Terms of Reference

Reference points for American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) from NAFO Division 4T

Regional Peer Review – Gulf Region

February 21, 2012
Moncton, New Brunswick

Chairperson: Gérald Chaput (DFO Gulf Region)

Context

In support of a request for science advice from DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, DFO Gulf Science Branch will review and develop reference points for the American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) stock of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Division 4T) that are consistent with the Precautionary Approach Policy (DFO 2009). Limit reference points for stock abundance and limit removal rate reference points will be defined. A proposal for an upper stock reference point based on the guidance in DFO (2009) will be provided. The most recent assessment for 4T American plaice reviewed during the Recovery Potential Assessment of March 2011 will be used as the basis for the review (DFO 2011).

Objectives

Review and propose reference points for the American plaice stock of NAFO Division 4T.

• Description of the population model and estimates of spawning stock biomass and recruitment.
• Options for stock abundance limit reference point
• Options for removal rate limit reference point
• Options for upper stock reference point
• Identification of uncertainties and knowledge gaps

Expected publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report
• CSAS Proceedings report summarizing the discussions of the science review.
• CSAS Research Document(s).

Participation

• DFO Science Branch
• Other DFO Sectors
• Provinces
• External experts (to DFO)
• Fishing industry
• Aboriginal peoples

References

DFO. 2009. A fishery decision-making framework incorporating the Precautionary Approach.

DFO. 2011. Recovery Potential Assessment of the Maritime Designatable Unit of American Plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2011/043.