How is bycatch mortality accounted in quotas?

• A. It is counted against the bycatch limits or the APs defined in the FMP and management measures
• B. It is ignored in quota calculations
• C. It reduces the target stock quota directly
• D. It only affects the next fishing season’s allocation

Answer: (A)

Bycatch mortality is included in quota calculations by counting it against the bycatch limits or the APs defined in the fishery management plan and its measures. The total allowable catch for a stock is set to cover both directed harvest and bycatch, so bycatch uses up part of the overall quota. If bycatch is higher or the bycatch limit is reached, managers adjust the fishery (shorten seasons, change gear rules, or tighten mitigation) to keep total mortality within the approved limits. This ensures the stock isn’t overfished and that bycatch is actively constrained rather than ignored.