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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The sixth meeting of the Subregional Group on Stock Assessment in the Black Sea (SGSABS) was held in Constanta, Romania from November 26 to 1 December 2018. The key objectives of the meeting were to: i) review the status of the main fish stocks in the Black Sea; ii) review the existing data and assessment methods for the main stocks in the area; and iii) review input data and attempt analytical assessments for turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), European anchovy, Black Sea subspecies (Engraulis encrasicolus ponticus), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus), piked dogfish (Squalus acanthias), European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and rapa whelk (Rapana venosa); iv) carry out a benchmark assessment for European sprat; and v) provide advice on stock status and research priorities to improve knowledge on the status of the stocks. Six assessments were validated. Among these, red mullet was uncertain, piked dogfish was depleted, the stock of rapa whelk was estimated to be fished close to MSY and all other stocks were considered to be in overexploitation. With the exception of anchovy for which quantitative estimates of current F were provided, all other assessments resulted in advice being provided on a precautionary basis. Sprat was considered uncertain and the work done during the benchmark is covered in a separate report. In view of the benchmark session planned for 2019, turbot was not assessed in this meeting, but data were thoroughly discussed.