3.B.1.1.a Summary table by ecological category of resource (small pelagic fish)
Resource category State of stocks Ecological/environmental controls Fisheries management measures Operational targets
General comments Believed that stock size of most small pelagics has partially recovered from Mnemiopsis-caused depletion which began in the early 90’s Consider feasibility of keeping Mnemiopsis biomass in check by keeping planktivore biomass high; especially for horse mackerel, believed to be predator on Mnemiopsis

Important to reduce eutrophication of Black Sea, and hence reduce competitiveness of Mnemiopsis

 There is an urgent need to decide on a common method of control of fleet size and catch, and decide on access, national allocations of catches, and fishing opportunities In the absence of a fully operational Black Sea Fisheries Commission, the countries of the region should seek to agree on stock assessments and allocations

They should meet annually to discuss coordinated plans for fishing and for research surveys

A system of arbitration of disputes will be required
Sprat Have remained high, especially in NW Black Sea As above Could allow some moderate expansion of fisheries for human food (See above considerations for use of fish for food, and license limitation)

Agreement on level of catch should be made between national authorities made after cooperative acoustic survey and annual meeting of assessment scientists

Assistance with regular fishery survey activities of national fleets (fuel, equipment) $400,000 for 3 years; starting 1997-1998
Whiting Ditto Careful to avoid overfishing of a key prey species for predators such as turbot Ditto (by-catch in sprat fishery as well as directed fisheries) Ditto
Anchovy Some stock recovery, but restricted by uncontrolled exploitation. (Evidence of some profound changes in age at maturity and area of spawning as a result of Mnemiopsis) As for general comments Negotiate internationally, and introduce, catch or trip limits on national level Ditto
(Aim to increase stock size and reduce exploitation rate to achieve age composition comparable to early 1980’s, with more older fish in the stock)

Training of fisheries assessment and management personnel: 6x $30,000 = $180,000 (scholarships/study tours): starting 1998
Horse mackerel Some recovery? Predator on Mnemiopsis? Allow only incidental catches Ditto
(Aim to double stock size by 2005)

See also
3.B.1.1.a Anchovy migrations in the Black Sea
3.B.1.1.b Summary table by ecological category of resource (demersal fish)
3.B.1.1.c Summary table by ecological category of resource (anadromus fish)
3.B.1.1.d Summary table by ecological category of resource (indicators of ecosystem health)
3.B.1.1.e Summary table by ecological category of resource (exploitable species)
3.B.1.1.f Summary table by ecological category of resource (seasonal migrants)
3.B.1 Fisheries issues: status of stocks and management of wild resources
3.B.2.1.d Loss or imminent loss of endangered species (fishes)