Our advice recipients are public authorities, including:
- Governments of ICES member countries,
- European Commission (EC)
- Helsinki Commission (HELCOM)
- North Atlantic Salmon Commission (NASCO)
- North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC)
- OSPAR Commission (OSPAR)
We may also on our own initiative draw the attention of competent authorities to marine matters which may require policy and management attention.
Our advice is grounded by 10 principles to ensure that it is based on the best available science and data, considered legitimate by both authorities and stakeholders, and relevant and operational to the policy or management challenge in question.
Best available science and data
The basis for the advice is compilation of relevant data and analysis by an expert group which includes core researchers in the field. This analysis is peer reviewed by scientists who have not been involved in the expert group and have no interest in the matter.
Legitimate process
The basis for the advice including the scientific analysis and peer review is fully documented and public through our website. The process is transparent as all steps in the process are open to observers from competent authorities. The final advice is agreed by Advisory Committee (ACOM), which includes scientists appointed by each ICES member country government.
Operational and policy relevant advice
The advice is developed in a process where the scope of the request is initially clarified with the requester, and scientists with experience of working at the science/policy interface are tasked to translate scientific analysis into operational advice.
Read the Guide to ICES advisory framework and principles.
Go to Advice section on our website.
