Terms of Reference

Assessment of the impact of northern shrimp trawling on habitat and benthic communities in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

Mont-Joli, QC
May 17, 2012

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Context

The northern shrimp fishery is carried out using mobile gear (otter trawls) with certain components (doors, foot gear) in contact with the seabed during a fishing tow. The fishery may therefore have an impact on the seabed and the associated benthic communities.

In compliance with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, DFO promotes responsible fishing aimed at reducing by-catches and mitigating impacts on habitat wherever biologically justifiable and cost effective. Canada is also committed, under UN Resolution 61/105, to providing enhanced protection to marine habitats that are particularly sensitive.

The northern shrimp fishery in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence has been certified sustainable and properly managed according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) criteria for wild fisheries. However, the current certification is subject to certain conditions focusing mainly on determining the impact of trawls used.

Objectives

• Characterize the distribution of benthic communities, including sensitive species, in the northern Gulf and identify potential and vulnerable benthic habitats.
• Describe the distribution of northern shrimp and the shrimper fishing pattern and identify areas where trawling is sustained.
• Assess the potential impact of trawling and the risk of harm to habitat and benthic communities.

Expected publications

• A CSAS Science Advisory Report on the impact of trawling on shrimp in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussions.
• CSAS Research Documents.

Participation

• DFO Science and Fisheries Management Branches
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal communities/organizations