The present ICES advisory system has evolved over a number of years in response to growing requests for advice from a range of Clients. Scientists have responded by adapting traditional scientific practices to answer Client requests and this operated satisfactorily while the total demand and importance of advice was comparatively low. In recent years the demand for advice has substantially increased and the potential impact of the advice is significant which leads to ever increasing public scrutiny of the quality of ICES products. Given that the present advisory system has evolved without explicitly addressing quality issues and that it is widely recognised that the present structure is in need of revision, it is important to identify the main quality elements which are required in a new advisory system structure. The desire of Clients that the advisory process be more transparent is being acknowledged.
Transparency is equally important to the participants in the procedure and to outside bodies.
This means that it must be clear how the advice was reached and that each stage in the process can be identified. It also means that the roles and responsibilities of the respective participants are clearly defined. The system must also be capable of adapting to the changing needs and demands of Clients. This means the advice must be cognisant of the real world problem it addresses and must be of practical value. Many issues on which ICES advice is sought are controversial, both scientifically and politically.