Reaching MSY by 2020 is the main objective of the 2013 reform of Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union. For depleted fish stocks, this means letting the stock recover to the level that will support catches according to MSY. Decisions under the CFP, such as annual decisions on total allowable catches, should be taken in line with this objective.
At the same time, it is difficult to calculate MSY. MSY is a theoretical concept and not always easy to apply in practice, and has rendered much criticism over the years. Nevertheless, MSY still plays a fundamental role in today’s management of EU fisheries, and is a must-know concept for decision-makers and others involved in fisheries and fisheries management.
Read or download the full fact sheet (pdf)
Understanding MSY (502 Kb)
Contact:
Henrik Svedäng, Marine ecologist
henrik.svedang@su.se