Science Response 2017/025

Evaluation of Scope for Harm for White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Atlantic Canada

Context

In Canada, White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) was assessed as Endangered in 2006 by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2006) and was listed on Schedule 1 of Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2011. A Recovery Potential Assessment conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) prior to listing concluded that there was no scope for allowable harm to the population (DFO 2006), where allowable harm is defined as harm to the wildlife species that will not jeopardize its recovery or survival (DFO 2014).  To permit otherwise prohibited activities under section 73 of SARA, or to exempt such activities in a Recovery Strategy, it must be demonstrated that the activity does not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species.

Since the previous assessment (DFO 2006), new information on the White Shark population in the Northwest (NW) Atlantic has become available; suggesting a new assessment of allowable harm is warranted. The intent of this Science Response is to re-assess whether there is scope for allowable harm for White Shark in Atlantic Canadian waters. The specific question is: "In accordance with the four criteria outlined in the Revised Framework for the Evaluation of Scope of Harm under Section 73 of SARA (DFO 2004), is there scope for harm (i.e., allowable harm) for White Shark in Atlantic Canadian waters?". This information will inform the White Shark Recovery Strategy, the development and direction of the upcoming Action Plan, and the ongoing management of activities that may interact with this species.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of November 30, 2016, on the Evaluation of Allowable Harm for White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Atlantic Canada.

Complete document (PDF, 704 KB)

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