Status and perspectives for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) stocks in the Baltic Sea region and central Europe.

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a European fresh and brackish water piscivorous fish, important as a key predator and a valuable fisheries species. Despite concerns that some stocks are depleting due to overfishing and environmental changes, stock assessments are implemented sporadically. We provide an overview of data collection and population assessments currently used for nine pikeperch stocks across six European countries and apply a unified assessment framework (Bayesian surplus production models) to evaluate population status and trends. Our results show that three stocks, including two in the Baltic Sea, are strongly depleted, with estimated biomasses considerably lower than the biomass at maximum sustainable yield (B MSY). Other stocks are close to their estimated B MSY. Further, recent population trends suggest that only one stock (Kvädöfjärden) is increasing, whereas three (Curonian Lagoon, Lipno, Galtfjärden) are rapidly declining. In most cases the stocks with a favorable status or signs of recovery were also those for which strong management strategies have been implemented. Importantly, although most stocks are strongly targeted by recreational fishing, estimates of recreational catch are highly uncertain. We highlight an urgent need to improve pikeperch scientific monitoring and assessment of recreational catches. • One third of pikeperch stocks assessed were depleted below MSY. • Stocks with favorable status reflected their strong management strategies. • Cessation of commercial fishing did not necessarily promote recovery. • Bayesian surplus production modeling (JABBA) effectively revealed stock trends. • Recreational fishing is important for most stocks but catches usually remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]