Science Response 2018/015

Limit Reference Points for Atlantic Salmon Rivers in DFO Gulf Region

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Ecosystems and Fisheries Management Branch asked DFO Science to develop reference points for Atlantic Salmon that conform to “A fishery decision-making framework incorporating the Precautionary Approach” (DFO 2009a). That request followed on an action item associated with the implementation of the Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation Policy (WASCP; DFO 2009b) to review benchmarks / reference points for Atlantic Salmon which conform to the Precautionary Approach (PA). As a first step, DFO (2015) provided advice on the development of limit reference points (LRP) for Atlantic Salmon that conform to the PA. Specifically, DFO (2015) stated that the LRP should be determined based on a risk analysis of the spawning escapement that results in a low probability (25% or less) of the recruitment being less than 50% of maximum recruitment. Based on this advice and supporting analyses, LRPs in units of eggs per m² of fluvial habitat area are defined for Atlantic Salmon rivers in DFO Gulf Region. A stock and recruitment model with a covariate corresponding to the proportion of the eggs in the returns contributed by large salmon was used to define river specific values. This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of February 8, 2018 on Limit Reference Points for Atlantic Salmon rivers in Salmon Fishing Areas 15 to 18, DFO Gulf Region. This is a step in the development of the PA framework. Further work is required to complete the PA framework including the definition of the Upper Stock Reference point(s), harvest strategies, and harvest decision rules.

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