Terms of Reference

Evaluation of narwhal with respect to making a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) non-detriment finding

National Science Special Response Process, National Capital Region

October 14, 2010 (via teleconference)

Chairperson: Patrice Simon (DFO CITES Scientific Authority)

Context

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally-binding multilateral environmental agreement that aims to ensure that international trade of species does not threaten their survival in the wild.  In Canada, CITES is implemented through the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).   Environment Canada is the lead for CITES in Canada, however DFO is the lead for CITES-related aquatic issues.

Narwhal (Mondodon monoceros) is listed on Appendix II of CITES.  As is required under Article IV, paragraph 2 of CITES, an export permit shall only be granted when the Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.  This determination is referred to as a non-detriment finding (NDF) and is not subject to socio-economic considerations. Export is not considered detrimental to the survival of a species in the wild when the products intended for export have originated from a sustainable harvest. 

The Scientific Authority at DFO has been requested to issue an NDF for narwhal harvested in Canadian waters in 2010.  A Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Special Science Response Process (SSRP) will be held via teleconference on October 14, 2010 to provide science advice regarding the sustainability of Canadian narwhal harvests with respect to making a CITES NDF.

Previous NDF for narwhal have been issued for two sub-populations (i.e. Baffin Bay and Northern Hudson Bay).  However, this SSRP will consider six different management units that comprise the larger Canadian narwhal population (i.e. Somerset Island, Admiralty Inlet, Eclipse Sound, East Baffin Island, Northern Hudson Bay, and the putative stocks of Parry Channel and Jones and Smith Sounds).

Objectives

The objective of this SSRP is to provide science advice regarding the sustainability of Canadian narwhal harvests with respect to making a CITES NDF.

In order to achieve this objective, meeting participants will address the following:

1. What is the scientific justification for considering the Canadian narwhal population as six different management units (rather than as two sub-populations (i.e. Baffin Bay and Northern Hudson Bay as has been done in previous NDF)?
   
   
2. Are there sufficient data to estimate the population size, status, and trend of each management unit?  What is the level of confidence associated with each of these estimates?

3. The current recommended Total Allowable Landed Catch (TALC) for each management unit was based on the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) method.

1. What are the uncertainties and weaknesses, if any, associated with these methods/values?
2. Is there a more appropriate method that should have been considered instead?

4. Considering the TALC and recent harvest information for each of the six management units, will the current level of harvest be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild?

Working Papers

Table summarising recommended science-based quotas, harvests, and population information for narwhal as provided to the CITES Scientific Authority by Central and Arctic Region of DFO. 

Outputs

Outputs from the meeting will include a CSAS Science Response Report; this report will form the basis of a CITES NDF for narwhal harvested in 2010.

Participation

This science advisory process will follow the CSAS guidelines for SSRP and will include participation of the DFO CITES Scientific Authority as well as invited experts who can contribute to producing meaningful scientific advice on this topic.