Benchmark of European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) in Swedish areas of Skagerrak, Kattegat and Öresund : stock annex

Abstract

This report summarizes the process of conducting a benchmark for the assessment of European lobster in the Swedish coastal areas of the Skagerrak, Kattegat and Öresund. Catch data, survey indices, commercial catch per unit of effort and life history data, on which the assessment is based on, are described in summary in the report and in detailed form in the attached appendices. Furthermore, the report summarizes the model structure and the sensitivity analyses done to generate an ensemble model that can be used to estimate the stock status of the lobster stock and provide advice. The current assessment is considered an improvement compared to previous modelling. This is due to advances in the modelling tools used, as well as improved data and knowledge on spatial distribution and size composition. The lobster stock on the Swedish west coast is currently assessed as being around sustainable biological levels. After a period of excessive fishing and low biomass, recent management measures have likely succeeded in limiting fishing and improving the status of the stock. Under the current fishing pressure, the stock may develop positively, but what future fishing pressure may look like under current management, without a limitation in total catch, is not possible to predict.

Keywords

Lobster; Homarus gammarus; assessment; benchmark; stock annex; Stock Synthesis; ensemble; stock status

Published in

Aqua notes
2025, number: 2025:4
Publisher: Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

SLU Authors

• Sundelöf, Andreas

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Cardinale, Massimiliano

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Sande, Hege

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Hammenstig-Åström, Emmelie

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Pärn, Henrik

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Fish and Aquacultural Science
Fish and Wildlife Management

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.54612/a.4l1lrggjfs
• eISBN: 978-91-8046-591-5

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/140353