Terms of Reference

Status of Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, Regional Advisory Meeting

November 8-9, 2011
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Chairperson: Ben Davis, Aquatic Resources Division, DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Context

There are 15 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) management areas, known as Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs)¹ 1-14B, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Within these areas there are more than 370 rivers with reported Atlantic salmon populations characterized by differences in life history traits including freshwater residence time, age at first spawning, and the extent of ocean migrations. This year marks the fifth year of a five-year Atlantic salmon management program. The November meeting is intended primarily to update those stocks/rivers considered during the last assessment meeting, with emphasis on determining the level of conservation spawning requirement achieved.

Objectives

An update of any new information available concerning the status of Atlantic Salmon stocks will be presented for SFA regions as follows:

• Labrador: SFAs 1-2, 14B
• Newfoundland: SFAs 3-14A

The objective of this meeting will be to produce science advice on the request of FMB (Fisheries Management Branch). The meeting is not intended as a forum to seek changes/alterations to the Atlantic Salmon Management Plan. The meeting will focus on the general state of salmon stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador and identify conservation issues. Detailed assessments of individual rivers will not be carried out. Rather, regional overviews of the status of stocks will be tabled. An update on smolt production and marine survival of Newfoundland salmon will be presented.  Finally, river classification as a conservation measure will be evaluated.

Expected Publications

A Science Advisory Report, Proceedings Report and associated Research Documents will be produced as a result of this meeting.

Participation

• DFO Science, Fisheries Management, Policy & Economics and SARA Program
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Parks Canada
• Various Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations
• Various Aboriginal Groups
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Various Salmon Working Groups
• Various Aquaculture Groups

¹ There are 15 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) management areas know as Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs) 1-14B in Newfoundland and Labrador. See CSAS Science Advisory Report 2009/068, Figures 1 and 2 for illustration.