Terms of Reference

Review of Precautionary Approach Reference Points for a Variety of Fisheries Resources in the Maritimes Region

Regional Peer Review – Maritimes Region

6-9 February 2012
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

In 2006, DFO Science published an advisory report that outlined a Precautionary Approach (PA) framework with three zones based on stock status: Healthy Zone, Cautious Zone, and Critical Zone (DFO 2006).  The boundary between the Cautious and Healthy Zones is the Upper Stock Reference and the boundary between the Critical and Cautious Zones is the Limit Reference Point.  This framework also advised that the removal reference (commonly fishing mortality) should decrease when the stock moves out of the Healthy Zone and into the Cautious Zone, and removals should be minimised in the Critical Zone.

In 2009, DFO published its policy for the implementation of the PA framework (DFO 2009), which states that the PA framework applies where decisions on harvest strategies or harvest rates for a stock must be taken to determine Total Allowable Catch or other measures to control harvests. It applies to stocks that are the specific and intended target of a fishery managed by DFO, including commercial, recreational and subsistence fisheries.  While application of this framework to key harvested stocks is the minimum requirement, it may be applied more broadly to other stocks.  

In recent years, eco-certification has been another important driver for the Precautionary Approach, as it requires fisheries to have a precautionary harvest strategy with limit and target reference points and harvest control rules.

In November 2009, Maritimes Science and Fisheries Management met to start developing a work plan for meeting the sustainable fisheries framework objectives.  A workshop on developing reference points was held in January 2011.  The purpose was to ensure a common and comprehensive understanding of the PA Policy and to initiate a project that will propose reference points for many major Maritimes Region stocks.  Subsequently, a series of focused meetings was held for each stock. Through this process, all stocks were systematically reviewed.  In June 2011, a second workshop was held to define the approach to be taken to develop reference points (limit and/or upper) and removal references.

The next step is to peer review the science input that will form the basis for fishery-specific reference points (where possible and applicable).   This approach for Maritimes stocks will promote a common and comprehensive approach. 

Recommendations from this advisory meeting will then be used to provide science input to Fisheries Advisory Committees where Fisheries Management and the fishing industry will discuss and refine reference points prior to their implementation. 

The output from this regional advisory meeting will also be used to inform a National Science Advisory Process to develop Best Scientific Practices for the Implementation of DFO’s PA Framework, which is being held 28 February to 1 March 2012 in Ottawa.

Objectives

The following objectives will be applied to the stocks identified, which are generalized into three categories based on the information available for assessment (modelled, empirical, and data deficient).

• Examine the available data for reference point indicators and provide a rationale for the recommended indicator(s);
• Review proposed reference points/levels and their associated uncertainties;
• Recommend required reference points/levels; and
• Recommend next steps including how to incorporate future improvements to recommended reference points/levels.

This meeting will review the application of existing information (empirical or modelled) to the development of reference points.  Where this work has already undergone a peer review, or is subject to international management, reference points will be presented for information rather than for peer review.

In addition, there will be a presentation of harvest control rules that have been reviewed and adopted (Grand Bank Arctic surfclam and Western Component Pollock), and a discussion of principles to be applied in other stocks.

This meeting is intended to help achieve regional consistency in application of the PA framework and consideration of common issues in an ecosystem context, as well as to inform the National Advisory Process mentioned above.

Expected Publications

• CSAS Proceedings
• CSAS Research document(s)
• CSAS Science Advisory Report (1)

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries Management
• DFO Policy and Economics
• DFO Ecosystem Management
• Provincial (NB and NS) governments
• USA Science (Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee stocks)
• Academics
• Fishing Industry
• Non-governmental organizations
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations

References

DFO, 2006. A Harvest Strategy Compliant with the Precautionary Approach. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2006/023.

DFO, 2009. A Fishery Decision-Making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach.