Terms of Reference

Importance of bycatch in the northern shrimp fishery in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

October 23, 2012
Mont-Joli, QC

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Context

The northern shrimp fishery is carried using otter trawls with small mesh sizes (minimum mesh size of 44 mm). The mandatory use of a trawl with a separator grate during fishing operations has led to a significant reduction in catches of large fish. However, small fish may be retained by the trawls and are between 1 and 2% of the total catch of shrimp.

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. The Policy Framework on Managing Bycatch and Discards (currently under development) aims to ensure that Canadian fisheries are managed in a manner that supports the sustainable harvesting of aquatic species by 1) Minimising the risk of fisheries causing serious or irreversible harm to bycatch and discard species 2) Accounting for total catch, including bycatch and discards.

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

• Describe and assess the importance of bycatch of shrimp fishery.
• Assess the potential impact of bycatch on species stocks that are not targeted by shrimp fishery.

Expected publications

• A CSAS Science Advisory Report on bycath of shrimp fishery 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