This benchmark process builds on last year's WKBMSYSPiCT2 and the first WKMSYSPiCT benchmark which took place in 2021, and will evaluate the appropriateness of data and the use of the Surplus Production in Continuous Time (SPiCT) to provide MSY advice for the following stocks:
- aru.27.1234a; Greater silver smelt (Argentina silus) in subareas 1, 2, and 4, and in Division 3.a (Northeast Arctic, North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat); WGDEEP
- bzq.27.2628; Flounder (Platichthys spp) in subdivisions 26 and 28 (east of Gotland and Gulf of Gdansk); WGBFAS
- cod.27.2.coastS; Cod (Gadus morhua) in Subarea 2 between 62°N and 67°N (Norwegian Sea), southern Norwegian coastal cod; AFWG
- dab.27.22-32; Dab (Limanda limanda) in subdivisions 22–32 (Baltic Sea); WGBFAS
- fle.27.2223; Flounder (Platichthys flesus) in subdivisions 22 and 23 (Belt Seas and the Sound); WGBFAS
- fle.27.3a4; Flounder (Platichthys flesus) in Subarea 4 and Division 3.a (North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat); WGNSSK
- nep.fu.32; Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) in Division 4.a, Functional Unit 32 (northern North Sea, Norway Deep); WGNSSK
- sbr.27.9; Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in Subarea 9 (Atlantic Iberian waters); WGDEEP
- sbr.27.10; Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in Subarea 10 (Azores grounds); WGDEEP
- tur.27.22-32; Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in subdivisions 22–32 (Baltic Sea); WGBFAS
ICES benchmark processes are organized to evaluate (and propose improvements to) the current data and assessment methodology for selected stocks and non-fishery topics for which ICES provides recurrent advice outside the annual assessment cycle.
The goal of a benchmark is to achieve consensus agreement on an assessment methodology that can be regarded as the ‘best available’ method to be used in future update assessments.
Benchmark processes are open to experts and stakeholders and are reviewed by external experts throughout. For more information, please see the ICES Guidelines for Benchmarks.
