Determination of Biological Reference Points (BRPs) for key SIOFA fish stocks

This project focuses on developing and scientifically evaluating BRPs for the key fish stocks within the SIOFA Area, based on the best available scientific data and methods.

Project Objectives

1. Provide analyses that will support of the development of suitable BRPs for key SIOFA fish stocks (Appendix A of the SIOFA Fisheries Overview 2024) and propose interim default BRPs for low, medium, and higher information stocks. Specifically, evaluate the potential use of standard biological reference points, such as B40% and B20%, MSY, SBMSY, SB0, SBF=0, SB/SBMSY, SB/SBF=0, SB/SB0, F, FMSY, F/FMSY and F40%, as well as CPUE equivalents and any other appropriate reference points (e.g. as listed in Table 1):

• The analysis should include consideration of target ranges, threshold regions, and limit reference points.
• Provide example case studies to illustrate their implementation, including examples of different choices of BRPs for the same species or SIOFA species that are harvested in other Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).

2. Review methods for the calculation and interpretation of risk and the quantification of uncertainties related to them. For stocks where quantitative risk analyses are not possible, provide options on how to establish appropriate default reference points and how these may be improved to be stock specific reference points.

3. Determine the conditions for when/if the BRPs would need to be revised or reevaluated (e.g., identify changes in available Information or regime shifts).