Download the report (available only in English): PDF

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal Species (WGSAD) was held at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, on 19–24 November 2018. The main objectives of the meeting were to: i) review the status of the priority fish stocks in the Mediterranean Sea, and ii) run a benchmark session on the assessment of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in geographical sub-areas (GSAs) 12-16 and 19. In addition, a parallel session was held towards the assessment of deep-water red shrimp species (Aristeus antennatus and Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in the eastern-central Mediterranean and discussions were held on the upcoming benchmark sessions for European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in the Adriatic Sea as well as blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Strait of Gibraltar. The group, jointly with the Working Group on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (WGSASP), also discussed the future functioning of the Working Groups on Stock Assessment (WGSAs) and a proposed framework for the submission of information needed to assess the status of priority stocks. The WGSAD reviewed 56 stock assessments, 42 of which were validated while 14 were considered as preliminary and no scientific advice was therefore provided. Out of the 42 stock assessments validated by the WGSAD, 5 were found in a state of sustainable exploitation and 37 were assessed as in overexploitation.