Minutes of the meeting of the ICES Advisory Committee (ACOM), March 2025

<p dir="ltr">The ICES Advisory Committee (ACOM) convened from March 4–7, 2025, to address key topics related to scientific advice, resource management, and operational improvements. The meeting covered a wide range of agenda items, including updates on mixed-stock advice, rebuilding scenarios, reference points, multiannual advice, survivability, and the transition to the Regional Database & Estimation System (RDBES). Discussions emphasized improving advice quality, enhancing transparency, and addressing challenges in data management and stakeholder engagement.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Key Highlights:</b></p><ol><li><b>Mixed-Stock Advice:</b> New guidelines and flowcharts were developed to improve consistency and risk communication to managers.</li><li><b>Rebuilding Scenarios:</b> ACOM agreed to continue work on rebuilding strategies and refine the ICES Advice Rule for stocks near Blim.</li><li><b>Reference Points:</b> A subgroup was established to draft Terms of Reference for revising the ICES Advice Rule and reference point framework.</li><li><b>Multiannual Advice:</b> Criteria for multiannual advice were evaluated, with recommendations to determine frequency during benchmarks and define reopening criteria.</li><li><b>Survivability:</b> A subgroup was formed to integrate discard survival data into stock assessments, with benchmarks planned for relevant stocks.</li><li><b>Data Calls:</b> Improvements were made to streamline data calls, ensuring transparency and reducing institutional workload.</li><li><b>Transition to RDBES:</b> By 2027, RDBES will replace InterCatch, enhancing data quality and reducing the need for multiple data calls.</li><li><b>Artificial Intelligence:</b> ACOM discussed the potential and risks of AI in advice production, emphasizing the need for defined use cases and ethical considerations.</li><li><b>Stakeholder Engagement:</b> Updated observer rules and strategies were presented to ensure meaningful dialogue and traceable engagement processes.</li><li><b>Quality Action Plan:</b> ACOM reaffirmed the need for quality assurance, highlighting systemic challenges such as resource strain and single points of failure.</li></ol><p dir="ltr"><b>Decisions and Actions:</b></p><ul><li>Approval of benchmarks for 2026–2027, including stock ID integration.</li><li>Establishment of subgroups for survivability and integrating guidelines</li><li>Development of measurable indicators for the ICES Advisory Plan.</li><li>Continued refinement of Overviews and transition to FisheriesXplorer and AdviceXplorer tools.</li></ul><p dir="ltr">The meeting concluded with a synthesis of outcomes and actionable steps to improve ICES processes, strengthen scientific advice, and enhance stakeholder collaboration.</p>