Productos del Mar en Islandia
Transcription
Productos del Mar en Islandia
Productos del Mar en Islandia Iria Melón Martínez C ámara de C omercio H ispano-Islandesa Misión C omercial de la C ámara de C omercio de V igo Islandia, Septiembre 2005 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið Índice 1.- INFORMACIÓN GENERAL SOBRE ISLANDIA................................................. 3 2.- PRODUCCIÓN DE PESCADOS,MARISCOS Y CRUSTÁCEOS… … … … … … . 5 2.1 Información General………………………………………………………..... 5 2.2 Sistema de Cuotas…………………………………………………………… 7 3.- EXPORTACIONES DE PRODUCTOS DEL MAR… … … … … … … … … … … … … 9 3.1 Características generales……………………………………………………. 9 3.2 Principales productos exportados………………………………………….. 12 4.- ÍNDICE DE FIGURAS Y TABLAS....................................................................... 14 5.- BIBLIOGRAFÍA................................................................................................... 15 6- ANEXOS............................................................................................................... 16 Resumen Leyde Ordenación de la Pesca n°34/1990 TAC en Islandia 1995-2005 Informe del estado de las principales especies marinas Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 2 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið 1.- INFORMACIÓN GENERAL SOBRE ISLANDIA La República de Islandia tiene una población de 293.577 habitantes1 que se reparte una extensión de 103.000 Km², lo que supone una media de 2,8 habitantes por Km². Poseen una renta per. capita de 25.541 €2 . Hay que destacar sin embargo, que tres cuartas partes de la población, (180.000 hab.) viven en su capital Reykiavik, (114.000), y en el área adyacente a esta, Kópavogur (26.000), Hafnarfj örður (21.189), Reykj anesbær (10.900), y Akranes, (5.590). El resto, se distribuye por pequeños pueblos a lo largo de la costa. El mayor de estos es Akureyri, con 15.000, denominado por este motivo la capital del Norte. Figura 1:Mapa de Islandia La geografía de la isla se caracteriza por su naturaleza volcánica, los glaciares y los fiordos que rodean el país. Estas características obligan a la población a vivir en la costa, permaneciendo despoblado el interior de la isla. Es uno de los lugares de la tierra más activos tectónicamente, y por esto son muy frecuentes los volcanes, los manantiales de aguas termales y las solfataras (chimeneas volcánicas que expulsan gases y vapores calientes);también lo son los terremotos, pero raras veces causan daños graves. 1 2 Diciembre 2004, Hagstofa Íslands España tiene una superficie de 504.782 km², y una renta per. capita de 19.300 € Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 3 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið En la isla se localizan más de 200 volcanes, de los que al menos 30 han entrado en erupción en tiempos históricos. Cabe mencionar entre ellos el monte Hekla (1.491 m), que ha entrado en erupción muchas veces, las más destacadas en 1766, 1947 y 1980; y el cercano Laki, con unos 100 cráteres separados. Los vastos campos de lava creados por los volcanes cubren casi el 10% del territorio El clima es suave en comparación con el resto de países nórdicos, ya que la corriente del golfo suaviza las temperaturas, tanto en invierno, con una media de 0º C, como en verano, 10 º C. Las características geológicas dotan a este país de unos amplios recursos geotérmicos, ya que aprovechan las altas temperaturas del agua para alimentar su industria. Tradicionalmente la industria pesquera ha sido el motor de la economía islandesa, siendo el 70% de sus exportaciones productos del mar. Actualmente el turismo y el sector financiero, están compitiendo por ese puesto. La pesca se divide en: - Especies demersales (ej.: bacalao, eglefino, rape, carbonero, fletán negro…) Especies pelágicas (ej.: capelán, arenque, atún rojo, …) Especies de aguas profundas (ej.: maruca, bosmio, …) Crustáceos y mariscos En 2004, las primeras supusieron un 28% de las capturas, mientras que las segundas un 68% y los mariscos tan sólo un 2%. En términos de valor, sin embargo, las especies demersales originaron un 68% del total de beneficios, las pelágicas 15 % y los crustáceos y mariscos 11%. En respuesta a la presión internacional, Islandia suspendió todas las operaciones de pesca de ballenas en 1989. Sin embargo, en junio de 1992, se retiró de la organización internacional que regula esta actividad por discrepar de la designación de ballenas en peligro de extinción para algunas especies que, en su opinión, ponían en peligro otras especies importantes para la pesca comercial propia de la isla. Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 4 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið 2.- PESCADOS, MARISCOS Y CRUSTÁCEOS 2.1 Inform ación general: Los recursos marinos en aguas islandesas representan un 60 % del total de las exportaciones del país. Aunque su importancia ha disminuido algo, la pesca sigue siendo la actividad económica más importante de Islandia y representa aproximadamente el 13 por ciento del PIB, el 71 por ciento de las exportaciones de mercancías y el 49 por ciento de los ingresos de divisas. Las principales especies en aguas islandesas son: - Bacalao: las capturas de esta suelen tener su mejor temporada en los últimos meses del invierno y en el verano. Suele estar a una profundidad de 100-250 metros y a una temperatura oceánica de 4-7 º C. La edad de estas ronda los 2 años y entre 2-5 Kg. de peso. En el año 2004 el total fue de 223.000 toneladas, que se espera que sea menor en el 2005 debido a la reducción de la cuota impuesta por el gobierno. Las siguientes figuras muestran la distribución de la cuota de bacalao entre las principales ciudades pesqueras de Islandia en los últimos años: Figura 2: Distribución de la Cuota de Bacalao entre las Principales Ciudades Islandesas. Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 5 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið - Eglefino: se pesca todo el año, principalmente en el sur y suroeste de la isla, y la mejor época es en primavera y verano. Se encuentra a una profundidad de 10-200 metros y tiene una edad media de 4-6 años y 1-2 kg. El total de capturas de esta especie en el año 2004 fue de 85.000 toneladas (siendo el más alto de los últimos 40 años) y se espera que en el 2005 aumente a 90.000 ton. Figura 3: Principales Ciudades Procesadoras de Eglefino Principales Ciudades Procesadoras de Eglefino 14000 12000 Reykjavík 10000 Grindavík 8000 Akranes 6000 Ísafjörður 4000 Ólafsfjörður 2000 Akureyri 0 Hornafjörður 1 Vestmannaeyjar Año 2004 Fuente: Elaboración Propia según datos de Hagstofa Íslands - - - - - Carbonero: está en las aguas del sur y oeste del país, a una profundidad de entre 0-200 metros y a una temperatura de 4-12 º C. La edad media es de 4-8 años y pesan entre 2-6 Kg. El total de capturas ha variado entre 30.000 y 100.000 toneladas en los últimos 30 años, siendo en el 2004 65.000 con estimaciones para el año 2005 de 70.000. Gallineta dorada: hay tres especies Sebastes Mari nus, S. Mentel l a y S. Vi vi parus, la mayor cantidad corresponde a la primera. Se localiza en el oeste y suroest, a una profundidad de 100-300 metros y una temperatura de 3-8º C. Aunque estadísticamente se separan, el total de estas ha sido de 80.000 toneladas de media en los últimos años. Fletán de Groenlandia: se encuentra en las aguas que dividen Islandia y Groenlandia, localizándose los mayores bancos en la zona noroeste a una profundidad de 350-1.600 metros. La edad media es de 6-12 años y peso entre 1-4 kilos. Las capturas han variado los últimos años de 10.000 a 60.000 toneladas, pero desde al año 1990 las capturas islandesas se han reducido en un 60%, mientras que las de otras naciones han aumentado (en el año 2004 Islandia sumó 15.500 toneladas, frente a las 12.000 de otras naciones). Siluro:se encuentra por toda la costa de la isla, pero principalmente n la zona noroeste entre los meses de marzo-mayo, a una profundidad de 10-300 metros, de entre 10-15 años de edad. El total registrado de esta especie es de 13.200 toneladas en año 2004. Arenque:es estacional, principalmente en los meses de Octubre y Enero en el suroeste, sureste y sur de la isla. En el año 2004 las capturas totales en verano fueron de 525.000 toneladas. Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 6 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið - - - Capelán: la pesca se concentra en dos épocas: Enero-Abril para capelina de 3-4, y resto del año para aquella de 2-3 años. Las capturas totales han sido de 1.5 millones de toneladas, ya que se pesca conjuntamente con Groenlandia, Noruega, e Islas Faroe, aunque la mayor parte corresponde a Islandia con 516.000 toneladas en 2004, aunque se espera un aumento de 640.000 Ton. para 2005. Cigalas: se encuentran en el sur, sureste y suroeste de la isla, a una profundidad de 110-270 metros y temperaturas de 6-9 º C. Los meses de pesca son del 15 de Mayo al 31 de Agosto. En el año 2004 hubo un total de 1.440 toneladas, aunque el stock total es de 13.000. Gamba (o camarón): están en el oeste, norte y este del país a una profundidad de 50-700 metros. Se puede capturar todo el año, y alcanzó su cuota máxima en 1995 con 76.000 toneladas, reduciéndose a 16.000 en 2004. Vieira islandesa: se puede encontrar en los fiordos del oeste y noroeste en los meses de primavera u verano. La profundidad a la que habitan es de 20-70 metros. En el año 2004 se ha detectado una reducción de los stocks de esta especie en el área de Breidafjordur (principal zona de pesca), por lo que no se han permitido capturas en esta zona en los últimos dos años. Las capturas hasta entonces habían sido de entre 8.000 y 17.000 toneladas. 2.2 Sistema de cuotas: El total de las capturas en el año 2004 han sido de 1,7 toneladas, con una valor de 68 millones de coronas islandesas, situando a este país entre las 12-13 naciones que más pescan del mundo. El bacalao es la especie más importante que posee Islandia, ya que representa el 40 % del total de las exportaciones marinas. Tabla 1: Capturas Totales de los Barcos Islandeses. Año 2004-2005 Capturas totales de los barcos islandeses. Año 2004-2005 Enero - Junio Toneladas Especies Total Bacalao Eglefino Carbonero Gallineta dorada Arenque Capelina Bacaladilla Mariscos Otras especies Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands Misión Comercial a Islandia 2004 1.056.186 127.470 41.659 24.541 28.273 58.965 488.026 220.981 16.090 258 2005 1.159.474 120.718 52.451 29.059 37.069 49.022 595.183 224.109 5.903 111 Septiembre 2005 7 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið La Ley de Pesca de 19903, es la base del actual sistema de regulación de la pesca en Islandia. Bajo esta ley se establece un sistema transferible e individual de cuotas que representan una parte del total de capturas permitidas por ley. Estas son permanentes, perfectamente divisibles y libres de transferir4. Este sistema ha desempeñado una función decisiva en la explotación sostenible de los recursos marinos y la reducción del exceso de capacidad del sector. Desde 1999, cualquier buque de pesca registrado puede solicitar incondicionalmente permisos de pesca. Sin embargo, la asignación de cupos gratuitos sigue siendo una de las cuestiones de política más debatidas en Islandia, tanto en lo que se refiere a la aportación de ganancias imprevistas para los propietarios de buques, como a los ingresos públicos sacrificados. Para negociar con las cuotas, existen bancos de cuotas, en los que puedes comprar, alquilar o vender esas cuotas, aunque nunca puede ser más del 50 %. Tabla 2: Cuota de las Principales Especies. Año 2005 Cuota por especies.5 Año 2005/2006 Especie Toneladas 198.000 Bacalao 57.000 Gallineta Dorada 105.000 Eglefino 80.000 Carbonero 15.000 Fletán negro 13.000 Perro del Norte 3.500 Platija americana 5.000 Solla Europea 4.000 Limanda 3.500 Brosmio 5.000 Maruca 2.500 Rape 2.400 Mendo 110.000 Arenque islandés 10.000 Camarón 1.800 Cigala Fuente: Ministerio de Asuntos Pesqueros 3 4 5 REGLUGEREÐ nr. 38, 15 maí 1990. Anexo resumen Anexo documento con las cuotas de los últimos años, según la legislación de la materia. REGLUGERÐ, nr. 649, 22. júní 2005,um leyfilegan heildarafla á fiskveiðiárinu 2005/2006 Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 8 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið Las empresas que poseen una mayor cuota son: Figura 4: Ranking de Empresas con Mayor Cuota Fuente: Íslandsbanki6 3.