Terms of Reference

Meeting of the Newfoundland Regional Advisory Process (RAP) on Snow Crab and Iceland Scallop

Salon A and B, Holiday Inn, Portugal Cove Road

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

February 17-20, 2009



Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre,

80 East White Hills Road

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

February 23-27, 2009¹

Chairperson: Geoff Veinott

Context

The status of Divisions 2HJ3KLNO, Subdivision  3Ps and Division 4R snow crab were last assessed in 2008. The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide data that will be used in the 2009 Snow Crab Management Plan. The status of Iceland Scallop in Divisions 3N (Lilly - Carson Canyons) and 4R was last assessed in 2001. The scallop resource in Div. 4R has a refugium area that has been closed since 1999.  It is now up for review in 2009 (i.e. after a 10-year closure).  The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide current information on the status of the resource.

Objectives

Status of the following stocks will be assessed:

• Snow Crab:  Divisions 2HJ3KLNO; Subdivision 3Ps; and Division 4R

• Iceland Scallop: Divisions 3N Lilly - Carson Canyons and Division 4R

Outputs

CSAS Science Advisory Reports (SARs) and associated research documents will be produced for these assessments.  A Proceedings document will record the meeting discussions.

Participants

• DFO Science, Newfoundland and Labrador and NCR
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Newfoundland and Labrador Region
• Industry Representatives
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Memorial University
• Aboriginal organizations
• Members of the public with knowledge of the fishery and/or snow crab biology
• Members of the public with knowledge of the fishery and/or scallop biology

¹As required, a second week has been planned to word craft the complete text of the SARs. Summary bullets for each stock will be agreed upon in plenary during the week of February 17-20, 2009. RAP Participants are encouraged to attend the second week of discussions and assist in the drafting of the SARs.