Data for 2013 underpins the UK biodiversity indicator B2, which measures the sustainability of fisheries. The indicator shows the percentage of fish stocks in UK seas that are harvested sustainably and at full reproductive capacity, based on seven species across 13 stocks. It is published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee on behalf of Defra.
Use Cases
- Assess the sustainability of UK fisheries based on the percentage of stocks meeting sustainability and reproductive capacity criteria.
- Monitor trends in marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience based on the indicator's focus on key finfish species.
- Evaluate the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry based on the status of commercially important fish stocks.
Strengths
- Indicator is based on a defined group of seven species in 13 stocks with reliable estimates of fishing mortality and spawning biomass.
- Data is part of a suite of 24 official UK biodiversity indicators published by a recognized authority (JNCC/Defra).
- Uses precautionary reference points for fishing mortality and biomass to evaluate stock sustainability.
Limitations
- The latest data point is for 2013, which may limit analysis of recent trends.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Provenance
- Source
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) on behalf of the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
- Collection Method
- Likely compiled from scientific assessments of fish stocks, including estimates of fishing mortality and spawning biomass.
- Time Range
- Latest data point is for 2013.
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-07-08 13:31:09.640050; freshness should be verified
- Geography
- Seas around the United Kingdom.