REVIew, VALidate and update data and model for western Balti

The herring fishery is considered one of the most important fisheries in Denmark. Western Baltic spring-spawner (WBSS) herring was last benchmarked in 2018 and has been estimated below
safe biological limits ever since, resulting in a zero-catch advice. The stock mixes with North Sea autumn-spawner (NSAS) herring in ICES Division 3.a and the eastern parts of the North Sea and
catches are split to account for the mixing. The WBSS herring will be benchmarked in 2025 where both data and model will be re-evaluated. The project will collect and improve the data available
for the stock. This includes improving and possibly extending the catch time series, the survey indices, and the biological data. The project will notably use innovative state-of-the-art modelling for
splitting data into stocks in the areas where they mix. The updated data will be used in the stock assessment model with the goal of getting the most accurate perception of the stock. New fishing
and biological reference points will be estimated using an innovative within the model procedure that will ensure the quality of the advice projections and the sustainability of the stock in the
future. Having the project as part of an official ICES benchmark process will guarantee the outcomes contribute directly to WBSS herring management. The inclusion of international scientists as
collaborators and stakeholders as partners will promote transparency in the decision-making processes and involvement in the management of the herring fishery.