Terms of Reference

Regional Advisory Meeting

PSARC Groundfish Subcommittee Meeting

May 15, 2008

Nanaimo, BC

Chairperson: Gary Logan

Background

DFO recently advanced a fishery decision-making framework incorporating the precautionary approach that is intended to assure resource sustainability and meet the requirements of various eco-certification programs. The framework requires the application of reference points, harvest rules and compliance with the precautionary approach. In response to this framework, the PSARC Groundfish Subcommittee will review a working paper that describes management procedures using the precautionary approach for the sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) fishery in British Columbia. This represents the first scientific peer-review review of the management procedure approach by DFO in the Pacific Region.

Objectives

1. Peer review the draft working paper, "Development of precautionary management procedures for the British Columbia sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)";

2. Specifically review the methodology of the management procedure modeling approach. The intent is not to provide advice for management decision making at this review meeting. The latter will be reviewed at a subsequent PSARC meeting in June 2008.

Products

• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

• CSAS Research document

Participation

Participants (approx. 25) will include internal DFO representatives and invites from academia, First Nations, NGO’s and industry.