Terms of Reference
Regional Advisory Meeting
Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee (PSARC) Groundfish Subcommittee Review
17 December, 2009
Nanaimo Conference Center
Departure Bay Room
Nanaimo, BC
Chairperson: Greg Workman
Background
Updated Canary Rockfish Harvest Advice
Canary rockfish is being considered for a "Threatened" listing under the Species At Risk Act. A decision on the listing is expected in the fall of 2010 and both the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans require the most current advice on stock health to make an informed decision as to whether or not to list the species. In 2007 COSEWIC assigned a status of “Threatened” to Canary rockfish, a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) was prepared for Canary Rockfish and Presented to PSARC in May of 2008. That assessment found that the stock had been reduced to 15 – 35% of virgin biomass but that at current harvest levels the stock appeared to be stable or rebuilding, however due to uncertainty about the productivity of the stock and a desire to accelerate rebuilding quotas were reduced.
The paper is being prepared and presented as a Science Special Response Processes (SSRP). There are two circumstances when a SSRP is appropriate, the first is when there is a need to respond to unforeseen or urgent issues, the second is when an analytical and advisory approach has been developed through a previous advisory process and those analyses are simply being updated with new data. In this instance both criteria are met. The current paper will use the assessment methodology approved by PSARC in 2008, provide an updated assessment of coast wide Canary Rockfish populations status on Canada's west coast. The authors will show where the stock is relative to the limit and upper stock reference points and provide forecasts on the impact of varying future harvests.
Consultation and discussion of Groundfish PSARC priorities and planning
The groundfish PSARC subcommittee will be informed and consulted on two issues, these being 1) progress on stock assessments in preparation and 2) development of a groundfish science strategic plan. Lead authors will provide short overviews of the stock assessment documents they are preparing and report on progress to date. Following the progress reports we will review progress on developing a strategic plan for the provision of groundfish science advice including an overview of developments to date and one of tools being considered to inform groundfish science as to the highest risk issues for the groundfish industry. Stakeholder input will be sought regarding prioritization and the appropriate mechanism by which stakeholder communication and input into the process can be achieved.
Objectives
- Peer review the draft Science Special Response, “British Columbia canary rockfish stock assessment update”
- Update on stock assessments in preparation
- Consultation and discussion of Groundfish science strategic planning and PSARC priorities
Products
- CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion;
- CSAS Science Special Response Processes document;
Location and Date
Nanaimo, BC, 17 December, 2009
Participants
Participants (approx. 25) will include internal DFO representatives and invites from academia, First Nations, NGO’s and industry.
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