Following an update assessment in 2007, ICES classifies the stock as being harvested sustainably and suffering reduced reproductive capacity. SSB is well below the Blim, and at the lowest value in the time-series. Fishing mortality has shown decline since 2000 and is currently estimated to be just below Fpa. The 1999 2004 year classes are all estimated to have been well below average; the 2005 year class is estimated to be more abundant, but well below average levels.
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North Sea
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For the west coast stock the assessment is uncertain and the trends are indicative. The spawning stock biomass is at an all time low, but the total mortality is uncertain and probably high. Recruitment estimates indicate a decline in recruitment in the last decade, correlated with a decline in the spawning stock to the lowest levels observed. Recruitment since the 2002 year class has been amongst the weakest in the time-series although the estimate of the recruiting 2005 year class is slightly higher.
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Responsible sourcing 
