The activities of WGALES are vital for the delivery of state-of-the-art ichthyoplankton surveys, ensuring high standards through quality assurance, and incorporating new techniques and developments for the future.
Several ichthyoplankton surveys are carried out within ICES areas, all coordinated by their own expert group. In the past these groups worked on their own and there was little exchange of information between them. WGALES now provides a forum for discussion and dissemination on matters pertaining to spawning dynamics, ichthyoplankton biology, ecology, surveys, and egg and larval production methods. The group is also an interface for ICES Science Committee (SCICOM) and Advisory Committee (ACOM) for matters concerning ichthyoplankton surveys.