Data security and management issues from the recent meetings and intersessional work of the SC subsidiary bodies

The intention of this information paper is to summarize data security and management issues that arose from the meetings and intersessional work of the scientific working groups following the last SC meeting in April 2017. The paper lists data-related recommendations for stock assessments, spatial management of VMEs, spatial management of bottom and pelagic fisheries, and ideas for the NPFC observer program. It also includes matters on meeting document management which the Secretariat encountered when responding to requests from FAO, RFMOs and the public. SC Members are invited to consider the necessity of revision of the Interim Guidance for Management of Scientific Data Used in Stock Assessments or development of a more comprehensive policy to address the security and access rules for the growing data needs for current and near future scientific projects.