Download the report (available only in English): PDF

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Working Group on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (WGSASP) was carried out online on 17–21 January 2022. 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 17 stock assessments. Validated advice was provided for all 17 of these stocks, six of which with quantitative advice and the remaining eleven with qualitative precautionary advice. Of the 17 validated assessments, seven indicated sustainable exploitation – European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 1, 7, 9 and 20; sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in GSAs 4 and 9; and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in GSAs 5, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 – and one stock was considered sustainably exploited and ecologically unbalanced (sardine in GSA 7).