Special Session of the Scientific Committee

Background:

SC22 acknowledged substantial progress in developing the bigeye operating model (OM) reference set based on the 2023 stock assessment but noted that, although consensus was not reached on acceptance of the 2026 stock assessment, its analyses indicated more depleted stock conditions and a greater risk of falling below the limit reference point (LRP) than represented in the existing OM grid. SC22 therefore requested the Scientific Services Provider (SSP) to expand the OM uncertainty range to cover plausible lower-depletion scenarios and recommended formal review and approval of the revised OM reference set at the Special SC Session. BMW02 welcomed the revised OM grid, noting its improved coverage of lower-depletion scenarios, including conditions below the LRP, and supported its use in further candidate MP evaluations, subject to technical review and formal approval by the Special SC Session.

 SSSC01 Action: 

SSSC01 will review the revised OM reference set, including its settings and coverage of plausible stock conditions informed by the 2026 stock assessment analyses. Attention should be given to the representation of lower-depletion scenarios and associated LRP risk, and any substantive differences from the previous OM set. SSSC01 may determine whether the revised OM reference set provides an appropriate scientific basis for evaluating candidate bigeye MPs, consider its formal approval, and identify any remaining uncertainties that may warrant subsequent robustness testing or consideration under the monitoring strategy.