Overfishing has left fewer than 100 adult cod in the North Sea, it was reported.
Not a single cod aged over 13 was caught in the North Sea last year. Photo: GETTY
– Just 100 cod left in North Sea (Telegraph, Sep 16, 2012):
A survey of catches at European ports has found that fishermen did not catch a single cod over the age of 13 last year.
The findings raise concerns for future stocks of cod, which become more fertile as they age. The fish can live as long as 25 years and grow to 6ft.
Researchers warned a lower life expectancy meant a lower birth rate and a faster decline.