Terms of Reference

Review of a Fucoid Seaweed Harvest Proposal in Kangirsuk, Nunavik, Quebec

Regional Science Special Response Process – Maritimes Region

January 2012
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

In August 2011, the Aboriginal Fisheries Division of Resource Management and Aboriginal Affairs in the Quebec Region requested that DFO Maritimes Science undertake a review of a document entitled “Management Plan and Data Bases for Harvest of Fucoid Seaweed Species in the area of Kangirsuk, Nunavik, Quebec”. DFO Science advice was requested on the sustainability of the operation, in order to inform the issuance of potential commercial licenses.

Objectives

Specifically, DFO Science was asked to evaluate:

• the state of the biomass based on the data and results provided,
• the maximum annual harvesting level for each of the listed sites on a 5 year basis,
• the regeneration rate of these two species in a Northern environment,
• the harvesting methodology established including the rotation of harvesting sites every five years,
• the biomass evaluation indicators and substratrum deterioration,
• the implementation of the monitoring program (p. 40),
• medium and long term perspectives, including the ecosystem impact of a commercial harvest,
• other pertinent elements.

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science Branch
• DFO Resource Management