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, ensuring a sound scientific basis for the sustainable management of our seas.

Proposals for benchmarks come from Expert Groups responsible for the analysis used to provide advice, and are organised 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 prioritisation 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.

Reporting in 2026

WKBMSYSPiCT4 fle.27.2223 fle.27.3a4 lez.27.4a6a nep.fu.2829 nep.fu.30 nep.fu.31	Benchmark workshop 4 on the development of MSY advice using SPiCT	Data: 8–12 December 2025 Benchmark: 2–6 February 2026
WKBHERSPR her.27.20-24 spr.27.3a4	Benchmark workshop on selected herring and sprat stocks	Data: 2–4 September 2025 Benchmark: 1–5 December 2025
WKBWNG reg.27.1-2 whg.27.47d nop.27.3a4	Benchmark Workshop on Whiting, Norway Pout, and Golden Redfish	Data: 17–19 November 2025 Benchmark: 23–27 February 2026
WKBBEAM Bycatch Evaluation and Assessment Matrix	Benchmark workshop on BEAM to evaluate bycatch risk	Data: 25 August 2025 Benchmark: 1–5 December 2025
Northern Shelf cod Tiger Team WGNSSK subgroup	Review-level benchmark of Northern Shelf cod	September 2025–August 2026

Reporting in 2027

WKBBS sal.27.32 sal.27.22-31	Benchmark workshop on Baltic salmon	Scoping: November 2025 Data/joint meeting WGBAST: 18–22 May 2026 Benchmark: 30 November–4 December 2026
WKBWhiSP pol.27.89a sol.27.7d whb.27.1-91214	Benchmark workshop on selected blue whiting, pollock and sole stocks	Data: 7–11 December 2026 Benchmark: 22–26 February 2027
WKBMSYSPiCT5 bzq.27.2425 lin.27.1-2 lem.27.3a47d spr.27.67a-cf-k reb.27.14b usk.27.1-2	Benchmark workshop 5 developing MSY advice using SPiCT	Data: 7–11 December 2026 Benchmark: 8–12 February 2027
WKBEEL ele.2737.nea	Benchmark workshop on eel	Spring 2027 (TBD)

Reporting in 2028

WKBVME2 Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs)	Benchmark workshop 2 on the occurrence and protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs)	Data: early 2027 TBD Benchmark: late 2027 TBD
Process 1_2028 cod.21.1.isc cod.21.1.osc reb.2127.dp reb.2127.sp	Benchmark workshop on selected cod and redfish stocks	Spring 2028 (TBD)
Process 2_2028 dab.27.3a4 dab.27.22-32 sol.27.8c9a	Benchmark workshop on selected dab and sole stocks	Spring 2028 (TBD)
Process 3_2028 cod.27.6b had.27.7a her.27.nirs her.27.irls	Benchmark workshop on selected herring, haddock, and cod stocks	Spring 2028 (TBD)
Process 4_2028 pil.27.8abd wit.27.3a47d	Benchmark workshop on selected sardine and witch stocks	Spring 2028 (TBD)