, Danish seine and gill net. If catches contain more than a certain percentage of undersized fish (30 % for purse seine, 15 % for other gears), the particular fishing ground is temporarily closed. Discarding of commercial species is not allowed.
By-catches of saithe in other fisheries are covered by the total saithe quota, and by-catches of other commercial species in the saithe fisheries are landed and counted against the quota for each species. Due to the use of sorting grids and large meshes, by-catches of non-commercial species are low, and mainly consist of dab, sharks and skates. By-catches of sea mammals and birds are rare.
Stock status and setting of quotas
ICES classify the stock as having full reproductive capacity and to be harvested with sustainability. Catches are stable and have, since 1995, been below the precautionary limit.
ICES has evaluated a proposed Harvest Control Rule (HCR) for setting the annual fishing quota (TAC) for Northeast Arctic saithe and concluded that it is consistent with the precautionary approach. ICES therefore recommends that the proposed and evaluated HCR be implemented and advises according to this plan. This implies a TAC of 247 000 t in 2008, or less if a lower target fishing mortality is chosen.