Thicklip grey mullet

The last assessment of this fishery was conducted in 2019.

The stock of thicklip grey mullet in the Bay of Biscay has not been sufficiently studied to reliably assess its status. Due to the lack of data, it is not possible to determine whether current fishing pressure is sustainable, while the species is likely to be moderately to highly susceptible to overfishing.

Fishing with handlines and trolling lines is among the most sustainable fishing methods. This method is highly selective, causes little bycatch and has virtually no impact on the seabed or the ecosystem.

Management is partially effective. The fishery falls under the EU Common Fisheries Policy, but species-specific management and a reliable stock assessment are lacking.

The last assessment of this fishery using demersal longlines was conducted in 2019. The last assessment of this fishery using combined anchored gillnets and trammel nets was conducted in 2025.

The stock of thicklip grey mullet in the Northeast Atlantic has not been sufficiently studied to reliably assess its status. The species appears to be sensitive to fishing pressure, and fishing pressure is increasing in parts of its distribution range, which calls for caution.

Of the assessed fishing methods, demersal longlines are the most selective choice, although seabirds may be caught as bycatch. Anchored gillnets and entangling nets pose a greater risk to marine mammals, seabirds, sharks and rays. In addition, discards and the amount of lost fishing gear can be substantial, while the effects on the ecosystem remain largely unknown.

Management is limited. The fishery falls under the EU Common Fisheries Policy, but species-specific management and reliable stock assessments are lacking because catches are often not recorded separately for each grey mullet species.