A description of current metrics and methods used in providing advice to the Scientific Committee on setting catch limits and assessing research plans in research blocks in exploratory fisheries and closed areas

In recent years there have been a number of changes in the criteria, metrics and application of methods used in setting research catch limits in research blocks as well as assessing progress in research plans. This has resulted in some confusion in the application of methods and the intended purpose of the metrics included in the summary table presented to the Scientific Committee that includes recommended research catch limits. Given the importance of this table, and the need to ensure clarity in the methods used to generate and update the data included therein, the Secretariat was requested to update the summary table using the most recent data available and to detail the methods used for local biomass estimation (SC-CAMLR-XXXIV, paragraph 3.232 (i)). This paper provides an updated summary table, with a full description of the methods used in that updated table, as well as some history of decisions made by WG-FSA in developing the overall approach. Challenges encountered when updating the metrics in the summary table are detailed along with points that might require further clarity and consideration by WG-SAM and WG-FSA.