Terms of Reference

Assessment of Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp

Maritimes Region Science Advisory Process

30 November - 1 December 2009

George Needler II Boardroom

Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

The status of 4VW shrimp was last assessed in 2008. The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch to provide harvest advice for 2010.

Objectives

• Assess the overall status of Eastern Scotian Shelf shrimp as of the fall of 2009, including relative stock abundance and exploitation rate. The assessment should include:
• • An analysis of existing CPUE and survey information.
  • An updated "traffic light" analysis.
• Evaluate the bycatch of non-shrimp species in the 2009 fishery. 
• Consider the role of shrimp as forage for predators and evaluate the feasibility of incorporating predatory consumptive removals into assessment models.
• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels during the 2009 fishery on stock abundance and exploration rate.
• Review a surplus production model.
• Review proposed reference points and harvest control rules.

Outputs

CSAS Science Advisory Report
CSAS Research Document
CSAS Proceedings

Participants

• DFO Science
• Fisheries & Aquaculture Management
• NS provincial representatives
• Fishing industry
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations