GREEN SEA URCHIN
IN BREIÐAFJÖRÐUR
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Publication of Advice: 6 June 2025. Published by Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
Advice
MFRI advise that when the MSY approach is applied, catches in each of the fishing years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 should be no more than 197 tonnes in Breiðafjörður, defined by a line from Öndverðanes in the south to Bjargtangar in the north. This area has been divided into three areas and catches should not exceed 50 tonnes in Area A, 88 tonnes in Area B, and 59 tonnes Area C.
Stock development
Stock size is above Itrigger and the fishing pressure is below FMSY proxy
Green sea urchin. Breiðafjörður catches, fishing pressure proxy, and standardized CPUE index. CPUE index: the red horizontal lines indicate average indices for 2020–2022 and for 2023–2024 used in the advice calculations. Shaded areas and error bars show 95% confidence intervals.
Basis of the assessment and reference points
The ICES framework for category 3 stocks, for which analytical assessment is not possible but trends in biomass indicators are assumed to reflect changes in stock dynamics, was applied (ICES, 2025). A standardized CPUE is used as an indicator for stock development. As sufficient data on life history in addition to length measurements from catches, the advice is based on the rfb-rule for ICES category 3 data-limited stocks and is valid for each of the fishing years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.
Basis of the advice | MSY approach |
Management plan | There is no management plan for this stock |
Assessment type | Trends in catches |
Input data | Catches and catch per unit effort |
Approach | Reference point | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
MSY approach | K | 0.1 | Population growth rate |
LInf | 8.5 | Maximum length from catch length data | |
Lc | 5.2 | Length at first capture, 50% modal abundance from catch length data | |
FMSY_proxy | 1 | Relative value from LBI analysis, assuming M/K = 1.5 | |
LF=M | 6.025 | 0.75 x Lc + 0.25 x LInf | |
Itrigger | 1.512 | Iloss×1.4; Iloss defined as the lowest survey value |
Green sea urchin. Advice calculations.
Ay: Catch advice for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 | 194 |
Stock biomass trend | |
Index A (2023-2024) | 1.803 |
Index B (2020-2022) | 1.804 |
r: Stock biomass trend (index ratio A/B) | 0.999 |
Fishing pressure proxy | |
Mean catch length (Lmean = L2024) | 6.44 |
MSY proxy length (LF=M) | 6.025 |
f: Fishing pressure proxy (L2024/LF=M) | 1.069 |
Fishing pressure proxy relative to MSY proxy (LF=M/L2024) | 0.936 |
Biomass safeguard | |
Last index value (I2024) | 1.922 |
Index trigger value (Itrigger=Iloss*1.4) | 1.512 |
b: Index relative to trigger value, min{{I{tyr}/Itrigger, 1}} | 1 |
Precautionary multiplier to maintain biomass above Blim with 95% probability | |
m: Multiplier (generic multiplier based on life history) | 0.95 |
Advice calculation1) | 197 |
Uncertainty cap (+20% / -30% compared to Ay, only applied if b>1)2) | 0 |
Catch advice for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 | 197 |
% advice change3) | 1.47 |
1) Ay × r × f × b × m | |
2) min{max(0.7Ay, Ay+1), 1.2Ay} | |
3) The figures in the table are rounded. Calculations were done with unrounded inputs, and compared values may not match exactly when calculated using the rounded figures in the table. | |
Quality of the assessment
There is uncertainty in the landed catches of green sea urchin from Breiðafjörður because part of the catches could be the European edible sea urchin (Echinus esculentus).
Other information
Fishing areas of green sea urchin (regulation nr. 765/2020):
Green sea urchin. Recommended fishing grounds in Breiðafjörður.
Advice, TAC and catch
Green sea urchin. Recommended TAC, national TAC, and catches (tonnes).
Fishing year | Recommended TAC | Recommended TAC in Area A | Recommended TAC in Area B | Recommended TAC in Area C | National TAC | Catch in advised area | Catch in Area A | Catch in Area B | Catch in Area C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010/2011 | 138 | ||||||||
2011/2012 | 152 | ||||||||
2012/2013 | 127 | ||||||||
2013/2014 | 148 | ||||||||
2014/2015 | 256 | ||||||||
2015/2016 | 293 | ||||||||
2016/2017 | 250 | 313 | |||||||
2017/2018 | 250 | 376 | |||||||
2018/2019 | 250 | 411 | |||||||
2019/2020 | 275 | 281 | |||||||
2020/2021 | 220 | 55 | 100 | 65 | 57 | 98 | 67 | ||
2021/2022 | 196 | 49 | 89 | 58 | 49 | 90 | 59 | ||
2022/2023 | 188 | 47 | 85 | 56 | 47 | 85 | 56 | ||
2023/2024 | 194 | 49 | 87 | 58 | 49 | 88 | 59 | ||
2024/2025 | 194 | 49 | 87 | 58 | 48 | 69 | 50 | ||
2025/2026 | 197 | 50 | 88 | 59 | |||||
2026/2027 | 197 | 50 | 88 | 59 |
References and further reading
ICES. 2025. ICES Guidelines - Advice rules for stocks in category 2 and 3. Version 3. ICES Guidelines and Policies - Advice Technical Guidelines. 31 pp. https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.28506179
MFRI Assessment Reports 2025. Green sea urchin. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, 6 June 2025.
