It compiles results from, coordinates and plans the schedule for the Baltic International Acoustic Survey (BIAS), the Baltic Acoustic Spring Survey (BASS), and the Baltic International trawl Surveys (BITS) in the 1st and 4th quarter on an annual basis.
The group provides the herring, sprat and cod abundance indices for the Baltic Fisheries Assessment Working Group (WGBFAS) to use as tuning fleets. The common survey manuals are also updated according to decisions made during the meeting.
A large part of WGBFAS' work is on additional terms of reference based on recommendations of other EU and ICES expert groups.
WGBIFS comprises experts representing nine countries from around the Baltic Sea.
