Benchmark Workshop on the occurrence and protection of VMEs (vulnerable marine ecosystems)​ (WKVMEBM)

The main aim of WKVMEBM 2022 was to develop and document an operational evidence-based procedure for the production of recurrent ICES advice on VMEs. 

WKVMEBM recommend the method described at ANNEX 6 be used when ICES provides advice on location and protection of VMEs. The method is consistent on the FAO International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas (FAO, 2009). WKVMEBM identified the key data sources along with confidence and limitations in data layers that delineated the distribution of VMEs (indicators, habitats, elements) and fishing activity based on the data types available from the EU and NEAFC. WKVMEBM also defined scenarios for VME protection that differed in the data available, and the VME indicator metrics that could be included in the decision-making process by requesting agencies. The WK recognises that the method will be modified as the science develops and more data, and at a finer resolution, becomes available. These modifications will include improvements to the VME Index, estimation of fishing activity, particularly in the NEAFC area, and criteria for the prioritization of protection scenarios and degree of precaution applied in management.  It is anticipated that these improvements will be developed and included in the process on a modular basis. A re-evaluation of the benchmark would be warranted when these improvements may result in changes in the advice being provided by ICES.

Future research should focus on improving the quality of VME and VMS data, developing objective approaches to quantify the confidence in the data layers used in the analyses, investigate methods to assess the risk to VMEs from human activities, and consider the potential for recovery.