How we work

Benchmarks

At ICES, we ensure high-quality scientific advice through our benchmark processes. These processes are our main mechanism for peer review and incorporating new science into all types of recurrent advice.

The ICES benchmark process is a central element in our advisory process to ensure a sound scientific basis supporting the sustainable management of our seas.

Proposals for benchmarks come from Expert Groups responsible for the analysis used to provide advice, and are organized into benchmark processes typically starting with a data workshop and concluding with an assessment workshop.

The Benchmark Oversight Group (BOG) plays a key role in guiding this process on behalf of our Advisory Committee (ACOM). Together, they oversee the prioritization of benchmark activities and confirm benchmark results.

Benchmark processes are open to experts and stakeholders and are reviewed by external experts throughout. Learn more about the benchmark process in our Guidelines for Benchmarks.

Current benchmark processes (reporting in 2025)

WKSEABASS bss.27.4bc7ad-h bss.27.8ab	Benchmark workshop on sea bass stocks	2025 report (forthcoming)
WKBPLAICE ple.27.7e ple.27.21-23	Benchmark workshop on selected plaice stocks	2025 report
WKBNSCS ple.27.7d turbot.27.4 whg.27.7a	Benchmark workshop on selected North Sea and Celtic Sea stocks	2025 report
WKBDEEP aru.27.5a14 bli.27.5a14 bsf.27.nea	Benchmark workshop on selected Deep-sea fisheries stocks	2025 report (status: BOG review)
WKBSS3 ank.27.8c9a mon.27.8c9a pol.27.67 sbr.27.9	Benchmark workshop on the application of Stock Synthesis (SS3) on selected stocks	2025 report (status: BOG review)
WKBMACNSSH her.27.1-24a514a mac.27.nea	Benchmark workshop on Mackerel and Norwegian spring-spawning herring	2025 report (status: to be submitted)

Future benchmark processes (reporting in 2026)

WKBMSYSPiCT4	Benchmark workshop 4 on the development of MSY advice using SPiCT	Data: Autumn 2025 (TBD) Benchmark: Spring 2026 (TBD)
WKBBS sal.27.32 sal.27.22-31	Benchmark workshop on Baltic salmon	Data: Autumn 2025 (TBD) Benchmark: Spring 2026 (TBD)
WKBHS her.27.20-24 spr.27.3a4	Benchmark workshop on selected herring and sprat	Data: Autumn 2025 (TBD) Benchmark: Spring 2026 (TBD)
WKBSAM reg.27.1-2 whg.27.47d nop.27.3a4	Benchmark workshop on selected stocks using state-space assessment models	Data: Autumn 2025 (TBD) Benchmark: Spring 2026 (TBD)
WKBBEAM Bycatch Evaluation and Assessment Matrix	Benchmark workshop on BEAM to evaluate bycatch risk	TBD

Future benchmark processes (reporting in 2027)

WKVMEBM2 VMEs	Benchmark workshop 2 on the occurrence and protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs)	TBD
WKBCAT1 whb.27.1-91214 wit.27.3a47d lem.27.3a47d	Benchmark workshop on selected category 1 stocks	Data: Autumn 2026 (TBD) Benchmark: Spring 2027 (TBD)
WKBCAT3 ele.2737.nea dab.27.3a4 spr.27.67a-cf-k reb.27.14b	Benchmark workshop on selected category 3 stocks	Data: Autumn 2026 (TBD) Benchmark: Spring 2027 (TBD)