text: North Sea cod stocks are bouncing back after being heavily overfished for decades and could even be sustainable in five years, new research has found. The population was deemed healthy in hundreds of the northern European fisheries analysed and experts say the fish is closer to being certified as a sustainable species. Consumers were previously told to eat gurnard instead of cod after stocks plummeted in the 1980s and 1990s, but the industry has steadily recovered since regulations were put in place in 2006. North Sea cod stocks are on the rise after being heavily overfished and could be sustainable in five years . However the findings by Seafish and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) revealed that one in nine fisheries operate sustainably, with 400 suffering from serious failings in data management. The exact cod stock figures remain unknown due to a severe lack of scientific data on the number of fish caught every year, according to the Guardian. Dr Tom Pickerell, technical director at industry-funded Seafish, which represents the seafood industry, told the paper he was surprised at how close the North Sea cod is to being certified. He said: 'I would like to think within a decade we will have MSC-certified North Sea cod. I would like to put it closer – where within five years it could look at entering the system.' Cod stocks plummeted in the 1980s and 1990s, but the industry has steadily recovered since regulations were put in place in 2006 . The findings by Seafish and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) did reveal however that one in nine fisheries operate sustainably, with 400 suffering from serious failings in data management . Although eight out of nine fisheries fell short Dr Pickerell remains optimistic, adding: 'It's a question of glass half full or half empty. Trawling in the North Sea saw catches grow each year until the 1980s, with figures for cod peaking at 300,000 tonnes in the 1970s. Various regulations were put in place to protect the stocks of fish, including limited fishing times and limited numbers of fishing boats. But these rules were never systematically enforced and did not bring much relief. After the UK joined the EU, which introduced the Common Fisheries Policy, the problem of overfishing was steadily brought under control. Numbers fell to below 70,000 tonnes for the first time in 1999 and reached its lowest level of 28,900 tonnes in 2006. A report in 2012 suggested that there were only 100 adult cod, which become more fertile as they age, left in the North Sea. Researchers warned a lower life expectancy meant a lower birth rate and a faster decline. But in 2013 the first signs of recovery started to show as the Marine Stewardship Council recognised cod could be on track for certification. 'We are looking at it as glass half full because we now have an action plan. We would have been in the dark without this research.' The research included 450 inshore fisheries, which were assessed against the criteria set out by the MSC to be considered for its 'blue flash' logo. This logo is seen as an indicator for consumers that the seafood comes from sustainable fisheries. Toby Middleton, country manager at the MSC, said the report highlights a 'lack of clarity' on who was responsible for maintaining the fisheries as too many fell between different authorities. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said it recognises stocks are recovering and that there are 'positive signs' but still regards it as a species to avoid. The MCS still lists cod caught in the North Sea as 'fish to avoid', rating it at level 5. It explains that stock levels in the North Sea have declined from a peak of 250,000 tonnes in the early 1970s to their current level of around 70,000 tonnes. Atlantic cod is listed by OSPAR (The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) as a threatened and declining species and by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable in the Greater North Sea and Celtic Sea. 'The efforts of fishers and managers through the Conservation Credits Scheme, and the fact that there is a long term management plan in place, are very positive moves and will hopefully see the fishery continue to recover in the coming years,' it says. The Marine Conservation Society puts forward a recommended list of fish we can eat... The MCS list of fish to avoid: .
target: North Sea cod populations are healthy in hundreds of fisheries analysed .
  Stocks plummeted in 1980s and 1990s but industry has steadily recovered .
  Research was carried out by Seafish and the Marine Stewardship Council .
  However it also found only one in nine fisheries are operating sustainably .