Terms of Reference

Review of Pathways of Effect models describing the potential impacts of marine renewable energy devices

National Advisory Meeting, National Capital Region

November 3-4, 2011
Montreal, Quebec

Co-chairs: Mike Stoneman (Science NCR) and Keith Clarke (Science Newfoundland and Labrador)

Context

In recognition of the essential regulatory and science roles that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will play in the development of marine renewable energy in Canada, Natural Resources Canada provided funding through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF) for a project entitled “Supporting an Efficient Regulatory Framework for Marine Renewable and Clean Energy Initiative”.  A steering committee of DFO staff as well as a representative from Natural Resources Canada has been established to oversee the project and a manager has been hired to undertake the tasks identified in a workplan. Additionally, a Working Group of DFO staff (both NCR and Regional) has been formed to provide guidance / expert advice on operational matters related to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) projects.

The aim of the CEF project is to develop a strategic science and research plan to address future regulatory information needs related to the granting of project approvals for the construction, operation and decommissioning of marine renewable energy (wind, wave, tidal and including in-river) devices in Canadian marine and aquatic ecosystems.  One of the key stages includes the development of logic models for each major form of offshore renewable energy technology.

The Steering Committee oversaw the development of the draft Pathways of Effects (PoE) diagrams and accompanying descriptions to outline potential linkages between marine renewable energy activities and environmental stressors and effects on receptors. The format of the PoE models followed the International Driving Forces-Pressures-State-Impact-Responses (DPSIR) framework adopted by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development and originally developed by the United Nations Environment Program.  Previous CSAS reviews have been guided by the same format.

The PoE diagrams and descriptions have been structured to identify environmental effects related to the ecosystem components identified as relevant to the Government of Canada with regard to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Fisheries Act, Oceans Act, Species at Risk Act, and to related regulations and policies for the management of fish, fish habitat, water quality and fish communities and populations. The PoE diagrams and the related strength of evidence tables are contained in the report “Pathways of Effects for Offshore Renewable Energy in Canada” by Isaacman and Daborn, dated April, 2011.

Objectives

The Steering Committee with input from the Working Group has organized this CSAS workshop to review and discuss the draft Pathways of Effects and the supporting evidence contained in Isaacman and Daborn, 2011 using the following questions as a framework:

1a. Is there evidence (in addition to references cited in the ‘Strength of Evidence’ tables) in the literature (unpublished or studies in progress) that supports or challenges the existence of the stressor-effect linkages identified in the draft Pathways of Effects?

• Elaborate as to evidence that supports or challenges the existence of the stressor / effect / receptor linkages, and where further information / knowledge could lead to a more complete understanding of the stressor-effect linkages.
• Qualify the strength of evidence that supports or challenges the existence of the stressor / effect / receptor linkages.

1b. Are the Pathways of Effects diagrams comprehensive? If not, identify missing stressor / effect / receptor linkages.

2a. Describe state of knowledge with respect to each stressor-effect linkage, including:

• descriptions of each effect and its associated ecological outcomes (effect / receptor profile), and
• the factors and conditions that influence the expression of an effect (including exposure profile, receiving environment profile, etc.).

2b. For each stressor-effect linkage with scientific evidence described above, describe the documented biological implications of the effects on overall ecosystem function.

3a. Identify specific areas of uncertainty and knowledge gaps respecting the stressor-effect linkages.

Which of the uncertainties or knowledge gaps hinder us most in terms of gaining a more holistic understanding of the effect profiles and the biological implications on overall ecosystem function?

Expected Publications

Scientific advice will be provided in the form of peer-reviewed Research Documents, a Science Advisory Report and CSAS Proceedings.

Participants

• DFO and non-DFO scientists
• Regulators from Oceans Management Directorate
• Habitat Management Directorate
• Provinces and Territories
• Scientific experts from industry