Selected papers presented at the workshop on biological reference points Rome, 20-21 April 2004 GFCM studies and reviews Series, Vol. 83

The workshop stressed that the concept of reference points (RPs) needs to be closely connected to the management objective of concerned fisheries, taking into account various parameters such as maximum sustainable yield, economic and social benchmark and environment concern. Participants stressed the need to define different RPs for each dimension of management or to identify a single RP aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the system, thereby no longer limited to biological aspects. A review of possible approaches to setting RPs and indicators for Black Sea fisheries emphasized the dynamic nature of recent ecosystem changes.