Workshop on the Development of Quantitative Assessment Methodologies based on Life-history traits, exploitation characteristics, and other relevant parameters for data-limited stocks" (WKLIFE) is the premier venue for developing, evaluating, and improving the ICES methods for providing advice for data-limited fish stocks.
Around 60% of ICES fish stocks are data-limited but still require scientific advice on fishing opportunities. Over the past 13 years, WKLIFE has developed a robust and comprehensive framework to assess stock status and evaluate fishing opportunities for these stocks. The methods, grounded in cutting-edge research, balance uncertainty and sustainability while ensuring risk equivalence across tiers with varying data quality and quantity. WKLIFE continues to drive innovation by advancing quantitative methods for providing advice on more than 150 data-limited stocks. The workshop welcomes both experienced members and new participants from within and beyond the ICES community who are interested in developing and evaluating data-limited approaches.
WKLIFE XIV will continue in autumn 2025 with the following main objectives:
1. Improve management advice for stocks in categories 4-6
2. Develop methods for shellfish and Nephrops
3. Advance methods for estimating reference points and stock status
4. Incorporate ecosystem considerations into data-limited methods
5. Learn from data-limited approaches both within and beyond ICES
6. Enhance the accessibility and transparency of methods and guidance
If you are interested in becoming a new participant, please click the link on the right side to 'contact us and register'. Places for in-person participation are limited at the meeting venue. Please ensure your attendence is confirmed with the chairs before making travel arrangements.
