22nd Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

SC22 will review the results of the 2026 benchmark stock assessment undertaken by the ISC and provide updated stock status and management advice to the Commission.

• The last assessment was conducted by the ISC in 2021 and reviewed at SC17. ISC concluded that Pacific blue marlin spawning biomass is above SBMSY and fishing mortality is below FMSY, indicating that the stock is likely not overfished and overfishing is very unlikely, although some uncertainty remains. SC17 supported this view but noted that the stock status depends on model assumptions, particularly CPUE index selection, and highlighted uncertainties in data inputs and model structure that should be addressed in future assessments.