Terms of Reference

Gulf Region Science Advisory Process on
Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Herring (NAFO Division 4T)

March 11-12, 2009
Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton (NB)

Context

In support of a request for science advice from DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, DFO Gulf Oceans and Science Branch will review the status of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence 4T spring and fall spawning herring stocks.

Objectives

Assessment of the status of the spring and fall spawning components of herring in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence including:

• Information on catches to the end of 2008, including best estimates of total removals by all fisheries.
• Key indicators of stock status and trends (commercial catch rates and acoustic survey, size and/or age composition, etc.).
• Available information from resource users on recent stock status relative to historical stock levels.
• Evaluation of the appropriateness and results of the population model (Sequential Population Analysis) for spring and fall components.
• Analyses of other key stock status indicators as appropriate.
• Where possible, a quantitative risk analysis of catch options relative to the probability of meeting defined management objectives for these stocks for 2009
• An analysis of the probability of recovery in the long term (>10 years) of the spring spawner component to a level above the limit reference point for three catch level options (0 t, 2000 t, 4000 t).

Products

• CSAS Science Advisory Report for the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence spring and fall herring components – due date March 27, 2009
• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussions
• CSAS Research Document(s) of the assessment of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence spring and fall herring.

Participation

Participation at the meeting may include:
DFO Oceans and Science,
DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
Aboriginal peoples
Industry sector,
Provincial governments