The Working Group on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (WGSASP) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) benchmark session for the assessment of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 24, 26 and 27 was held online on 17–21 May 2021. 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. The session was attended by a total of 29 experts, including experts from the region and experts on the species and/or on the stock assessment models discussed, as well as an external reviewer (Dr John Gabriel Ramirez) whose report is provided in Appendix 3.

In line with the WGSASP and benchmark terms of reference and on the basis of scientific evidence and of discussions held, the group agreed on the conclusions and recommendations contained within this document.