Terms of Reference

 Meeting of the Newfoundland Regional Advisory Process (RAP) on Hagfish

May 12-13th, 2009

Holiday Inn

Conception Bay South Room

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

May 14th, 2009¹

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, 80 East White Hills Road

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Chairperson: Becky Sjare

Context

The status of hagfish has not been assessed to date by Science Branch of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (NL Region) to provide data analysis and biological information that will be used to evaluate the potential for a sustainable commercial fishery. The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide current information on stock status and a sustainable harvest level for hagfish

Objectives

• Assess the impact of the experimental hagfish fisheries in NAFO Divisions 3NO and sub-Division 3Ps on hagfish population(s) in this area, taking into account any available commercial or survey information including:
• • Catch rates
  • Biological data (reproduction, growth, fecundity)
  • Known life-history characteristics
• Evaluate population structure and spatial and temporal distribution of the resource.
• Evaluate the by-catch of non-hagfish species in this fishery.
• Evaluate the impacts of this fishery on benthic habitat.
• Evaluate  the maximum  level of fishing mortality that is sustainable.
• To discuss and develop information requirements for future management and conservation of the resource.

Outputs

CSAS Science Advisory Report (SAR) and potential associated research documents will be produced for this assessment.  A Proceedings document will record the meeting discussions.

Participants

DFO Science, Newfoundland and Labrador
DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Newfoundland and Labrador Region
Industry Representatives
Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Academia

¹As required, one additional day has been planned to word craft the complete text of the SAR. RAP participants are encouraged to attend the second meeting of discussions and assist in the drafting of the SAR.