Identifying future steps to allow an efficient fisheries management advice among scientific committees in regional fisheries management organizations

Fish stocks around the world are managed by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) with regulatory authority which usually have differences in the internal processes to provide scientific advice. To improve the cooperation between the different RFMOs, and contribute to the reinforcement of regional fisheries assessment bodies (RFABs), we compare the work procedures from the main organizations that evaluate most of the commercial stocks of interest European fleets. The comparison is made in terms of stock assessment methods, decision-making, biological reference points, transparency, stakeholder’s involvement and implementation of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) and precautionary approach (PA). Key scientific experts from each RFMO and RFAB have been involved in this analysis, identifying crucial future steps to enhance collaboration for efficient fisheries management advice. • Comparative analysis of RFMOs reveals key differences in advisory processes. • Selection focuses on RFMOs relevant to EU interests: GFCM, NAFO, NEAFC, CECAF. • Benchmarking reveals transparency gaps and ecosystem-based management challenges. • Mid-term recommendations highlight the need for enhanced inter-RFMO cooperation. • Study informs future policy efforts to strengthen scientific advice efficiency.