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

The Working Group on the Assessment of Mackerel, Horse Mackerel, Sardine, and Anchovy met at ICES headquarters from 4–13 September 2001 to address the following terms of reference, as decided at the 88th Statutory Meeting:

a) assess the status of and provide catch options for 2002 for the stocks of mackerel and horse mackerel (defining stocks as appropriate);

b) assess the status of and provide catch options for 2002 for the sardine stock in Divisions VIIIc and IXa; Catch options for 2002 should be provided separately by division;

c) assess the status of and provide catch options for 2002 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 oceanographic effects;

f) identify major deficiencies in the assessments;

g) Review the layout of a Quality Handbook and prepare a workplan for writing such a document. A draft of the Quality Handbook shall be reviewed by the Working Group in 2002.