The review report is the end product of an independent peer review organized by the CIE.  While there are different formats that review reports can follow, based on the subject that the independent peer review considered, topics that were emphasized, and other factors, the CIE does suggest that most reports adhere to a standard format.  Once the report is completed, the CIE Steering Committee and Coordination Team review and comment on the report, ensuring that the report is scientifically accurate, editorially sound, and well organized; emphasis is placed on whether the report is completely independent and represents a nonconsensus opinion, and that the report meets all the tasks required of the independent review. 

Generally, review reports must include the following:

1.      The report should be prefaced with an executive summary of findings and/or recommendations.

2.      The main body of the report should consist of a background, description of review activities, summary of findings, conclusions/recommendations, and references.

3.      The report should also include as separate appendices the bibliography of all materials provided and a copy of the statement of work.

The following outline refers to a stock assessment-related independent review report, but the format could be used for other CIE reviews.  Please note, however, that not all elements may be needed by every reviewer. 

 DETAILED GUIDE TO REVIEW REPORT PREPARATION

1.      Executive Summary

a.      Impetus and goals for the review

b.      Main conclusions and recommendations

c.      Interpretation of the findings with respect to conclusions and management advice

2.      Introduction

a.      Background

b.      Terms of Reference

c.      Panel membership

d.      Date and place

e.      Acknowledgements

3.      Summary of Available Information

4.      Review of Information used in the Assessment

a.      Stock structure

b.      Life history data

c.      Catch data

d.      Abundance indices

e.      Length/age composition

f.       Effort

g.      Other

5.      Review of the Assessment Results

a.      Methods

b.      Abundance

c.      Fishing mortality

d.      Uncertainty

e.      Projections

f.       Other

6.      Review of Scientific Advice

7.      Recommendations

a.      Data collection and analyses

b.      Assessment methods

c.      Other

8.      Implications

9.      References

10.  Appendices

a.      Bibliography of all material provided

b.      Statement of Work

c.       Other