- EXPORTACIONES DE PRODUCTOS DEL MAR 3.1 Características generales: El valor de las exportaciones de este producto suponen un 53.3 % del total de las exportaciones de la economía islandesa, por lo que es muy dependiente de las variaciones que pueden sufrir precios y stocks marinos. Tabla 3: Exportaciones por Grupo SITC, Rev. 3. Año 2004 Exportaciones por grupo SITC, Rev. 3 Año 2004 Total 3 Pesado, crustáceos y moluscos 3.1 Pescado, fresco, refrigerado, congelado 3.2 Pescado, seco, salado, ahumado 3.3 Crustáceos y moluscos 3.4 Productos preparados o conservados Toneladas 1.525.012,6 463.600,4 Mill ISK 202.373,0 107.956,1 % 100,0 53,3 356.376,4 69.223,0 34,2 70,588.8 7.981,9 24.628,2 2.221,3 12,2 1,1 28.653,3 11.883,7 5,9 Nota: Precios según valor FOB Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands 6 Íslandsbanki: www.isb.is Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 9 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið En los últimos años han aumentado las exportaciones de productos del mar en cantidad, sin embargo en cuanto al valor de las mismas, ha decrecido. Tabla 4: Cantidad de las Exportaciones de Productos del Mar. Año 2004 Cantidad de las Exportaciones de Productos del Mar. Año 2004. Toneladas Año Total 2002 806.839 2003 808.958 2004 827.537 Congelado Salado Fresco y “en frío” 250.430 260.292 313.815 57.575 52.922 54.917 95.533 105.285 96.219 Aceite y harinas de Enlatados Otros pescado 13.862 367.757 2.643 19.038 13.239 355.048 0 22.173 15.398 321.146 0 26.039 Seco Nota: desde 2003 los productos enlatados no están incluidos en los números totales Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands Tabla 5: Valor de las Exportaciones de Productos del Mar. Año 2004 Valor de las Exportaciones de Productos del Mar. Año 2003-2004. Millones de Coronas Año Total 2003 2004 113.693 121.746 Aceite y harinas Fresco y Enlatados Seco de pescado “en frío” 20.477 14.816 2.611 17.627 0 21.277 19.362 3.177 16.002 0 Congelado Salado 57.811 61.411 Nota: desde 2003 los productos enlatados no están incluidos en los números totales Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands Figura 5: Relación del Valor de las Capturas con su Valor en la Exportación Fuente: Iceland in Figures, 2004 7 7 Iceland in Figures 2004: Publicación del Ministerio de Asuntos Pesqueros Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 10 Otros 351 514 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið Tabla 6: Valor de las Exportaciones de Productos Marinos según los principales mercados de destino. Año 2004 Valor de las Exportaciones de Productos Marinos según los principales mercados de destino. Año 2004 Total EEA8 Bélgica Reino Unido Dinamarca Francia Grecia Países Bajos Italia Lituania Noruega Portugal Polonia España Alemania Otros países europeos fuera de la EEA Federación Rusa Asia Japón China Nigeria EE.UU. Unidad: Millones de Coronas Islandesas9 Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands 121.746 94.248 3.440 32.500 6.273 7.060 2.279 5.572 1.814 1.834 4.360 6.599 2.255 12.465 6.111 3.263 1.768 7.943 5.344 1.071 3.476 11.498 8 EEA: siglas inglesas referidas a el Área Económica Exclusiva, mediante el cual Noruega, Islandia y Suiza tienen un trato preferencial al comerciar con los países miembros de la Unión Europea 9 1 € = 78,31 ISK según cambio Agosto 2005 Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 11 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið 3.2 Principales productos exportados: Como se puede ver en el gráfico el bacalao es el tipo de pescado que más se exporta, siendo España uno de los principales mercados de destino. Figura 6: Exportación de Productos del Mar . Año 2004 Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands La mayoría de los países de exportación son europeos y asiáticos, como excepción destacamos el caso de Nigeria al que principalmente venden cabezas secas del bacalao. En la siguiente tabla veremos los principales mercados de exportación de los productos del mar. España se sitúa como segundo país europeo de exportación de productos marinos por detrás de Reino Unido con 12.465 millones de Coronas Islandesas. Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 12 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið En función del tipo de procesamiento que se le da a las especies encontramos los siguientes datos: Tabla 7: Capturas por Especie y Tipo. Año 2005 Especie Total Bacalao Eglefino Siluro Gallineta dorada Fletán Arenque 91.749 39.816 20.712 Capelán Gamba Vieira Capturas por especie y tipo de procesamiento. Año 2005, Enero-Abril Toneladas Fresco Fresco Fresco Consumo Cong. en Cong. en export. Salado Seco a otros exportado en doméstico tierra el mar por aire puertos contenedores 25.171 12.302 8.983 41.816 64 3 2.810 98 14.967 10.288 4.824 29 1 9 7.993 1.645 7.312 9.373 86 2.638 1,15 1 247 7 27.944 7.527 13.772 896 0 0 270 5.461 18 142 1.794 585.24 2 1.730 0 2 0 33 1.794 36 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 29 0 42 0 51.994 36.179 0 0 0 1.190 0 0 1.179 0 551 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fuente: Hagstofa Íslands En el siguiente gráfico vemos más claramente los principales procesos en función de las especies: Figura 7: Procesos Realizados a las Principales Especies Bacalao Gallineta dorada congelado en tierra congelado en tierra congelado en el mar Congelado en el mar Salado Fresco Fresco En hielo Capelán Gambas Congelado Aceite de pescado y harinas de pescado Congelado en tierra Congelado en el mar En hielo Fuente: Elaboración propia según el ministerio de Asuntos Pesqueros Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 13 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið 4.- ÍNDICE DE FIGURAS Y TABLAS FIGURAS Figura 1: Mapa de Islandia………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Figura 2: Distribución de la Cuota de Bacalao entre las Principales Ciudades Islandesas….. 5 Figura 3: Principales Ciudades Procesadoras de Eglefino…………………………………………. 6 Figura 4: Ranking de Empresas con Mayor Cuota…………………………………………………… 9 Figura 5 : Relación del Valor de las Capturas con su Valor en la Exportación………………… 10 Figura 6: Exportación de Productos del Mar. año 2004…………………………………………….. 12 Figura 7: Procesos Realizados a las Principales Especies………………………………………… 13 TABLAS Tabla 1: Capturas Totales de los Barcos Islandeses. Año 2004-2005…………………………….. 7 Tabla 2: Cuota de las Principales Especies. Año 2005………………………………………………. 8 Tabla 3: Exportaciones por Grupo SITC, Rev. 3. Año 2004…………………………………………. 9 Tabla 4: Cantidad de las Exportaciones de Productos del Mar. Año 2004………………………. 10 Tabla 5: Valor de las Exportaciones de Productos del Mar. Año 2004…………………………… 10 Tabla 6: Valor de las Exportaciones de Productos Marinos según los principales mercados de destino. Año 2004……………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Tabla 7: Capturas por Especie y Tipo. Año 2005……………………………………………………... 13 Misión Comercial a Islandia 14 Septiembre 2005 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið 5.