A comparison of the 2008, 2012 and 2017 assessments of the north Atlantic shortfin mako shark

The 2017 ICCAT stock assessment for north Atlantic shortfin mako suggested a substantial deterioration of the estimated stock status compared with the 2008 and 2012 stock assessments. ICCAT is updating catch projections in May 2019 to evaluate if further management measures are needed to ensure the sustainability of the North Atlantic shortfin mako fishery. This paper compares the data, methods and results of the three most recent assessments as background to the discussions to be held during the Shortfin Mako Stock Assessment Update Meeting in May 2019.