Fiskistofnar

Fiskistofnar is the Icelandic term for fish stocks, referring to populations of a single fish species that are managed as a unit for fishing. Each stock is defined by its geographic range, life-history traits, and abundance, and is treated as the primary unit for assessing status and setting harvest limits. Stocks can be spatially separated and may respond differently to management measures.

Stock assessments combine commercial catch data, survey indices, age structure, and reproductive parameters to estimate current abundance and productivity. Scientists use reference points, such as spawning stock biomass and sustainable yield, to judge whether a stock is being fished at sustainable levels. Models help project future biomass under different harvest scenarios.

Management measures aim to keep stocks within safe biological limits. Common tools include total allowable catch (TAC) with national allocations, quotas, seasonal or area closures, gear restrictions, and bycatch limits. In many countries, decisions are based on scientific advice and designed to balance conservation with the socio-economic needs of fisheries.

Challenges include natural variability and climate-driven changes in distribution, data gaps, illegal or unreported fishing, and ecosystem interactions. Stocks can migrate across jurisdictions, complicating governance. Ongoing monitoring and international cooperation are essential for maintaining stock health and fishery viability.

Global examples include stocks such as cod, herring, and capelin. In Iceland and neighboring waters, governance emphasizes precaution and adaptive management to respond to changing conditions and new scientific information.