Division Specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment

1. 1..

   Species composition shall be understood to refer to the lowest taxonomic level appropriate for the assessment.

2. 2..

   The trophic guilds selected under criteria elements shall take into account the ICES list of trophic guilds^f1 and shall meet the following conditions:

   1. (a)

      include at least three trophic guilds;

   2. (b)

      two shall be non-fish trophic guilds;

   3. (c)

      at least one shall be a primary producer trophic guild;

   4. (d)

      preferably represent at least the top, middle and bottom of the food chain.

Units of measurement:

• D4C2: total abundance (number of individuals or biomass in tonnes (t)) across all species within the trophic guild.