- BIBLIOGRAFÍA - Hagstofa Íslands www.statice.is - Marine Research Institue www.hafro.is - Icelandic Fisheries Laboratory www.rfisk.is/english/about/ - Ministry of Fisheries http://eng.sjavarutvegsraduneyti.is/ - Directorate of Fisheries www.fiskistofa.is/en Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 15 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið Anexos Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 16 Spánsk-Íslenska Viðskiptaráðið Ley de ordenación de la pesca, Nº38/1990 RESUMEN DE LAS PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS: - - - - - El primer artículo de la ley establece que los bancos de peces en torno a Islandia son bienes comunes de la nación islandesa y que la asignación de cuotas no da lugar a derechos de propiedad privada o dominio irrevocable de particulares sobre los bancos. De conformidad con el artículo 3 de la ley, el Ministro de Pesca debe elaborar una reglamentación que establezca el total autorizado de captura (TAC), para una temporada o un período determinado, de los recursos pesqueros aprovechables en aguas islandesas cuya captura debía limitarse. Los derechos de captura establecidos por la ley se calculan en base a esa cantidad y a cada buque se le asigna una proporción específica del TAC para las distintas especies, la denominada cuota. De conformidad con el párrafo 1 del artículo 4 de la ley, no se pueden realizar actividades de pesca a escala comercial en aguas islandesas sin un permiso general de pesca. El párrafo 2 del artículo 4 autoriza al Ministro a dictar reglamentaciones que exijan permisos de pesca especiales para la captura de ciertas especies o para el uso de cierto tipo de artes de pesca o embarcaciones. El párrafo 1 del artículo 7 establece que la pesca de especies de recursos marinos vivos que no estén sujetas a las restricciones del TAC, de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 3, está permitida a todos los buques que tengan un permiso de pesca comercial. El párrafo 2 del artículo 7 establece que se podrán conceder a las distintas embarcaciones derechos de pesca de especies cuya captura esté restringida. La determinación de las cuotas de pesca para especies que anteriormente no estaban sujetas al TAC se basa en las capturas efectuadas en los últimos tres períodos de pesca. La determinación de las cuotas de pesca para especies que han estado sujetas a restricciones se basa en la asignación hecha en años anteriores. En virtud del párrafo 6 del artículo 11 de la ley, la cuota correspondiente a un buque puede transferirse total o parcialmente a otro y combinarse con la cuota que le corresponde, siempre y cuando los derechos de captura del buque receptor de la cuota no excedan de su capacidad de pesca. Si las partes que tienen derecho permanente a una cuota no ejercen ese derecho de manera satisfactoria pueden perderlo definitivamente. La Ley de ordenación de la pesca también restringe la magnitud de la cuota a la que pueden tener derecho las personas jurídicas y los particulares. Misión Comercial a Islandia Septiembre 2005 17 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of species within the Icelandic EEZ The figures are given in metric tonnes of live weight Species 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 Atlantic cod 155.000 186.000 218.000 250.000 250.000 220.000 190.000 179.000 209.000 205.000 Haddock 60.000 45.000 45.000 35.000 35.000 30.000 41.000 55.000 75.000 90.722 Saithe (Pollock) 70.000 50.000 30.000 30.000 30.000 30.000 37.000 45.000 50.000 70.000 Redfish 65.000 65.000 65.000 65.000 60.000 57.000 65.000 60.000 57.000 57.000 Tusk - - - - - - 4.500 3.500 3.500 3.500 Ling - - - - - - 3.000 3.000 3.000 4.000 Catfishes - 13.000 13.000 13.000 13.000 13.000 16.100 16.000 16.000 13.044 20.000 15.000 10.000 10.000 10.000 20.000 20.000 23.000 23.000 15.000 - - - - - - 1.500 1.500 2.000 2.000 Greenland halibut Angler European plaice 13.000 12.000 9.000 7.000 4.000 4.000 5.000 5.000 4.500 5.000 Witch flounder - 1.200 1.100 1.100 1.100 1.100 1.350 1.500 1.500 2.000 Common dab - - 7.000 7.000 7.000 5.500 4.000 7.000 7.000 5.000 Amer. plaice - - 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000 Lemon sole - - - - 1.400 1.400 1.400 1.600 1.600 1.600 125.000 110.000 100.000 70.000 100.000 110.000 125.000 105.000 110.000 110.000 1.108.000 1.277.000 1.008.028 994.700 891.500 918.600 1.096.000 765.000 737.345 803.256 Off shore shrimp 63.000 60.000 75.000 40.000 20.000 25.000 35.000 30.000 20.000 20.000 Inshore shrimp 11.450 9.850 7.150 4.900 3.250 2.200 2.390 1.700 1.150 450 Iceland scallop 9.250 9.100 8.000 10.150 9.800 9.300 6.500 4.150 0 0 Lobster 1.500 1.500 1.200 1.200 1.200 1.200 1.500 1.600 1.600 1.500 1.701.200 1.854.650 1.602.478 1.544.050 1.442.250 1.453.300 1.661.240 1.313.550 1.328.195 1.414.072 Icelandic herring Capelin Total Fishing year is from September to August Fiskistofa,26.04.2005 Nytjastofnar sjávar 2004/2005 - aflahorfur 2005/2006 169 4. English summary of the State of Marine Stocks in Icelandic waters 2004/2005 Prospects for the Quota Year 2005/2006 2.1. Cod Total landings in the calendar year 2004 were 223 000 t compared to 202 000 t in 2002. The national TAC for cod (Gadus morhua) for the quota year 2003/2004 was set to 209 000 t but the landings amounted to 221 000 t. The national TAC for cod for the quota year 2004/2005 was set to 205 000 t. The age composition of the catches in 2004 was similar to that predicted. However, somewhat more were caught of fish of 5 and 8 years and fewer of other age groups. Mean weight at age in the catches for age groups 4-8 has decreased about 13% on average since 2002 and about 20% for age groups 9 and 10. A similar decrease in mean weight at age has been observed in groundfish surveys. This reduction seems related to changed behaviour of capelin, the major food item of cod, in recent years. In forecasts it is assumed that the availability of capelin to cod will be low as in previous years. In the last five years the reference biomass (4 years and older) has been increasing and was estimated to be 760 000 t at the beginning of January 2005 and 823 000 t in 2006. The spawning stock biomass has also been increasing in recent years and was estimated to be 262 000 t in 2005, the highest observed value since 1981. However, the ratio of older fish in the age composition is much lower now than observed in 1981. Year classes 2001, 2003 and 2004 are now estimated to be poor and the 2002 year class just below average. In the years 1986-1993, before the Harvest Control Rule (HCR) was adopted, the average reference fishing mortality (F5-10) was 0.81 and average exploitation rate 