Technical Guidelines - ICES fisheries management reference points for category 1 and 2 stocks (2017)

This document offers a description of the reference points used by ICES, including the definition of the reference values, their general basis and suggested approaches for their calculation.

ICES refers to two types of reference points when providing fisheries advice for category 1 stocks: precautionary approach (PA) reference points and maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reference points. The PA reference points are used when assessing the state of stocks and their exploitation relative to the precautionary approach objectives. The MSY reference points used in the advice rule applied by ICES are aimed at producing advice consistent with the objective of achieving MSY. Table 12.4.3.1.1 lists the purpose and basis of each reference point. All biomass reference points are in units of spawning-stock biomass (SSB), unless otherwise indicated.