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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal Species (WGSAD) benchmark session for the assessment of deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 12-16 and 17-20 was held at the FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, on 20–24 February 2022 in a hybrid meeting format. The objective of the meeting was to perform a full analysis and review of the information and methods used to provide advice on the status of the stocks, focusing on the considerations of old and new data sources as well as old and new (or improved) assessment models and assumptions. Taking into account the impressive amount of work, the available data, the biology, prior knowledge of exploitation history and satisfying evaluation of comprehensive model diagnostics, the group agreed to benchmark both the final SS3 base-case model for quantitative of in DPS in GSA 12-16 and the final SPiCT base-case model for quantitative of in deep-water rose shrimp in GSAs 17-20. This decision was endorsed by both external reviewers. In light of this, and considering the current GFCM framework for the provision of advice and general practice within the working groups on stock assessment, the group proposed for both stocks a unique fishing mortality reference point and limit, threshold and target reference points for biomass for quantitative advice relative to the reference year 2021. The stock status of deep-water rose shrimp in GSAs 12-16 is considered to be at increased risk of being overexploited with an associated advice to not increase fishing mortality, and the stock status in GSAs 17-20 is considered to be at increased risk of being overexploited with an associated advice to decrease fishing mortality.