Reglugerð um veiðar á ígulkerum. https://island.is/reglugerdir/nr/0765-2020.
GREEN SEA URCHIN
IN ÍSAFJARÐARDJÚP
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Publication of Advice: 6 June 2025. Published by Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
Advice
MFRI advise that when the MSY approach is applied, catches in each of the fishing years 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 should be no more than 60 tonnes in Ísafjarðardjúp. The advice does not apply to Jökulfirðir.
Stock development
MFRI cannot assess the stock and exploitation status relative to maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and precautionary approach (PA) reference points, because the reference points are undefined.
Green sea urchin. Catches in Ísafjarðardjúp in 2021-2024.
Basis of the advice
Basis of the advice | Precautionary approach |
Management plan | There is no management plan for this stock |
Assessment type | Trends in catches |
Input data | Catches |
The ICES framework for category 5 stocks, for which analytical assessment is not possible, trends in biomass indicators are not assumed to reflect changes in stock dynamics and landings only available, was applied (ICES, 2012). The time-series of CPUE data is too short to reflect stock changes.
Green sea urchin. Advice calculation for Ísafjarðardjúp
Catch advice for 2024/2025 | 0 |
Precautionary buffer | Not applied |
Catch advice for 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 | 60 |
% advice change | 0 |
Quality of the assessment
No information is available on the stock development in this area.
Other information
Recommended fishing areas of green sea urchin in Ísafjarðardjúp (within dotted lines):
Green sea urchin. Recommended fishing grounds in Ísafjarðardjúp.
Advice, TAC and catch
Green sea urchin. Recommended TAC in Ísafjörður and catches (tonnes).
Fishing year | Recommended TAC | National TAC | Catch in advised area1) |
|---|---|---|---|
2021/2022 | 85 | ||
2022/2023 | 69 | ||
2023/2024 | 80 | ||
2024/2025 | 80 | ||
2025/2026 | 60 | ||
2026/2027 | 60 | ||
2027/2028 | 60 | ||
1) Catch in calendar year (first year in the fishing year) | |||
References and further reading
ICES. 2012. ICES Implementation of Advice for Data-limited Stocks in 2012 in its 2012 Advice. ICES Expert Group reports (until 2018). Report. https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.5322
MFRI Assessment Reports 2025. Green sea urchin. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, 6 June 2025.
GREEN SEA URCHIN
IN HÚNAFLÓI
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Publication of Advice: 6 June 2025. Published by Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
Advice
MFRI advises in accordance with the MSY approach that catches in the fishing years 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 should be no more than 60 tonnes in Húnaflói. It is recommended that the adviced catch is divided between three fjords, and catches should not exceed 20 tonnes in Miðfjörður, 20 tonnes in Steingrímsfjörður, and 20 tonnes in Bitrufjörður.
Stock development
MFRI cannot assess the stock and exploitation status relative to maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and precautionary approach (PA) reference points, because the reference points are undefined.
Green sea urchin. Catches in Húnaflói in 2019-2024.
Basis of the advice
Basis of the advice | Precautionary approach |
Management plan | There is no management plan for this stock |
Assessment type | Trends in catches |
Input data | Catches |
The ICES framework for category 5 stocks, for which analytical assessment is not possible, trends in biomass indicators are not assumed to reflect changes in stock dynamics and landings only available, was applied (ICES, 2012). The time-series of CPUE data is too short to reflect stock changes.
Green sea urchin. Advice calculation for Húnaflói.
Catch advice for 2024/2025 | 0 |
Precautionary buffer | Not applied |
Catch advice for 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 | 60 |
% advice change | 0 |
Quality of the assessment
No information is available on the stock development in this area.
Other information
Known maerl areas in Húnaflói are located in Miðfjörður and fishing should be restricted in those areas (shown red on map):
| Area 1 | Area 2 |
|---|---|
| 65°27.33‘ N, 21°03.04‘ W | 65°26.65‘ N, 20°58.94‘ W |
| 65°27.21‘ N, 21°02.32‘ W | 65°25.29‘ N, 20°58.21‘ W |
| 65°21.49‘ N, 20°57.46‘ W | 65°25.26‘ N, 20°58.65‘ W |
| 65°21.36‘ N, 20°58.16‘ W | 65°26.65‘ N, 20°59.67‘ W |
In experimental fishing in Reykjarfjörður in Húnaflói, maerl areas have also been discovered and need to be mapped more thoroughly. Recommended fishing areas of green sea urchin in Húnaflói (within dotted lines):
Green sea urchin. Recommended fishing grounds in Húnaflói.
Advice, TAC and catch
Green sea urchin. Recommended TAC in Húnaflói and catches (tonnes).
