The state of fish populations exploited by French fishermen is still improving. This is the report drawn up by Ifremer, the French Research Institute for the Exploitation of the Sea, with regard to the data collected in 2021. 56% of the volumes of fish caught in France come from sustainably exploited populations, compared to 15% 20 years ago. But overfishing still affects 11% of the population, and 10% are considered ” collapsed like cod in the North Sea and Celtic Sea and sardines in the Mediterranean, but also in the Bay of Biscay.
– Ifremer
“The condition of the hake has really improved”
“The condition of hake has really improved, particularly in the Bay of Biscay. which are doing well, we also find megrim, scallops and haddock, “says Alain Biseau, biologist and coordinator of fisheries surveys at Ifremer.
Cod in trouble
“We always have a big problem with cod from the North Sea and the Celtic Sea, as well as whiting from the Celtic Sea, whose resource is considered to have collapsed. Regarding cod, scientists recommend not to fish at all. “ explains Alain Biseau. “The problem is that it is a mixed fishery, since this fish is caught at the same time as haddock for example. So to ban this fishery would be catastrophic for our fishermen. management therefore provide for a reduction in cod catches, but by authorizing a small part, in order to allow fishermen to continue to catch species that are doing better.
Sardines getting smaller and smaller in the Mediterranean, but also in the Bay of Biscay
“We are also concerned about sardines. You know that in the Mediterranean, the sardine is getting smaller and is experiencing reproduction problems. Well, the problem is now also visible in the Bay of Biscay. There is a slight problem of overfishing, but overall, the fishermen have nothing to do with it. The problem comes from nutrients, in particular phytoplankton. Global warming, and probably pollution, are the cause of the problem“specifies Alain Biseau.