Terms of Reference

Regional Science Advisory Process

Pacific Spiny Dogfish Assessment - Center for Science Advice Pacific - Groundfish Committee

May 17, 2010

Pacific Biological Station
Nanaimo, BC

Chairperson: Greg Workman

Background

Dogfish Stock Assessment

The last partial stock assessment of dogfish was conducted in 1994/95 and  the last full assessment was completed in 1989.  Since the Pacific Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring (PFAR) program of the late 1990s, there has been a resurgence in the targeted spiny dogfish fishery, particularly amongst the hook and line sector.  The fishery currently operates year round, in all areas of the coast, and is managed by Individual Vessel Quota (IVQ).   Given the increased pressure on this resource over the last decade, the fact that the directed dogfish fleet is applying for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-certification, and that this is a species that is currently being assessed by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC),  an updated stock assessment and harvest advice has been requested. 

The Groundfish Management Unit requested catch advice for all management areas of the Pacific coast, including the Strait of Georgia, as well as coast wide estimates of abundance.  Consistent with DFO’s evolving implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework, Policy on the Application of the Precautionary Approach, estimates of the target stock reference, as well target harvest rate will be provided.

Objectives

Peer review the draft working paper “Spiny Dogfish Assessment (Squalus acanthias) and Catch Recommendation for 2010”. 

Products

• CSAS Proceedings document;
• CSAS Research document;
• CSAS Science Advisory Report.

Location and Date

Nanaimo, BC, Pacific Biological Station, Seminar Room

Participation

Approximately 25 participants representing the following groups will be invited:

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries & Aquaculture Management
• Aboriginal communities / organizations
• Provincial governments
• Industry