VU

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Haddock populations have declined significantly due to intensive commercial fishing pressure, particularly from bottom trawling operations that target this commercially valuable species. Overfishing has reduced spawning stock biomass below sustainable levels in several key fishing areas. Climate change is altering ocean temperatures and affecting the distribution of zooplankton that juvenile haddock depend upon for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Haddock inhabit the continental shelf waters of the North Atlantic, typically at depths of 40-300 meters over sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms. They prefer cooler waters between 2-10°C and are commonly found in areas with strong currents that support abundant benthic invertebrate communities.

MARINE· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Melanogrammus aeglefinus classified as Vulnerable?
Melanogrammus aeglefinus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Haddock populations have declined significantly due to intensive commercial fishing pressure, particularly from bottom trawling operations that target this commercially valuable species. Overfishing has reduced spawning stock biomass below sustainable levels in several key fishing areas. Climate change is altering ocean temperatures and affecting the distribution of zooplankton that juvenile haddock depend upon for survival.
Where does Melanogrammus aeglefinus live?
Melanogrammus aeglefinus occurs in Antarctica, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, and Côte d’Ivoire (plus 22 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Melanogrammus aeglefinus?
The main threats to Melanogrammus aeglefinus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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