169 fish stocks or sub-stocks in the Quota Management System have a scientific assessment. For assessment purposes there are 685 fish stocks or sub-stocks included in the QMS. (A fish stock can be divided into two or more sub-stocks if it is large or if there are differences between areas.) 297 of the 685 stocks are nominal, there for administrative purposes or there is no meaningful catch. Of the remaining 388 stocks or sub-stocks 44% (169) have been scientifically reviewed. This means 56% (219) have no stock assessment, their status is unknown and this is usually due to a lack of available research funding.