42%. After the HCR was adopted in 1995 on average the exploitation rate has been 30% and fishing mortalities 0.64. In recent years (2003-2004) the exploitation rate has been 26% and the reference fishing mortalities 0.60. Following the HCR would imply catches of 198 000 t in the fishing year 2005/2006. Given that the TAC next year will be in accordance with the HCR the estimated reference biomass (4+) and spawning stock biomass will increase slightly. Simulation results show that if the exploitation rate is decreased to 20% there is a high probability that the spawning stock biomass will not decrease from present level. A group of scientists appointed by the Ministry of Fisheries to review the HCR delivered a final report in April 2004. The group recommended a new HCR using the average of last year’s TAC and 22% of the estimated reference biomass (B4+) in the assessment year. According to the results of the group an exploitation rate of 18-23% would be the optimal long-term harvest strategy. If the spawning stock biomass production will remain as low as in recent years, the lowest value is the most optimal one. Based on these results and indications of the status of the stock in coming years the Marine Research Institute (MRI) advises the adoption of a new HCR and that the intended exploitation rate should be decreased below the 25% level. MRI recommends that the present regulations regarding maximum mesh size (8 inches) of gillnets still be in effect. The MRI will also evaluate whether further closures of spawning areas during the spawning season are needed. 2.2. Haddock In 2004, 85 000 t of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) were landed, compared to 61 000 t in 2003. The advice for the fishing year 2004/05 was 90 000 t and the TAC was the same. The fishable stock (3+) is now estimated to have been 281 000 t in the beginning of the year 2005 and the spawning stock 182 000 t. This year’s assessment used age disaggregated catch in numbers and age disaggregated abundance indices from the groundfish survey in March for tuning. A number of different assessment models were used and the biomass estimates differed somewhat e.g. the October survey gave considerably lower biomass values than the March survey. The size of the haddock stock has been increasing rapidly since 2000 when it was at a minimum. The fishable stock and the spawning stock are now estimated to have more than doubled since the year 2000. The 2003 year class is believed to be very large and is estimated to be in the range of 300-500 million recruits at age 2 which is an all time record of year class size. Five of seven year classes since 1998 have been estimated to be large, which is unusual. This good recruitment may be due to the fact that a high proportion of the 1998-2002 yearclasses have grown up north of Iceland, in areas where fishing effort has been very low in recent years. At the same time temperature in the waters north of Iceland has increased. The reduced overlap of the spatial distribution of young fish and the 170 fishery may explain the progressively larger estimates of recruiting year classes every year. Fishing mortality in the year 2004 is now estimated at 0.44 and has been decreasing. In 2005 the mortality is expected to decrease further. The Marine Research Institute (MRI) has recommended that the fishing mortality should not exceed 0.47, corresponding to a TAC of 140 000 t. However, in the view of some uncertainty in the actual stock size and the fact that a considerable part of the newly mentioned TAC (calculated from a fishable stock of three years old and older) will be the huge year class from 2003 at the age of 3, the MRI advises that this young fish shall and can be largely avoided in the fishery and recommends a TAC of 105 000 t for the quota year 2005/2006. 2.3. Saithe In 2004, the landings of saithe (Pollachius virens) were 65 000 t, or about 25% more than was landed in 2003. Annual landings in 1998-2001 were the lowest observed since the 1940s, or slightly above 30 000 t. The fishable stock is estimated to be 281 000 t and spawning stock biomass 100 000 t in 2005, close to estimates made in 2004. In 1997-2000, fishable stock size and spawning stock biomass were at a minimum, but have increased considerably in size since then. Recruiting year classes 1986-1995 were well below long-term average with the exception of year class 1992, but estimates of recent year classes (1998-2000) indicate that recruitment has improved considerably. The MRI recommends that the TAC should not exceed 80 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.4. Redfish stocks In 2004, the combined landings of golden redfish (Sebastes marinus) and demersal redfish (S. mentella) in Icelandic waters were estimated to be 49 000 t, compared to 65 000 t in 2003 and 52 00097 000 t between 1987-2001. In 2004, 32 000 t of golden redfish were landed, 4 000 t less than in 2003. Effort has remained relatively stable at low levels in recent years but CPUE has increased in recent years. Survey stock indices declined to a record low in the mid-1990s, but have, since then, increased to over 60% of the observed maximum due to increased recruitment to the fishable stock. The MRI recommends that fishing effort should be kept low, corresponding to a TAC of no more than 35 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. In 2004, about 17 000 t of demersal redfish were landed, compared to 28 000 t in 2003 and an average 33 000 t in 1996-2000. Total landings increased substantially from 1989 to 1994, but have since declined. Due to reductions in landings and effort in recent years, the drastic decline in the CPUE has halted and has started to increase again, although it is still very low. Significant recruitment has been Nytjastofnar sjávar 2004/2005 - aflahorfur 2005/2006 observed into the fishable stock in most recent years, but stock size is considered low. Consequently, ICES and MRI recommends that the effort should be kept low and that the TAC in ICES Division Va, Vb, VI and XIV be no more than 22 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. In 2004, at least 124 000 t of pelagic redfish were caught. During the past few years, the international fleet has taken an increasing proportion of the catch from depths greater than 600 m. Between 1998-2001, approximately 25% of the catch was taken at depths above 500 m, while the remainder of the catch was taken at depths below 500 m. In 2004, the Icelandic fleet caught about 36 000 t compared to 48 000 in 