Terms of Reference

Identification of Critical Habitat for Cultus Pigmy Sculpin

Pacific Regional Science Advisory Process

October 12th, 2011
Nanaimo, BC

Chairperson: Sean MacConnachie

Context

Cultus Pigmy Sculpin (Cottus sp.) was listed in 2003 as Threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and a recovery strategy for the species was completed in 2007 (National Recovery Team for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. 2007). A recovery strategy or action plan must identify a threatened species’ critical habitat, or “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed species and that is identified as the species critical habitat in the recovery strategy or action plan for the species”. Under SARA s41(1)(c) a species’ critical habitat must be identified to the extent possible, based on the best available information.

DFO SARA Management Program has requested science advice in support of the identification of critical habitat and development of the Action Plan for the Cultus Pygmy Sculpin under SARA. A technical workshop was held in February 2011 to provide direction to the work necessary to complete this request.

Objectives

The following working paper will be reviewed and provide the basis for discussion and advice:

Chiang, E., G. Velema, T. Brown and P. Woodruff. The identification of critical habitat for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus sp.). CSAP Working Paper

To provide the best available information regarding the geospatial extent of this species and the biophysical attributes, features and functions of the habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of Cultus Pygmy Sculpin.

Expected publications

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

Participation

• DFO Science, Oceans, Habitat and Species at Risk, Policy and Economics
• Province of BC
• External Reviewers
• Non-governmental organizations
• Other Stakeholders

References Cited

National Recovery Team for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. 2007. Recovery Strategy for Cultus Pygmy Sculpin (Cottus sp.) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa, v + 21 pp.