Review of target and limit reference points

The purpose of this document is to assist the NPFC Scientific Committee in setting management standards and developing harvest control rules for its target fisheries, by reviewing reference points used in pelagic species fisheries by other regional fishery management organisations (RFMOs).
Specific tasks are to (1) Review target and limit reference points used in pelagic species fisheries by other general RFMOs and fishery management bodies, with focus on species which have similar life history to Pacific saury and chub mackerel and (2) Make recommendations on possible options for NPFC with respect to target and limit reference points to be used for the priority species: Pacific saury and chub mackerel.
A number of case studies were chosen to illustrate the ways in which reference points are estimated, uncertainty considered, and advice provided by other RFMOs and management bodies. The strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches are discussed, and the main points of relevance to NPFC summarised.