Terms of Reference

7^th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Eel Science Working Group (CESWoG)

October 14-16, 2009

Future Inns and Conference Centre, Moncton NB.

Chairperson: Y. Mailhot and G. Veinott

Context

The American Eel population in North America is in precipitous decline in many parts of its range.  The decline and the need for strong measures to foster recovery were highlighted by North American eel scientists in a “Declaration of Concern” prepared during the International Eel Symposium held at the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting in 2003.  In addition, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada  (COSEWIC) assessed American Eel in Canada as “Special Concern” in 2006.  Management agencies and stakeholders have initiated a number of measures to address threats.

In Canada, one response to the decline was formation of the Canadian Eel Science Working Group (CESWOG), made up of Canadian scientists working on eel biology.  CESWOG’s first meeting was in December 2003.  The objectives of CESWOG have been to review progress of eel science, coordinate scientific activities, and provide information and recommendations to management.  CESWOG has reported informally to the Canadian Eel Working Group (CEWG), whose members come from the three jurisdictions with major interests in eel conservation and management (Canada, Ontario, and Québec) and whose general objective is to promote eel conservation and recovery.

CESWOG has two Co-Chairs, one from the federal government and the other from a provincial government. CESWOG’s meetings have been held at the call of the Co-Chairs. CESWOG has not provided formal scientific advice to management, although at its fourth meeting it responded to a series of questions from CEWG on status of eel in relation to management objectives and on research priorities. Meeting proceedings have been published in the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) “Proceedings” series.

With development of a National Management Plan for American Eel in Canada and a growing focus on supporting conservation and recovery of Canada’s eel population, there has been a formal request for scientific advice from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Management sector.  Within DFO, formal scientific advice is provided under the co-ordination of the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS).  Given that CESWOG represents the scientific expertise on eel in Atlantic Canada, it is appropriate for science peer review and advice to be conducted during the annual meeting of CESWOG, when requested.  No advice can be provided in 2009 given the information requirement relative to the request for advice however part of the meeting will focus on developing a plan to conduct an advisory meeting in 2010.

Objectives

There are two main objectives for the 7^th annual meeting:

1. In preparation for a peer review meeting to be held in 2010, review the current research, research gaps, and expertise required, discuss analyses to be conducted and working papers to be prepared.  This plan is being developed in response to advice requested by DFO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Management sector on the following four questions:
   1. How do you assess cumulative impact of multiple dams in a watershed?
   2. What is best methodology for setting recruitment and escapement targets for a watershed, taking into account cumulative impacts.
   3. What is the current status of eels in Canada?
   4. What progress has been made toward meeting the goal of a 50% reduction in mortality, in both weight and numbers, relative to the baseline of average mortality in 1997-2002.

2. To review and discuss new research on American eel.

Outputs

A CSAS Proceedings Report outlining the discussions and outcomes of the meeting will be produced. Associated Research Documents may also be produced.

Participation