Terms of Reference

The Strait of Georgia Ecosystem Research Initiative: developing an ecosystem-based approach for the Strait of Georgia

Pacific Regional Science Advisory Process

February 16-17, 2011
Nanaimo, B.C.

Chairpersons: Marilyn Joyce, James Boutillier

Context

DFO is committed to develop ecosystem-based approaches to managing human interactions with marine systems. This commitment is a result of Canada’s Oceans Act and recommendations from international bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. To develop such approaches, Ecosystem Research Initiatives (ERIs) were established by DFO Science in each Region as pilot projects to enhance the capacity to provide scientific advice in support of ecosystem-based management.

In Pacific Region, the Strait of Georgia was selected as the pilot study ecosystem. The Strait of Georgia Ecosystem Research Initiative began in January 2008, and the Initiative will conclude its directly-funded phase on 31 March 2011. The project has involved approximately 30 individual projects each year. The findings of each of these projects have been presented at annual ERI workshops; their annual reports plus additional information on the objectives and themes of the Initiative are available on the Strait of Georgia Ecosystem Research Initiative Website.

Objectives

The objective of this Regional Advisory Process (RAP) is to review a framework for developing an ecosystem-based approach to managing human interactions with the Strait of Georgia marine ecosystem. The following working paper will provide the basis for discussion and advice.

Perry, R.I., Masson, D., et al. A framework for an ecosystem-based approach to managing the Strait of Georgia. CSAP Working Paper 2010/P57.

Specifically, this RAP is intended to:

1. Provide a brief overview of the current state of the Strait of Georgia;
2. Describe the current understanding of how the Strait of Georgia functions;
3. Identify the current critical gaps in knowledge regarding the Strait of Georgia marine ecosystem;
4. Propose a framework for providing advice for an ecosystem-based approach to managing human interactions with the Strait of Georgia marine ecosystem, including:
1. Ecosystem indicators
2. Ecosystem reference levels
3. Direction for an integrated DFO science program needed to achieve ecosystem-based management of the Strait of Georgia
4. Recommendations for next steps.

Expected publications

CSAS Science Advisory Report (1)
CSAS Research Document (1)
CSAS Proceedings

Participation

DFO Science Branch
DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch
DFO Oceans, Habitat and Enhancement Branch
Parks Canada
Academia
Non-Government Organizations
First Nations Organizations
Commercial and Recreational Fishing Interests

References Cited

Research objectives, plans, and annual reports from the Strait of Georgia Ecosystem Research Initiative projects are available from the project’s website at:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/oceans/detroit-Georgia-strait/index-eng.htm