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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Working Group on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (WGSASP)1 was carried out online on 18–23 January 2021. The main objectives of this meeting were to: i) review the consistency of procedures to provide advice; ii) review the assessment of small pelagic stocks; and iii) run a hands-on data session to deal with methodological issues.

The WGSASP reviewed 20 stock assessments including the geographical subareas (GSAs) 6 and 7 anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) benchmark session. Validated advice was provided for 18 of these stocks, nine of which with quantitative advice and the remaining nine with qualitative precautionary advice; two assessments were considered preliminary: Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in GSA 27 and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in western and central Mediterranean.