2003. About 85% of the Icelandic catch has, in recent years, been caught within the Icelandic 200 mile EEZ at depths below 600 m. The results from the international acoustic/trawl survey in the Irminger Sea and adjacent waters in 2003 indicated that the stock above 500 m was at very low level and the stock below 500 m had decreased. Because of this, ICES recommended that the TAC for 2005 should not exceed 41 000 t. NEAFC, however, recommended, that the TAC should not exceed 75 000 t among members countries. ICES will not give advice on pelagic redfish until the autumn 2005 and will base the advice on the results from the international acoustic/trawl survey conducted in the Irminger Sea and adjacent waters in June-July 2005 2.5. Greenland halibut In 2004, about 27 000 t of Greenland hali-but (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) were landed from the East-Greenland, Iceland and Faeroes waters. Landings of the Icelandic trawler fleet in 2004 were 15 500 t. CPUE of the Icelandic trawler fleet decreased by 50% in the last three years and is now at a historic low. CPUE in 2004 was only 1/4 of that measured in 1985, but effort has tripled during the same period. Biomass indices from the Icelandic autumn groundfish survey 1996-2004 show a similar pattern as the commercial CPUE indices. The CPUE in Faeroes and East-Greenland waters has declined in the last two years. There is no agreement on sharing the stock between nations. ICES advises that the total catch should not exceed 15 000 t for the East-Greenland, Icelandic and Faeroes waters. This is believed to lead to a considerable reduction in effort. 2.6. Halibut In 2004, 670 t of halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) were landed. During the past 9 years annual landings have been less than 1 000 t, the lowest observed in the past 50 years. Halibut has mainly been taken as by-catch in the bottom trawl and longline fisheries. In recent years, CPUE has declined sharply, both in the fishery and in the groundfish Nytjastofnar sjávar 2004/2005 - aflahorfur 2005/2006 171 surveys. Currently, the halibut stock seems to be severely depleted, with recruitment into the spawning stock most likely remaining at very low levels. The MRI recommends a ban on target fisheries for this species, as well as actions to minimize catches of juveniles. Results from the groundfish survey in March show a similar trend. The size of the witch stock remains uncertain, but all data indicate that the status of the stock is good. The MRI recommends a TAC of 2 200 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.7. Plaice 2.11. Lemon sole In 2004, 5 700 t of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) were landed, an increase of 800 t since the year 2001. CPUE in the Danish seine fishery, groundfish survey indices and age-structured assessment indicate that the stock declined more than 50% between 1991-2000, and is now estimated at about 10% of the 1985 estimate. There is, however, an indication that fishing mortality has decreased in recent years. Recruitment measurements from the groundfish survey do not indicate improved recruitment. The MRI recommends that the catch does not exceed 4 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. In 2004, 2 200 t of lemon sole (Microstomus kitt) were landed. Since exploitation of lemon sole restarted in 1985, landings have been in the range of 400-2 200 t. Groundfish survey indices declined by one third from 1985 to 2000, but have since increased substantially. CPUE in the Danish seine fishery off southwest Iceland has increased from 200 kg/set between 1993-1998 to 380 kg/set in 2004. The MRI recommends a precautionary TAC of 1 600 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.8. Dab In 2004, 2 700 t of dab (Limanda limanda) were landed. Between 1987-1997, landings of dab increased from 1 200 to 8 000 t but have since decreased considerably. The Danish seine fishery took over 95% of the catches. CPUE on the main fishing grounds off the southwest coast declined by 50% from 1997 to 2000, after increasing in 2001 and 2002 due to strong incoming year classes, CPUE has again declined significantly. The MRI recommends a TAC no higher than 2 500 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.9. Long rough dab In 2004, 2 000 t of long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) were landed. Landings increased from 650 t in 1990 to 6 400 t in 1996, but have been below 3 000 t in the last two years. Between 1991-1997, CPUE in the Danish seine fishery southwest and south off Iceland declined by 50%. After increasing from 1997-2001, CPUE has fallen again. As the sustainable yield of this stock is unknown, the MRI recommends a precautionary TAC of 2 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.10. Witch Landings of witch (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) declined from 4 600 t in 1987 to 1 300 t in 1990. Annual landings since then have been between 1 000-2 500 with landings in 2004 amounting to 2 100 t. CPUE of the Danish seine fleet decreased drastically from 1987 to 1998, but for the past six years it has doubled. Abundance indices from the annual Nephrops survey since 1995 show that the juvenile part of the stock (fish 30 cm or less) has increased considerably and that fishable biomass (fish larger than 30 cm) has more than tripled. 2.12. Megrim During 1951-1999, landings of megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) were between 40 t and 700 t, with annual landings declining from 420 t in 1996 to 67 t in 2003. In 2004, 123 t of megrim were landed. Catches of megrim are by-catches in the Danish seine and Nephrops fisheries off south Iceland. 2.13. Wolffish Estimated landings of Atlantic wolffish (Anarichas lupus) in 2004 were 13 200 tons, decreasing from 16 500 tons in 2003. The decrease in landings was caused by decreased catch on long lines and in the bottom trawl while the catch in Danish seine increased. The index of fishable biomass and recruitment indices in the groundfish survey in March decreased considerably from 2003 to 2004 and remained low in 2005. The index of fishable biomass is now similar to that in 1995 when it was the lowest since the survey commenced in 1985. Compared to the 2004 assessment, the current assessment leads to minor downwards revision of the size of the stock. The 2004 assessment led to a considerable downwards revision of the stock size compared to the previous year, caused by a decrease in the abundance of wolffish in the groundfish survey in March. As in recent years, the MRI recommends a management strategy of F0.1 or 13 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. In addition the MRI recommends closure for fishing of the major spawning area off W-Iceland during the spawning season in autumn and winter. 