MCM/2009/MAY/SWG/DEM-32 summarised the proposed data to be included in the next Reference Set of Operating Models for the South African hake resource. This paper presents an update on the data already specified/provided, and highlights our understanding of where further clarification/analysis is still required before model conditioning (model fitting) commences. Feedback from attendees at the DWG meeting on progress and prospects in these areas would be appreciated. It would be appreciated also, where further data/information is agreed as required to be provided, the scientist responsible could be identified. This exercise should be considered in the context of a likely guillotine data of early August 2009 for finalisation of these data. Note that the Reference Set will model the sexes separately, which requires fitting directly to agelength keys (ALKs) and length frequencies, and estimating sex-specific growth curves in the overall model fitting process.