Plaice in the Skagerrak is considered to have two components: an eastern and a western. The latter occurs in a mix with plaice migrating in from the North Sea (ICES 2017) and the predominance of catches occurs on summer feeding aggregations in the Western Skagerrak. In a benchmark (ICES 2015). it was decided that plaice in the Skagerrak would be assessed together with the North Sea stock.

In addition, as in previous years, part of the catches in the 7.d area in the first quarter are included in the North Sea plaice assessment because North Sea plaice migrates into the area in that season  This year, 50% of the mature animals from 7.d in Q1 were added to the North Sea stock, whereas before, 50% of the total catches were added. Moreover, this year 50% of the mature discards in Q1 were also added to the North Sea stock (ICES 2017).

No changes were made.in Benchmark of  2022  (ICES 2022).