The goal of a benchmark is consensus agreement on an assessment methodology that is to be used in future update assessments. This assessment methodology can be an analytical assessment, but can also be non-analytical, for instance based on trends in an assessment or in a selected set of (survey) indicators, with or without forecasts. The result will be the 'best available' method that ICES advice will be based on. Typically, a stock will be benchmarked every 3–5 years to keep pace with changing situations.
WKNSEA 2021 deals with the following stocks:
Cod (Gadus morhua) in Subarea 4 and divisions 7.d and 20 (North Sea, eastern English Channel, Skagerrak);
Spurdog (Squalus acanthia) in subareas 1-10, 12 and 14 (the Northeast Atlantic and adjacent waters);
Sole (Solea solea) in Division 7.d (eastern English Channel);
Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) in Division 27.6.a (West of Scotland)
A benchmark meeting is open to experts and stakeholders, and is reviewed by external experts throughout the process. A benchmark process takes about five to seven months of preparation and includes a data evaluation workshop and a final benchmark meeting.
If you are interested in taking part in the process, please contact Helle Gjeding