Fishing year | Recommended TAC | National TAC | Catch in adviced area1) |
|---|---|---|---|
2019/2020 | 50 | ||
2020/2021 | 85 | ||
2021/2022 | 27 | ||
2022/2023 | 23 | ||
2023/2024 | 69 | ||
2024/2025 | 48 | ||
2025/2026 | 60 | ||
2026/2027 | 60 | ||
2027/2028 | 60 | ||
1) Catch in calendar year (first year in the fishing year) | |||
References and further reading
ICES. 2012. ICES Implementation of Advice for Data-limited Stocks in 2012 in its 2012 Advice. ICES Expert Group reports (until 2018). Report. https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.5322
MFRI Assessment Reports 2025. Green sea urchin. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, 6 June 2025.
GREEN SEA URCHIN
IN THE EASTFJORDS
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Publication of Advice: 6 June 2025. Published by Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
Advice
MFRI advises in accordance with the MSY approach that catches in the fishing years 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 should be no more than 95 tonnes in the Austfirðir. This area has been divided into three areas and catches should not exceed 25 tonnes in Area A, 30 tonnes in Area B, and 40 tonnes Area C.
Stock development
MFRI cannot assess the stock and exploitation status relative to maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and precautionary approach (PA) reference points, because the reference points are undefined.
Green sea urchin. Catches in the Eastfjords in 2020–2024.
Basis of the advice
Basis of the advice | Precautionary approach |
Management plan | There is no management plan for this stock |
Assessment type | Trends in catches |
Input data | Catches |
The ICES framework for category 5 stocks, for which analytical assessment is not possible, trends in biomass indicators are not assumed to reflect changes in stock dynamics and landings only available, was applied (ICES, 2012). The time-series of CPUE data is too short to reflect stock changes.
Green sea urchin. Advice calculation for the Eastfjords.
Catch advice for 2024/2025 | 0 |
Precautionary buffer | Not applied |
Catch advice for 2025/2026, 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 | 95 |
% advice change | 0 |
Quality of the assessment
No information is available on the stock development in this area.
Other information
Known maerl areas in Austfirðir are located in Reyðarfjörður, Berufjörður and Viðfjörður and fishing should be restricted in those areas (shown red on map):
Reyðarfjörður
| Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 | Area 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65°2.21’ N, 14°3.27’ W | 65°0.53’ N, 13°56.59’ W | 65°2.46’ N, 13°53.51’ W | 65°3.51’ N, 13°59.2’ W | 64°57.91’ N, 13°49.28’ W |
| 65°1.84’ N, 14°2.27’ W | 65°0.83’ N, 13°56.01’ W | 65°2.31’ N, 13°53.63’ W | 65°3.41’ N, 13°59.31’ W | 64°57.73’ N, 13°49.39’ W |
| 65°2.63’ N, 13°59.31’ W | 64°59.42’ N, 13°52.28’ W | 65°2.12’ N, 13°52.82’ W | 65°3.19’ N, 13°59.54’ W | 64°57.42’ N, 13°48.36’ W |
| 65°2.39’ N, 13°57.16’ W | 64°59.3’ N, 13°52.99’ W | 65°2.21’ N, 13°52.59’ W | 65°3.27’ N, 13°58.31’ W | 64°57.95’ N, 13°48.17’ W |
Berufjörður
| Area 1 | Area 2 |
|---|---|
| 64°43.32‘ N, 14°23.74‘ W | 64°44.47’ N, 14°22.4’ W |
| 64°43.3‘ N, 14°23.22‘ W | 64°44.42’ N, 14°22.62’ W |
| 64°42.76‘ N, 14°23.18‘ W | 64°43.88’ N, 14°22.58’ W |
| 64°42.78‘ N, 14°23.72‘ W | 64°43.88’ N, 14°22.36’ W |
In addition, Hellisfjörður and Viðfjörður are closed for fishing (blue area in figure) (Umhverfisstofnun, 2021)
Green sea urchin. Recommended fishing grounds in the Eastfjords. Known mearl areas are red on map and closed areas are blue.
Advice, TAC and catch
Green sea urchin Recommended TAC in the Eastfjords and catches (tonnes).
Fishing year | Recommended TAC | National TAC | Catch in area A1) | Catch in area B1) | Catch in area C1) | Catch in other areas1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020/2021 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 1 | ||
2021/2022 | 0 | 6 | 39 | 0 | ||
2022/2023 | 0 | 19 | 13 | 4 | ||
2023/2024 | 8 | 34 | 10 | 8 | ||
2024/2025 | 12 | 28 | 20 | 0 | ||
2025/2026 | 95 | |||||
2026/2027 | 95 | |||||
2027/2028 | 95 | |||||
1) Catch in calendar year (first year in the fishing year) | ||||||
References and further reading
ICES. 2012. ICES Implementation of Advice for Data-limited Stocks in 2012 in its 2012 Advice. ICES Expert Group reports (until 2018). Report. https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.5322
MFRI Assessment Reports 2025. Green sea urchin. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, 6 June 2025.
Umhverfisstofnun. 2021.
https://ust.is/library/sida/Nattura/Gerpissv%c3%a6%c3%b0i%c3%b0_skilm%c3%a1lar.pdf