Greenland halibut is a slow growing species and is therefore vulnerable to high [fishing pressure]. The fishing pressure is higher than a level that makes a maximal catch possible (MSYMSY:
Theoretically the greatest possible 'safe' catch, in which fish populations have sufficient size to reproduce in the long term. ). However, the stockStock:
The fish of a particular species reproducing in the same area in the same period. seems to be growing.
[Bottom otter trawls] cause damage to the seabed. Vulnerable cold-water corals occur in the fishing area. There are several protected areas where bottom otter trawl fishery is forbidden. There is little bycatchBycatch:
Species caught next to species targeted for fishery. By-catches can consist of non-commercial species and species that are too small, and can be kept (this part is sometimes called by-product) or thrown back into the sea (discards). in this fishery, discarding of bycatch is forbidden in Icelandic waters.
A jointly improved management plan is in process for Greenland halibut. The current management plan is partially effective.