Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Best Scientific Information Available Regional Framework
This document provides the best scientific information available (BSIA) framework for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) stock assessments and stock status determinations.
This framework describes how the major steps within these processes align with a national framework outlined in NOAA Fisheries Procedure 01-101-10, the “NOAA Fisheries Framework for Determining that Stock Status Determinations and Catch Specifications are Based on the Best Scientific Information Available.”
The document clarifies roles and responsibilities of the agency and collaborative bodies, and increases transparency in how BSIA determinations are made as part of the management process.