2.14. Blue ling In 2004, 1 180 t of blue ling (Molva dypterygia) were landed. Between 1985-2004, landings ranged from 800-2 600 t, with the exception of 1993 when landings were 5 400 t due to a temporary targeted 172 Nytjastofnar sjávar 2004/2005 - aflahorfur 2005/2006 fishery southwest of Iceland. In recent years, blue ling has mainly been taken as by-catch in the bottom trawl fishery. The sustainable yield of the stock is unknown and the MRI recommends continued closure of known spawning grounds from 15 February30 April. Results of an acoustic assessment of the spawning stock to the west of the British Isles in spring 2005 indicate that the spawning stock is 25% lower than last year. As the ICES stock assessment will be done in August/September, advice for 2006 will be awailable in October 2005. 2.15. Ling 2.22. Greater silver smelt In 2004, 4 500 t of ling (Molva molva) were landed, whereof Icelandic vessels landed 3 700 t. In recent years Icelandic landings decreased from 5 000 t to a record low of 2 800 t in 2002. Ling has mainly been taken as by-catch in other fisheries. Survey indices indicate that the stock has increased since 2001. The MRI recommends a TAC of less than 4 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. In 2004, 3 600 t of greater silver smelt (Argentina silus) were landed. Greater silver smelt has been caught off Iceland for several years, mainly as bycatch in the redfish bottom trawl fishery. However, an experimental fishery commenced in 1986. In recent years, permits have been issued for a direct fishery, with a subsequent increase in fishing effort. Landings increased from about 800 t in 1996 to 13 400 t in 1998, but have declined since 1998 due to declining interest in the fishery. The MRI recommends a precautionary TAC of 12 000 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.18. Lumpfish In 2004, approximately 5 800 t of lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) were landed, which is close to the average annual landings in 1971-2003. The fishery is characterised by large variations in annual catches, ranging between 13 000 t in 1984 and approximately 3 000 t or less in 1990 and 1998-2001. Both CPUE and abundance indices from groundfish surveys declined between 1991-1996. In 1998-2000, effort was reduced considerably and CPUE increased. In 2005, the March survey index was close to the average index in 1985-2004, and 60% of the maximum of the series in 2002. The stock is assessed with limited data and resources and must be harvested with caution. The MRI does not recommend a TAC in the quota year 2004/2005. 2.20. Capelin In the 2004/2005 season the total international landings of capelin (Mallotus villosus) were 784 000 t. Icelandic landings were 640 000 t. In order to predict fishable stock abundance for the 2005/2006 fishing season, data on the abundance of immature capelin of the 2003 and 2002 year classes in autumn 2004 are needed. The November 2004 survey failed to locate the immature capelin and ice conditions in the Denmark strait have precluded any further attempts to locate and assess immature capelin of the 2003 and 2002 year classes. The Marine Research Institute therefore advises that a fishery is not opened until further acoustic surveys have revealed sufficient numbers of these capelin to sustain a fishery with the usual prerequisite of a target remaining spawning stock of 400 000 t in spring 2006. 2.21. Blue whiting In 2004, international landings of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in the northeast Atlantic were estimated to be 2.4 million t. Icelandic landings were 422 000 t. 2.23. Nephrops In 2004, 1 437 t of Nephrops norvegicus were landed compared to 1 666 t in 2003. CPUE (kg/hour, single rigged) was 46 kg in 2004 compared to 52 kg and 44 kg in 2003 and 2002. According to the current assessment, the fishable stock biomass (Nephrops 6 years and older) in 2005 is estimated to be 12 700 t or similar to the assessment made in 2004. The stock declined to its lowest recorded levels around 1995, due to very poor overall recruitment and high fishing intensity off SEIceland. While recruitment from the 1990-1991 year classes benefited the fishable stock off SE-Iceland after 1995, it has remained poor off SW-Iceland. Recruitment is expected to remain good off SEIceland but is still at a very low levels off the southwest coast. The MRI recommends a TAC of no more than 1 600 t in the quota year 2005/2006. Also it is recommended that the TAC be divided by areas according to the latest information on stock size. 2.24. Northern shrimp In 2004, 520 t of Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) were landed from inshore areas, decreasing from 1 500 t in the year 2003. Prospects for the inshore shrimp fishery in the coming season are very poor in those areas where cod is abundant, such as Ísafjardardjúp, Húnaflói, Skagafjörður, Skjálfandi and Öxarfjörður. The MRI recommends a preliminary TAC of 500 t for the Northern shrimp in the inshore areas for the quota year 2005/2006. TAC recommendations for the whole season will be made on the basis of surveys to be carried out in autumn or February 2005/2006. In 2004, 16 000 t of Northern shrimp were landed from offshore areas, decreasing from 22 000 t in 2003. The increased abundance of cod in waters Nytjastofnar sjávar 2004/2005 - aflahorfur 2005/2006 173 north of Iceland is estimated to be largely responsible for the decline in shrimp abundance from a near historic high in 1997 to a historic low in 2000. Survey results indicated an increase in the shrimp stock and decrease in cod abundance in 2000 and 2001 but a decrease in the shrimp stock in 2003 and 2004. The MRI recommends a preliminary TAC of 10 000 t for Northern shrimp in the offshore areas (excluding the Dohrnbank area) in the quota year 2005/2006. The TAC is to be revised in autumn 2005 after the annual shrimp survey has been conducted. In the Denmark Strait, east of the midline EEZ between Iceland and Greenland, Iceland caught about 400 t in 2004. For all nations, NAFO has recommended a TAC of 12 400 t for the whole area of the Denmark Strait in 2005. catch was 234 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), 68 sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), and during 1948-1982, 82 sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Minke whaling was conducted around Iceland from small motor boats during most of last century. Between 1977-1985, annual minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) catches were around 200 animals. