69. Following the request of the Commission at its Twenty-sixth Session, the Committee has evaluated three documents related to stock assessment methodology in the Mediterranean which had been prepared by a number of authors (GFCM:SAC5/2002/Inf.13, Inf.14 and Inf.15). SAC interpreted the request of the Commission as calling for the identification of a set of methods which would allow for the drawing up of proper management advice, based on the most reliable data available.
70. The three documents gave an overview of the common methods used and their applicability to the Mediterranean fisheries resources. One of these documents singled out length cohort analysis (LCA) based on length frequency as the most appropriate method in order to provide advice in the short-term and taking into consideration the poor conditions of data availability in most of the areas of the region. The other two documents suggested that options should be left open to use the most relevant methodology depending on the type of data series and resources available, as well as considering management objectives to be reached.
71. Due to the biases and uncertainties, which are an integral part of practically all stock assessment methods, the Committee recommended, whenever possible, that a number of methods should be applied before results and subsequent management recommendations could be put forward. In this way, more accurate scientific evidence could be obtained to reach agreed objectives. However, this hopeful approach will need to be financially supported by GFCM Members.
72. The Committee further recognized that it has embarked on such a mission only recently and that the task should be appreciated as an ongoing process which requires the input of future scientific work.
73. Notwithstanding the above, SAC trusted that the methods used so far were scientifically sound.
