Terms of Reference

Assessment of Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Shrimp Stocks

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

January 26, 2012
Mont-Joli, Qc

Chairperson: Stéphane Plourde

Context

The Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence are divided in four shrimp fishing areas (SFA): Estuary (SFA 12), Sept-Iles (SFA 10), Anticosti (SFA 9) and Esquiman (SFA 8). Shrimp fishing is regulated by a number of management measures, including the setting of total allowable catches (TAC) in the four areas.

The key elements for the establishment of a precautionary approach were discussed during a regional workshop held on November 2^nd, 2011 and discussed with fisheries management and industry representatives during a workshop on November 29, 2011. An agreement was reached on the implementation of a precautionary approach to shrimp fishing in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence for the 2012 fishing season. The framework of the precautionary approach includes, for each fishing area, the main stock status indicator, reference points and should contain an adjustment rule for the TAC for which the development should be completed during winter 2012. Finally, measures to be applied to the TAC for each stock status classification zone could be part of this framework.

Objectives

• Calculate, according to the accepted methodology during the November 2^nd, 2011 workshop, the main stock status indicator for management units 8, 9, 10 and 12 of the 2011 fishing season.
• Apply the TAC adjustment rule as proposed during the November 29, 2011 workshop to determine the TAC for management units 8, 9, 10 and 12 for the 2012 fishing season.
• Estimate by-catches (among others, turbot, northern cod and capelin) during the directed fishery on northern shrimp.
• Identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Comment the outlook for stock abundance.

Expected Publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report on Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp.
• CSAS Research documents
• CSAS Proceedings summarizing discussions.

Participation

• DFO Science and Fisheries Management
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations