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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The benchmark session for blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 1 and 3 of the Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal Species (WGSAD) was held at GFCM technical unit for western Mediterranean, Malaga, Spain, in hybrid modality, from 22 to 25 April 2024. The objective of the meeting was to perform a full analysis and review of the information and methods used to provide advice on the status of the stocks, focusing on the considerations of old and new data sources as well as old and new – or improved – assessment models and assumptions. Taking into account the impressive amount of work, the available data, the biology, prior knowledge of exploitation history, and satisfying evaluation of comprehensive model diagnostics, the group agreed to benchmark the final Stock Synthesis base-case model for quantitative advice. This decision was endorsed by the external reviewers. In light of this, and considering the current GFCM framework for the provision of advice and general practice within the working groups on stock assessment, the group proposed a unique fishing mortality reference point and limit, threshold and target reference points for biomass for quantitative advice relative to the reference year 2023. The stock status of blackspot seabream in GSAs 1 and 3 was quantitatively assessed to be depleted and in overexploitation with an associated advice to implement recovery plan.