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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The benchmark update session for blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 1 and 3 of the Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal Species (WGSAD) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) was held online, from 5 to 6 May 2025. The objective of the meeting was to analyse and review all the information and methods used to update the benchmark and provide advice on the status of the stock. Input data required for updating the 2024 Stock Synthesis model were provided in advance to the session. The following updated data were provided by both Morocco and Spain: i) updated catches; ii) updated standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) time series; and iii) updated length frequency distributions (LFD) of catches. The group agreed to lightly revise the catch time series of Morocco for the 2025 benchmark update, after noting small-scale fisheries landings had not been included consistently in the reported time series, which accounted for approximately 14% of total landings in 2024. The group also agreed to exclude the 2024 Spanish LFD data, which were deemed not fully representative of the catch composition due to insufficient sampling coverage. Taking into account the available data to update the benchmark and satisfying evaluation of comprehensive model diagnostics, the group agreed to validate the updated benchmark assessment for quantitative advice. In considering the current GFCM framework for the provision of advice, the stock status of blackspot seabream in GSAs 1 and 3 was quantitatively assessed to be depleted and in overexploitation with an associated advice to implement recovery plan.