Expert Services for Data-Limited Fishing Stock Assessment Methods

Cefas is seeking expert services to support the development of improved catch rules for data-limited fish stocks (category 4-6) as part of Large Collaborative Project LCP003, Task 1.1. The expert will contribute specialized knowledge in management strategy evaluation, data-limited assessment techniques, and stock assessment methods to help design catch rules that improve yield while reducing resource depletion risk compared to current ICES guidance. Key responsibilities include developing frameworks for severely data-limited stocks, reviewing length-based and size-based catch rules, analyzing spatial indicators through hindcasting, supporting Cefas PhD students, and presenting findings at international workshops including ICES WKLIFE in September 2026. The supplier must demonstrate world-leading expertise in management strategy evaluation (MSE), the Fisheries Library in R (FLR), ICES data-limited methods workshops, high-performance computing, and model validation. Engagement includes approximately 20 working days of expert contribution with monthly in-person or online meetings at Cefas Lowestoft laboratory, UK travel reimbursed at actual cost, and international travel covered up to 6 days at UK Government rates. All deliverables are due by 31 March 2026.