ICES will hold a series of hybrid WKFISHDISH workshops over the next three years (2026–2028) that aim to bridge the gap between broad-scale species distribution model (SDM) studies and finer-scale investigations of particular habitats at particular times supporting individual populations.
The evidence generated will help managers implement Marine Spatial Planning and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, as well as support commitments made by Member Countries through, for example, the European Oceans Pact, Greater North Sea Initiative, and the Regional Sea Conventions.
The workshops will highlight strengths and weaknesses of different approaches for SDM and consider means to include complex interactions of drivers in time and space and effects of differing sampling methods. The work will attempt to develop a rationale for defining which habitats are essential to a population and its differing life-stages, as well as develop methods and tools to delineate habitat boundaries. In addition to modelling the distribution of species and habitats for selected fish/shellfish, the workshops will investigate the potential risk of impact on them due to key pressures arising from the cumulative effect of human activities, including Offshore Renewable Energy and climate change. Outcomes will support area-based management, conservation activities and restoration planning.
The series takes place over the next three years.
- WKFISHDISH3 (2026) will review data/data products and focus on methodologies and their strengths and weaknesses.
- WKFISHDISH4 (2027) will apply methods for species distribution/ habitat modelling for selected species.
- WKFISHDISH5 (2028) will investigate the risk of impact on species due to fishing, climate change and offshore renewable energy developments and the level of protection offered by spatial management (including Marine Protected Areas).