Terms of Reference

Science Advisory Process on Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) for the purpose of making a CITES Non-Detriment Finding

30 January 2009
Baffin Boardroom, Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: T. Worcester

Context

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally binding multilateral environmental agreement that aims to ensure that international trade of species does not threaten their survival in the wild. Under the text of the Convention, the Scientific Authority of a Party must evaluate whether the export of a species will be detrimental or not to its survival in the wild. This determination is referred to as a non-detriment finding (NDF) and is not subject to socio-economic considerations. If the Scientific Authority cannot make a positive NDF, then an export permit for the species in question cannot legally be issued.

In Canada, CITES is implemented by the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). Although Environment Canada is the lead for CITES in Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has the delegated responsibility for the issuance of CITES export permits for all Canadian aquatic species. Within DFO, these duties are shared between Science (CITES Scientific Authority; lead on scientific issues including NDF), Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM; permit issuance) and International FAM (CITES Management Authority; lead on operational policy decisions).

DFO has received an application for the export of wild Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) captured from the Saint John River, New Brunswick. Atlantic sturgeon is listed on Appendix II of CITES and under CITES is considered a shared stock with the United States. In order to make the required CITES NDF a review of the sustainability of the total removals of Atlantic sturgeon (i.e. the legal harvest plus other sources of mortality) in Canada must be evaluated.

Objectives

The objective of this meeting is to evaluate if the total removals of Atlantic sturgeon in Canada (specifically the Bay of Fundy and its associated estuaries) are sustainable with respect to making a non-detriment finding under CITES.

For the purpose of this review, “total removals” refers to all sources of removal and/or mortality of Atlantic sturgeon such as legal and illegal harvests, bycatch, recreational fisheries, and the collection of eggs and/or juveniles for the purpose of reintroduction or conservation.

Outputs

CSAS Proceedings to document the discussion of the meeting
CSAS Science Advisory Report containing information relevant for the making of a NDF

Participation

DFO Science
DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
External reviewers
Industry