Terms of Reference

Stock Status of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in DFO Gulf Region (Salmon Fishing Areas 15 to 18)

Regional Peer Review – Gulf Region

March 12 to 14, 2012
Moncton, New Brunswick

Chairperson: Gérald Chaput

Context

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is broadly distributed in most rivers of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and is exploited by aboriginal communities and in recreational fisheries. The last assessments of stock status of Atlantic salmon were completed after the 2009 return year in support of the development of a status report for the species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (Breau et al. 2009; Cairns et al. 2010; Cameron et al. 2009; Chaput et al. 2010). COSEWIC recently defined all the salmon populations from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and those in the Gaspe region of Quebec (zones Q1 to Q3) to comprise one designatable unit and assessed it as “special concern” (COSEWIC 2010).

In support of the update to the Gulf Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic salmon, DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) has requested an assessment of the status of the Atlantic salmon stocks in DFO Gulf Region and an evaluation of the impacts of present and alternative fishery management measures for Atlantic salmon.

Objectives

The objectives of the science peer review meeting are to address the request for advice considering the following points:

1. Description of fisheries management measures, current and recent catch and harvests of Atlantic salmon by size group of salmon in aboriginal and recreational fisheries by river and by SFA of the southern Gulf (as defined in the Atlantic salmon IFMP; 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 17, 18A, 18B).
2. Description of river-specific conservation requirements for Atlantic salmon.
3. Description of the total returns and spawning escapements of Atlantic salmon by size group in the rivers of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2011 and trends in status in each of the SFAs.
4. Description of freshwater production trends in the rivers of the southern Gulf.
5. Estimates of marine survival of Atlantic salmon in the southern Gulf.
6. Estimates of the relative (to total returns) losses of salmon in fisheries (in rivers, estuaries, and high seas).
7. To the extent possible, an assessment of the non-fishing related activities on Atlantic salmon production and abundance including land use threats and habitat fragmentation.
8. Assessment of impacts of fisheries and fishery gear for salmon on other species and fish habitat.
9. Assessment of impacts of other fisheries on salmon and salmon habitat.
10. Description and assessment of environmental conditions affecting Atlantic salmon in freshwater and in the ocean.
11. Development of indicators which could be used to monitor status of Atlantic salmon populations in the intervening years of the multi-year assessment and management plan cycle.
12. Specifically for SFA 18 (Gulf Nova Scotia), an assessment of the potential impacts to conservation of a hook and release recreational fishery on salmon kelts in River Philip and West River (Antigonish).
13. Identification of uncertainties and knowledge gaps.

Expected publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report
• CSAS Research Document(s)
• CSAS Proceedings

Participation

To assist in the review and the drafting of the advice, participation is expected from:

• Relevant DFO Sectors
• Watershed and angling associations
• Aboriginal peoples
• University researchers
• Invited external experts

References

Breau, C., G. Chaput, P. LeBlanc and P. Mallet. 2009. Information on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from Salmon Fishing Area 18 (Gulf Nova Scotia) of relevance to the development of a COSEWIC status report. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2009/076: 57p.
(http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/publications/resdocs-docrech/2009/2009_076-eng.htm)

Cairns, D.K., D.L. Guignion, T. Dupuis and R.E. MacFarlane. 2010. Stocking history, biological characteristics, and status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) on Prince Edward Island. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/104.

Cameron P., G. Chaput, and P. Mallet. 2009. Information on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from Salmon Fishing Area 15 (Gulf New Brunswick) of relevance to the development of the COSEWIC Status report. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2009/078: 40p.

Chaput, G., Moore, D., Hardie, P., and P. Mallet. 2010. Information on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from Salmon Fishing Area 16 (Gulf New Brunswick) of relevance to the development of a COSEWIC status report. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/064. iv + 50 p.

COSEWIC. 2010. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. Xlvii + 136 pp.