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ABSTRACT

The Working Group on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (WGSASP) was held at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, on 13-18 November 2017. The main objectives of this meeting were to: i) review the consistency of procedures to provide advice; ii) review the assessment of small pelagic stocks; and iii) run a hands-on data session to deal with methodological issues.

The WGSASP reviewed 19 stock assessments and provided management advice for 14 of them. Sardine and anchovy were the main species assessed but assessments of sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) were also carried out, and an attempt to update the assessment of common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) was also conducted. Sardine stocks in the Northern Spain (GSA06) and Aegean Sea (GSA22), as well as sardinella in GSA27 and anchovy and Atlantic horse mackerel (GSA09-10-11 combined) were considered in overexploitation. Anchovy and sardine in the Adriatic Sea (GSA17-18 combined) and anchovy in GSA 06 were considered overexploited and in overexploitiation. Anchovy and sardine stocks in the Gulf of Lions (GSA07) were considered ecologically unbalanced. Anchovy in GSA 22 showed no sign of overexploitation. Anchovy in GSA 01, as well as sardine in GSA 03 and 01-03 combined showed possible overexploitation. Finally, the status of stocks of sardine in GSA01 and 01-03-04 combined as well as of anchovy and sardine in GSA 16 was uncertain.