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission' s (IWC) resolution on a temporary pause in commercial whaling came into effect. In accordance with the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, scientific whaling under special permit of a limited number of fin and sei whales occurred between 1986-1989. Between 1990 and 2002, no whaling occurred in Icelandic waters. A comprehensive research plan involving the take of 100 minke, 100 fin, and 50 sei whales annually for two years was submitted by Iceland for discussion at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 2003. In August 2003 Icelandic authorities decided to start implementing the part of the project concerning minke whales by issuing a special permit for the take of up to 38 animals for research purposes. During 18. August-30. September 36 minke whales were caught in accordance with the original research plan for that period. According to a 1995 sightings survey there were estimated to be 18 900 fin whales in the East-Greenland, Iceland, and Jan Mayen stock area (EGI stock area). Results from a survey conducted in 2001 show an increased abundance in comparable areas, and a total population size of around 23 000 fin whales. According to an assessment conducted by the Scientific Committee of the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) in 2003 the EGI stock of fin whales is estimated to be close to its preexploitation abundance. The Scientific Committee further concluded that annual catches of 150 fin whales for the next 20 years on the whaling grounds west of Iceland would be sustainable. If catches were spread more widely, annual catches of 200 fin whales are sustainable. According to this assessment, it is clear that the proposed takes of 100 fin whales per year for a period of two years are sustainable. Sighting surveys indicated that the sei whale stock in Icelandic and adjacent waters is around 10 500 animals. The limited harvesting of this stock in the years prior to the fishery closure in 1988, is unlikely to have had any adverse effects on the stock. It is clear that the proposed catches of 50 sei whales per year for two years will not significantly affect the Iceland-Denmark Strait stock of sei whales. According to a 2001 sightings survey, 67 000 minke whales were estimated in the Central North Atlantic stock region, with 44 000 animals in Icelandic coastal waters. Assessment by the Scientific Committee of NAMMCO in 1998 indicated that the minke whale fishery in recent decades had no significant effect on the status of the stock. 2.25. Iceland scallop There were no landings in 2004-2005 due to a closure of the Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) fishery. Following a decrease in the TAC in 1994 the stock remained relatively stable during 1993-2000. However, survey indices declined drastically in 2000-2003 and the 2003 index amounted to only 27% of the average for 1993-2000 and less than 20% of the historical high of 1980-1983. Still, a 15% increase in total stock index was observed in 2004 due to improved recruitment. Also, CPUE declined by some 55% from the average of 1996-1999 to the last year of the fishery in 2003. The downward trend in stock abundance is mainly due to increased natural mortality, possibly linked with a recently identified protozoan infestation in adult scallops and unusually high sea temperatures in recent years. Therefore, the MRI recommends a continued closure of the scallop fishery in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.26. Ocean quahog In 2004, 10 400 t of ocean quahog (Artica islandica) were landed, compared to 14 300 t in 2003. Since 1996 a fishery for human consumption has been developing, but annual landings have been variable because of variable effort. MRI recommends an harvesting policy of 2.5% of the estimated stock size corresponding to no more than 31 500 t in the quota year 2005/2006. 2.27. Whelk Pot fishing for whelks (Buccinum undatum) started in Breiðafjörður in 1996. Annual landings have varied greatly with a maximum of about 1 300 t in 1997, but landings were negligible in 1998 and 2002. In 2004, the total catch was 631 t. 2.28. Whales Whaling for large whales was conducted intermittently from shore-based stations in Iceland for over a century. Between 1948 and 1985, the average 174 The Scientific Committee of NAMMCO conducted an assessment of the status of the Central North Atlantic stock of minke whales in 2003. In agreement with earlier scientific assessments on this stock the Scientific Committee concluded that the stock is close to pre-exploitation abundance, and that historic catches have not appreciably affected the stock. Even under the most pessimistic scenarios considered, an annual catch of 200 minke whales over the next 20 years will maintain the population above 80% of the pre-exploitation level. Similarly an annual catch of 400 minke whales would maintain the population above 70% of this level. Based on these assessments it is clear that annual catches of 200-400 minke whales are in accordance with the objective of sustainable utilization of the minke whale stock, as it is widely recognized that the population level giving maximum sustainable yield lies within the bounds of 60-72% of the preexploitation level. If commercial whaling will Nytjastofnar sjávar 2004/2005 - aflahorfur 2005/2006 commence the Marine Research Institute recommends that annual catches of minke whales do not exceed 400 animals and further that catches will be distributed in accordance with minke whale distribution in the continental shelf area. It is furthermore clear from the above scientific assessments that the proposed special permit takes of 200 minke whales spread over a period of 3-5 years will not significantly affect the abundance of minke whales in Icelandic waters. 2.29. Seals In 2004 the seal catch was 146 common seals (Phoca vitulina) and 295 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). In 2002 a grey seal survey was conducted where 5 500 grey seals were estimated along a part of the Icelandic coast. According to a survey conducted in August 2003 the stock of common seals was about 10 000 animals. The stock was estimated at about 30 000 in 1980.