Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Mackerel, Horse Mackerel, Sardine and Anchovy (WGMHSA) - Part 1 and 2

The Working Group on the Assessment of Mackerel, Horse Mackerel, Sardine, and Anchovy met at ICES headquarters from 14–23 September 2000 to address the following terms of reference, as decided at the 87th Statutory Meeting:

a) assess the status of and provide catch options for 2001 for the stocks of mackerel and horse mackerel (defining

stocks as appropriate);

b) assess the status of and provide catch options for 2001 for the sardine stock in Divisions VIIIc and IXa and

separately for Divisions VIIIc and IXa;

c) assess the status of and provide catch options for 2001 for the anchovy stocks in Sub-area VIII and Division IXa;

d) review progress in determining precautionary reference points;

e) for sardine update information on the stock identification, composition, distribution and migration in relation to climatic effects;

f) identify major deficiencies in the assessments.