Report of the Study Group on Future Requirements for Fisheries Assessment Data and Software [ICES Headquarters, 21 October, 1997]

Abstract

Introduction: Since the development of IFAP many new analytical methods have been developed which are in common usage by assessment working groups. It has proved time consuming or impossible to incorporate these tools into IFAP and as a results most of these new methods are used outside the IFAP framework. This means there has been a lack of adequate quality control in the implementation and usage of the software as well as inefficiency in the exchange of data between programs. As a results there is considerable scope to improve the productivity of assessment working group meetings and reduce vulnerability to errors by trying to bring software development within an organised framework. Most of the meeting was devoted to identifying such a framework which would meet many of the immediate and medium term needs of assessment working groups, ACFM and the Secretariat. It was also recognised that there was a need also to consider a longer terrn more strategic view of how ICES assessment needs might develop. This was not discussed in detail at the meeting but a sub-group has been tasked to produce a policy paper in advance of the May 1998 ACFM meeting.