CINAR Investigator: Lisa Kerr, University of Maine

Workshop participants recommended identifying both ecosystem-wide and stock-specific changes to inform decisions on when to revise reference points. They emphasized the importance of understanding stock-specific changes in dynamics and their link to environmental drivers, especially for recruitment. Although understanding the mechanism driving changes in stock dynamics was highly desirable, it was not deemed essential for redefining reference points. Participants recommended adoption of alternative methods for defining reference points that are more responsive to a changing environment. These methods include approaches such as dynamic B0, utilizing dynamic stock-recruit models, updating assumptions for proxy-based reference points (e.g., spawning potential ratio), and adopting temporally stochastic assessment models or models that integrate covariate effects and propagate uncertainty into long-term projections.

This workshop discussed the value of considering a fundamental shift in the type of reference points used in the region to only focus on fishing mortality-based reference points, moving away from biomass-based reference points and the goal of rebuilding to a historical stock size. Finally, practical limitations in redefining reference points within a changing ecosystem were also considered. There was an acknowledgment that key questions need to be addressed regarding who is responsible, how the process should unfold, and when reference points should be redefined within the fishery management process.

The report summarizes the content of the workshop, including contributions from workshop participants and consensus recommendations. Workshop recommendations focused on when and how to revise reference points with specific action items identified as possible next steps to address these issues within the region.

Full report: https://d23h0vhsm26o6d.cloudfront.net/CINAR_BRP_Workshop_Final_Report.pdf