WKUSER3 workshop will explore the challenges of maintaining consistent time series of survey data for stock assessment models amidst unavoidable changes such as budgetary disruptions, shifts in marine ecosystems, increased human activities in survey areas, and the introduction of new survey technologies and statistical methods.
Previous workshops, WKUSER1 (2020) and WKUSER2 (2022), highlighted that many monitoring agencies are affected by these changes, indicating a need for more coherent planning and a long-term strategy to adapt surveys to new conditions. WKUSER3 will concentrate on providing guidance for implementing changes to long-standing surveys in a way that minimizes impact on stock assessment and fisheries management, and on enhancing contingency planning and communication of potential consequences to assessment scientists and policymakers.
WKUSER3 has four Terms of Reference (ToRs)
ToR 1 – Preparation for change.
In this ToR, we are looking for examples of specific surveys that were changed or are preparing for changes and
1. how decisions about the changes to surveys were made including assessing the necessity for change and the process of making decisions.
2. how one assessed the resource needs (money, time, and people: scientists and stakeholders) to implement the changes to surveys.
3.how one considered the past, present, or future research that can help prepare for changes in surveys.
ToR 2 – Testing and evaluation methods of new survey designs, sampling methods, and data products.
In this ToR, we are looking for examples or advice on the following topics: 1. Simulation and field methods for testing, evaluating, and comparing potential survey designs. 2. Sampling methods evaluation and comparison studies. For example: side by side, spatial overlap studies to estimate calibration factors between sampling methods. 3. Dealing with difference between sampling methods calibration and surveys calibration. 4. Evaluation of the new survey data products through simulation or from the new survey data.
ToR 3 – Transition from old to new time series in production of survey data products and in stock assessments.
In this ToR, we are looking for examples on the following topics: 1. How to accommodate survey design change in stock assessments. For example: It takes several years before the new time series is ready for assessments, however temporarily and assuming that calibration factors are available, a bridge between the two time series can be made and used. 2. How to evaluate impact of survey change on assessments and management advice? 3. How to estimate the calibration factors and what are the consequences of accuracy and precision of the calibration factors on assessment? 4. Evaluation of a phased approach in shifting to the new survey (i.e., incrementally apply new survey methodology over a number of survey years as opposed to a sudden transition).
ToR 4 – Tools and technology development. Review new technologies and sampling methods that can complement or replace existing surveys.
In this ToR, we are looking for examples on the following topics: 1. What types of tools and new technologies should be prioritized for development in surveys. 2. Examples of new tools and technologies that could be used to complement or replace traditional survey tools. 3. Methods of transitioning to new technologies in surveys. 4. Combining traditional survey sampling (e.g. trawling) with new technology sampling. 5. Resource needs and cost considerations when implementing new technologies into existing or new surveys.
If you are interested in contributing to any of the workshop's ToR, please register your interest by completing
THIS FORM before 31 July 2025.
Note that in the form above, there is a question about a presentation. Presentations are encouraged but not required to participate in the workshop. What is most important is your expertise and contribution to the workshop and the workshop report.
