The assessment and the historical series on sardinella show that the stock of round sardinella is in a critical situation marked by heavy overexploitation. The Working Group reiterates the recommendations of previous years for the management of the stock and advocates a substantial and immediate reduction in fishing effort and mortality. The Working Group cannot quantify exactly how much fishing effort should be reduced, but in view of the degraded situation of this stock, and as a precautionary approach, it proposes a reduction of at least 60 percent in mortality current exerted on this stock. As for the flat sardinella, the level of fishing mortality has been high in the last two years. In the absence of the round sardinella, it would seem that the fishing effort is directed towards the flat sardinella. Therefore, the working group also recommends the reduction of fishing effort directed towards the flat sardinella. In order to improve the state of sardinella stocks, it is recommended to prohibit their use for the manufacture of fishmeal. The Working Group also recommends that national governments assume their responsibilities with regard to the sustainable management of sardinella and launch consultations on the joint management of this fundamental resource.