Here is the example table from Step 8 showing each possible combination of 3 fishery sustainability performance indicators – MPA Density Ratio, F:M, and SPR – and 3 climate resilience performance indicators – SPR of climate vulnerable species, amount of change in locations of high abundance, and amount of change in the mix of species relative to a historic baseline. Interpretations for each scenario (i.e., each possible combination of outcomes of assessments of these 6 metrics) are presented in the columns directly to the right of the PI:RP results columns (the checks and x’s).
These interpretations must be determined in concert with all stakeholders and based on in-depth local knowledge of the fishery. It’s important to develop a “first pass” at these interpretations before conducting assessments (during the Step 8 HCR-setting process) so that there will be an HCR for every possible scenario of outcomes, and then revisiting the interpretations for those scenarios that are revealed once the assessments are complete to refine and clarify them. Finally, the selected performance indicators and specific reference points should be re-evaluated and re-interpreted each year, prior to the start of the fishing season, so that appropriate fishery control measures can be set for the season.