Workshop on a Research Roadmap for Bristol and Western Channel Herring (WKRRBWCH; outputs from 2023 meeting)

Whilst ICES recognises three herring stocks in adjacent waters: North Sea autumn-spawners (her.27.3a47d), Celtic Sea (her.27.irls), and Irish Sea (her.27.nirs), there is no assessment and limited biological understanding of herring in the western Channel (Division 7.e) and Bristol Channel (Division 7.f). WKRRBWCH was convened to identify available data sources for assessment and management advice, review stock identity information and produce a roadmap for future research needs. Both fisheries-dependant and -independent data were evaluated, though there was only currently sufficient information to produce a landings-based assessment (ICES Category 5). However, WKRRBWCH noted discrepancies between landings data reported by ICES Statistical Rectangle directly to the Workshop compared to estimates presented in the annual herring assessment working group reports which require an additional data call to reconcile. This data call should include landings reported by metier, rectangle, quarter, and year. A new stock coordinator and assessor will be identified to carry out the assessment and draft the advice. Furthermore, WKRRBWCH documents the need to describe all herring populations throughout these divisions by means of genetic analysis (see WKSIDAC2), particularly in the western Channel, and analysis of physical samples currently held by external bodies (University of Swansea). These data are currently not available in sufficient detail or quantity to be considered for the basis of advice. Catch advice following the Category 5 method can be produced in time for HAWG (2025) with advice then given biennially.