The common sole stock in the North Sea has grown in the past years and is since 2011 within biological safe limits again. The fishing pressure is almost at the level that is determined in the long-term management plan for sole.
Set gillnet fishery is quite selective with little bycatch of undersized fish or other species. Sometimes dab, flounder or plaice are bycatch. These bycatches are generally landed. There is incidental bycatch of porpoises and sea birds. The porpoise population is under pressure. Aggregate bycatches in (set gillnet) fisheries contribute to this.
This fishery has no significant bottom impact.
The management of this fishery is done at EU-level and a long-term management plan for sole has been accepted. This plan is positive for sole.