The Working Group on Biological Parameters (WGBIOP) oversees the provision, implementation, and quality assurance of biological parameters at national, regional, and stock levels. These parameters form a key input to stock assessments and mixed-fisheries modelling, supporting the scientific basis for fisheries management.
All stages of biological parameter provision are covered by WGBIOP, including methodological improvements, implementation, quality assurance, and statistical analysis. The group serves as a bridge between data collectors and end-users, ensuring that biological data are consistent and reliable.
WGBIOP focuses not only on the technical aspects of data collection and quality assurance but also on the accuracy of life-history parameter estimations to support stock assessment. The group reviews life-history parameters and monitors potential changes in biological processes, such as growth rate, onset of maturity, and fecundity at size/age.
WGBIOP is committed to meeting the growing demand for new biological parameters and the inclusion of additional species under the European Commission–ICES Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensuring continued relevance and scientific robustness in support of ICES advisory work.
