There is insufficient scientific information to establish the extent of putative stocks; however, blue ling may be sufficiently isolated at separate fishing grounds to be considered as individual management units. On this basis advice is presented for the following management units:

• Subdivisions Va and XIV (Iceland and Reykjanes ridge);
• Subdivisions Vb,VI, and VII (Faroes Rockall and Celtic shelf); and
• Subdivisions I, II, IIIa, IVa, VIII, IX, and XII. The latter grouping is a combination of isolated fishing grounds and these areas are grouped due to lack of data.

Available information indicates that stocks are stable at low levels in all areas. Total landings are presented in Table 9.4.11.1 and Figure 9.4.11.1.

Blue ling is a gadoid species that grows much faster than most deep-water species. It is particularly vulnerable to exploitation because fisheries can target the spawning aggregations. ICES has issued an answer to a request by NEAFC on spawning areas for blue ling in Section 9.3.2.7.