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ABSTRACT

The second data preparation meeting for a benchmark assessment of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 1, 5, 6 and 7 was held online from 13 to 17 April. The meeting reviewed the main survey, fisheries, and biological inputs for the benchmark, noting that Mediterranean International Trawl Survey (MEDITS) indices are broadly robust, while highlighting somelimitations in spatial coverage and the importance of the 100–200 m depth stratum, potentially overlapping nursery areas. The group emphasized the need for harmonization across data sources and agreed on the use of standardized indicators, including length frequency distributions and catch per unit efforts (CPUEs), with caution in areas affected by representativeness issues. Biological information supported GSA-specific approaches, despite remaining uncertainties for some parameters. The assessment results consistently indicated that the stock is depleted and overexploited, supporting the need for a recovery plan. The group agreed on priority stock unit configurations and assessment scenarios and identified key methodological and data-related tasks to be finalized ahead of the benchmark assessment.