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.
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 typically includes a data workshop and a benchmark workshop final (i.e. the final assessment meeting).
WKBMSYSPiCT2 builds on the first WKMSYSPiCT benchmark which took place in 2021, and will similarly will evaluate the appropriateness of data and the use of the Surplus Production in Continuous Time (SPiCT) to provide MSY advice for selected stocks:
bll.27.3a47de: Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus) in Subarea 4 and divisions 3.a and 7.d-e (North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, English Channel)
boc.27.6-8: Boarfish (Capros aper) in subareas 6-8 (Celtic Seas, English Channel, and Bay of Biscay)
mur.27.3a47d: Striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) in Subarea 4 and divisions 7.d and 3.a (North Sea, eastern English Channel, Skagerrak and Kattegat)
ple.27.89a: Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in Subarea 8 and Division 9.a (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)
pol.27.67: Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in subareas 6-7 (Celtic Seas and the English Channel)
pol.27.89a: Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in Subarea 8 and Division 9.a (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)
rjc.27.8c: Thornback ray (Raja clavata) in Division 8.c (Cantabrian Sea)
whg.27.3a: Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) in Division 3.a (Skagerrak and Kattegat)
whg.27.89a: Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) in Subarea 8 and Division 9.a (Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberian waters)
The final assessment meeting for WKBMSYSPiCT2 will take place online 9–13 January 2023.
