Terms of Reference

Assessment of Atlantic Surfclam in Magdalen Islands

Quebec Region Science Advisory Process

January 27, 2010
Maurice Lamontagne Institute
850, route de la mer, Mont-Joli, QC

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Background

DFO Quebec Science Branch reviews the status of some Gulf of St. Lawrence invertebrates and groundfish stocks in support of management of the fishery. Fisheries and Aquaculture management has requested a scientific advice on Magdalen Islands Atlantic surfclam stock status in 2010.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice on the management of Magdalen Islands Atlantic surfclam stocks for the 2010-2012 fishing seasons. This fishing is made by both hydraulic dredge or with manual tools (by diving or by foot). This advice shall include:

• Conclusions of an assessment of the status of Atlantic surfclam stocks, based on :
• • commercial fishery statistics (landings, effort, CPUE);
  • an analysis of commercial sampling program data (size structure);
  • an analysis of data gathered during research surveys in 2007 on island B and C (hand picking) located in the Grande Entrée harbour in the Magdalen Islands (density, recruitment and size structure).
• An update of some biological indicators (distribution and reproduction)
• Strategies of assessment, monitoring and management to priorize for this fishery.
• The identification of indicators to follow the stock status during years without formal stock assessment.
• The identification and priorization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations on management for 2010-2012 fishing seasons.

Products

CSAS Science Advisory Report on Magdalen Islands Atlantic surfclam
CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

Participation

DFO Science and Fisheries Management
Fishing industry
Provincial representatives
Aboriginal Communities / Organizations