Technical Guidelines - Advisory process

ICES is requested to provide scientific advice on a range of issues relating to maritime policies and management. This includes environmental and fisheries policies and management issues.

ICES advises governments and international commissions on the sustainable use of living marine resources and protection of the marine environment.

ICES may also, on its own initiative, draw the attention of competent authorities to maritime matters which may require policy and management attention.

ICES advice is produced through a process set up to produce advice that is:

• Based on best available knowledge (data and science);

• Quality assured – peer-reviewed advice;

• Developed in a transparent process that is documented and open to observers;

• Unbiased and non-political, and which is considered legitimate by governments and stakeholders;

• Relevant – meets the needs of the client;

• Timely.