Terms of Reference

Science guidance for Fisheries Protection Policy

National Peer Review - National Capital Region

August 29-31, 2012
Montréal, Québec

Chairperson: Jake Rice et Roger Wysocki

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Program Policy Sector has requested scientific guidance towards the development and implementation of policies, regulations and operational practices resultant to recent amendments of the Fisheries Act. This will be achieved via a framework to guide how DFO Ecosystems and Oceans Science will provide support to Policy and Management Sectors of the Department.

Objectives

1. Discuss the ecological concepts associated with new terms in the amended Fisheries Act: "ongoing productivity"; fish that support a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fishery, and; the contribution of the relevant fish to the ongoing productivity of fisheries.
2. Consider how these concepts can be used as a basis for guidance on development and implementation of policies, regulations and operational practices under the new provisions of the Act.
3. Review how well prepared DFO Ecosystems and Oceans Science and operational sectors are to apply the guidance considered in #2 above, and what actions, if any, might address important gaps identified.
4. Inform the design of a framework for the provision of science advice to support the new Fisheries Protection Program.
5. Identify any additional or on-going Science work required to support the new Fisheries Protection Policy.

Expected Publications

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

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Policy and Management sectors)
• Other invited experts