Clarification: The headline of this article over-simplifies a complex issue. It refers to a fall in the number of fully mature cod over the age of 13, indicating that this is the breeding age of cod. In fact, they can start breeding between the ages of four and six, in which case there are many more mature cod in the North Sea. CEFAS, the government fisheries laboratory, says the cod stock remains severely depleted but has been gradually improving.
We regret the over-simplification - as recorded in the Sunday Times
