Terms of Reference

Update to the assessment framework for the Pink and Spiny scallop (Chlamys rubida, C. hastata) dive fishery in waters off the West Coast of Canada
Assessing potential habitat impacts of small-scale, intertidal geoduck clam (Panopea generosa) aquaculture
Assessment Update of Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia
Assessment Update of Manila Clam in the Central Coast of British Columbia and Evaluation of the Area 7 Manila Clam Fisheries Management Strategy
Assessment of Inshore Shrimp Stocks along the Coast of British Columbia

Pacific Regional Advisory Process

November 30 – December 2, 2010
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Chairperson: Ray Lauzier

Context

This Regional Advisory Meeting (RAP) will review two scientific working papers and three Science Advisory Reports for five species of marine invertebrates.   Further context and specific objectives are outlined below.

Objectives 

Working Paper:  Update to the assessment framework for the Pink and Spiny scallop (Chlamys rubida, C. hastata) dive fishery in waters off the West Coast of Canada:

Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) has requested an update on new developments in the Pink and Spiny scallop dive fishery in British Columbia. Since the Framework for Pink (Chlamys rubida) and Spiny (C. hastata) Scallop Fisheries in Waters off the West Coast of Canada was developed in 2000, there has been an interest in expanding this fishery.  An updated assessment framework will be reviewed.  Advances in submersible image capture technology, and the acquisition of new Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipment provides an opportunity to update and increase the efficiency of the survey methodology used to assess scallop stocks.  Additional years of biological data, collected since the last assessment, allow for review and potential updating of the current reference points, and advice on harvest control rules for the scallop dive fishery.

Specifically, objectives of this paper are to:

• Document, evaluate and review current protocols for the collection and analysis of scallop data,
• Evaluate whether reference points and harvest control rules need to be revised as a result of the updates in assessment methodology, and acquisition of new biological data since 2005, and
• Recommend continuing and/or further research activities that are required to support assessment and monitoring of scallop populations in B.C.

Working Paper: Assessing potential habitat impacts of small-scale, intertidal geoduck clam (Panopea generosa) aquaculture

Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) has requested an environmental impact assessment of harvesting cultured geoduck clams in the intertidal or subtidal marine environment. The expansion of geoduck aquaculture is highly desired by the industry, and is publicly contentious. New intertidal sites have been postponed due to concerns about unknown environmental impacts created by normally-used harvest gear.  Potential impacts of geoduck aquaculture on the marine environment may be caused by three main activities:

1. Change in material processes,
2. Addition of physical structure, and
3. Sediment disturbance caused by out-planting and harvesting.

Specifically, the objective of the study was to assess the potential benthic impacts of intertidal geoduck culture in a small test plot from out-planting of seed to six months post-harvest by:

1. Using industry-standard techniques for seeding and harvesting,
2. Analysis of physical and chemical indicators from benthic samples from within the test plot and various distances from the plot to determine the spatial extent of impact, and
3. Analysis of biological indicators including patterns in the abundance, species richness, evenness and diversity of infauna to assess potential impacts on the infaunal community.

Science Advisory Report:  Framework for Red Giant Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia

This Science Advisory Report summarizes the Framework for the Red Giant Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia, reviewed by the Centre for Science Advice Invertebrate Standing Committee in December 2009 (see Additional Information and References section below).

The objective of this Science Advisory Report is to document the following advice respecting the management and assessment of the Sea Cucumber Fishery in British Columbia - specifically to:

1. Consider the application of reserves for conservation and stock assessment purposes,
2. Recommend target and limit reference points compliant with the Fishery Decision-making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach, and
3. Advise on research priorities to support monitoring and stock assessment.

Science Advisory Report:  Assessment Update of Manila Clam in the CentralCoast of British Columbia and Evaluation of the Area 7 Manila Clam Fisheries Management Strategy

Since 2001, resource managers for this fishery have been using the Magnussen-Stefanson Feedback Gain Model that was reviewed by CSAS in 2001 to set in-season thresholds for each of the monitored fishery sub-areas.   A review summarizing the biomass estimates from index beaches in 11 sub-areas of Area 7 on the Central Coast, as well as the harvest yield of the 11 sub-areas has been undertaken, to evaluate the efficacy of the current fisheries management strategy.

The objective of this assessment is to provide the following advice respecting the management and assessment of the Manila Clam Fishery in the Central Coast of British Columbia -  specifically to:

1. Provide an updated stock status of Manila Clam stock in harvested areas of the Central Cost of British Columbia; and,
2. Evaluate management strategies employed for the past 9 years in the Area 7 Manila Clam fishery on the Central Coast of British Columbia.

Science Advisory Report: Assessment of Inshore Shrimp Stocks along the Coast of British Columbia

This report provides a summary of shrimp stock trends, as indexed through surveys, from inception of surveys in 1997 to 2010, along with commercial catch trends from 1987 to 2010. Commencing in 2010, at the request of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM), confidence intervals (95% CI) for the estimated shrimp biomass indices are reported. This report does not provide new advice on shrimp stock status but rather documents the advice on stock status which has previously been provided to fishery managers and industry in-season.

The objective of this Science Advisory Report is to document the following advice respecting the management and assessment of the shrimp trawl fishery by Shrimp Management Area (SMA) along the coast of British Columbia – specifically to:

1. Document the biomass estimates for pink and sidestripe shrimp resulting from the annual area-swept fishery independent surveys in selected SMA’s; and,
2. Document the fishery performance in selected SMA’s in comparison to the recommended catch ceilings.

 Expected Publications

• CSAS Proceedings document summarizing the discussion (1)
• CSAS Science Advisory Reports (5)
• CSAS Research Document (2)

Participation

Participants will include internal DFO representatives and potentially participants from the Province of British Columbia, academia, First Nations, NGO’s and industry.

References Cited

DFO. 2009  A fishery decision-making framework incorporating the precautionary approach.

Duprey, N., Hand, C.M., Lochead, J. and Hajas, W. 2010.  Assessment Framework for Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/105. vi + 44 p.