Black-bellied monkfish

Lophius budegassa

What to check for

Location

Celtic Seas (South), Bay of Biscay

Technical location

Atlantic, Northeast, Bay of Biscay (Central), Bay of Biscay (North), Bay of Biscay (Offshore), Irish Sea, Porcupine Bank, English Channel, Bristol Channel, Celtic Seas, West and Southwest of Ireland

Caught by

Bottom trawl (otter)

Rating summary

Black bellied anglerfish in the Celtic Seas and Bay of Biscay is not overfished and not subject to overfishing. There is no management plan but some measures are in place, which are partly effective in managing the stock. There is no minimum landing size and high discards of undersized fish are of concern. There are concerns that catch limits are set for both black-bellied and white anglerfish together, preventing effective control of fishing for each species. However, the stock size of both species is increasing and neither appears to be at risk of over-exploitation. Otter trawlers interact with the seabed and can modify bottom topography and cause damage and removal of some biogenic features including vulnerable marine habitats and benthic communities. Bycatch is moderate and may include vulnerable species.Rating last updated July 2022.

How we worked out this Rating

References

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Black-bellied monkfish
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