Stock Identification Methods Working Group (SIMWG)

The Stock Identification Methods Working Group (SIMWG) reviews new methods for the definition and investigation of stock structure and provides advice to other ICES expert groups on how to interpret patterns of population structure.The identification of the spatial boundaries of exploited stocks is a fundamental requirement before any stock assessment or modelling can be contemplated, and therefore lies at the heart of resource management. SIMWG continues to provide annual updates on recent applications of stock identification methods to species assessed by ICES and on advances in stock identification methods.