This work was requested by AFMF following discussions with the SAFS Advisory Group (SAFS AG) over several years regarding the potential introduction of target reference points (TRPs) in SAFS. While most SAFS AG members agreed in-principle that introducing TRPs in SAFS could help to improve the reports, incorporating the differing reference levels and frameworks used by the various jurisdictions presents considerable challenges. The present work is intended to address this challenges and other relevant issues in order to provide advice to AFMF on the most appropriate framework for future editions of SAFS.

The review will consider the degree to which the current set of reference levels and associated terminology within the SAFS framework:

(1) Has adequately reflected the longer-term status of stocks,
(2) Is consistent with the current legislative and regulatory environment, policy positions and associated performance levels used in each jurisdiction and other national fishery initiatives (e.g. National Harvest Strategy Guidelines) including the now frequent use of:
a. target reference points.
b. dynamic reference points.
c. climate/environmental impacts.
(3) Are consistent with current reporting requirements and stakeholder expectations at the seafood industry (e.g. Seafood Chooser), national (e.g. EPBC guidelines) and international levels (e.g. NZ, US, FAO, MSC).

Based on the above, a report will be provided to AFMF that assesses the performance of the current framework and provides options for the future including the potential implications of maintaining, adding to, or adjusting the SAFS framework, including its scope, the reference levels, stock status categories used and their associated definitions.