Management strategy evaluation for North Sea haddock

North Sea haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) are managed under a plan agreed between the European Union (EU) and Norway. This management plan was reviewed during 2006. As part of the review process, a quantitative management strategy evaluation (MSE) was undertaken, both of the existing plan and of proposed modifications. The evaluation was implemented in the R programming system, using FLR libraries, and was based on stochastic simulations of the complete fishery system (including a biological operating model, a knowledge production model with “live” stock assessments, and a simple implementation model). The generation of appropriate time-series of recruitment was of key importance for a stock like North Sea haddock which produces sporadic large year-classes. Although some refinement of growth and discard models is still required, tentative conclusions can be reached on the likely efficacy of different management plans. Well-defined MSEs have the potential to impart useful information for assessment scientists, fisheries managers and stakeholders.