Terms of Reference

Annual Meeting of the National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee (NMMPRC)

National Peer Review - National Capital Region

October 29 - November 2, 2012
Nanaimo, B.C.

Chairperson: Don Bowen

Introduction

The National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee (NMMPRC) holds an annual meeting to conduct scientific peer-review of marine mammal issues. This meeting provides the opportunity for collaborative review of scientific results by marine mammal experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and from other (non-DFO) organizations. Following NMMPRC review and approval, scientific results are used to provide sound scientific advice for the management and conservation of marine mammals in Canada. When time permits, this annual meeting is also an opportunity to review ongoing research projects and provide feedback or guidance to the scientists involved.

Topics

1. Harp seal harvest advice

Context: Harp seals, Pagophilus groenlandicus, are the most abundant pinniped in the northwest Atlantic with an estimated maximum population size in 2008 of 8.3 million animals (DFO 2012). The Canadian and Greenland hunt for Northwest Atlantic harp seals is the largest marine mammal harvest in the world. Since 2003, the Canadian commercial harp seal harvest has been managed under an Objective Based Fisheries Management (OBFM) approach which incorporates the principle of the Precautionary Approach. Under this approach, precautionary reference levels are identified and are associated with pre-agreed management actions that are to be enacted if the population is estimated to decline further (DFO 2003). Under the current OBFM plan, the management objective is to set harvests that will ensure an 80% probability (L20) that the population will remain above the Precautionary Reference Point (PRP; N70; 70% of the maximum observed population). The Limit Reference Point (LRP), for this population, also known as a “conservation reference level” has been set at N30 (30% of the maximum observed population).

Ecosystems and Fisheries Management (EFM) is currently considering revising the objectives of the Atlantic Seal Management Plan. EFM has asked Science to consider alternatives to the current LRP (see below), and also to evaluate the impacts of various harvest levels using a range of probabilities of risk associated with dropping below the LRP.

In evaluating the impacts of different harvest levels on the population, reported harvests by Canadian and Greenland hunters, losses due to animals struck but not landed or reported bycatch in fishing gear, changes in reproductive rates, and unusual mortality due to poor ice conditions are taken into account.

Objectives: To evaluate the following:

1. Determine an appropriate Limit Reference Point that can be set at a fixed level (and reviewed periodically – frequency to be determined).
2. Determine the minimum population size that can maintain an ongoing (i.e. for 15 years) sustainable harvest of 100K, 200K, 300K and 400K, while maintaining a probability of 85%, 90% and 95% of staying above the Limit Reference Point.

Working papers: Two working papers will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: Two Research Documents and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

2. Humane killing methods: grey seals

Context: The recent increase in the North Atlantic Grey Seal population has resulted in an increasing interest in hunting activities, primarily for juvenile seals located off Eastern Cape Breton and in the Northumberland Straight. Due to observations that grey seal skulls are thicker than similarly-aged harp seal skulls, questions have been raised regarding whether hunting tools currently allowed under the Marine Mammal Regulations meet Canada’s humane hunting requirements when used on grey seals. The effectiveness of current tools (mainly the club) on juvenile grey seals, as well as the potential for using .17 HMR calibre ammunition at close range, will be assessed.

Objectives: To (1) review the effectiveness of the .17 HMR calibre rifle to kill grey seals humanely, and (2) evaluate the differences in skull thickness and force required to crush harp seal and grey seal skulls.

Working papers: Three working papers will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: Three Research Documents and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

3. Ringed seal abundance in James Bay and eastern Hudson Bay

Context: Ringed seals are harvested by the Inuit of Nunavik in all of the communities in the Eastern Hudson Bay area. There is currently no monitoring of harvests in place and there is a lack of available scientific information. It would be useful to establish a baseline for ringed seals in this area and determine if the population is considered healthy or requires monitoring and review.

Objectives: To evaluate the abundance or population density of ringed seals in the South-east Hudson Bay and James Bay area. In addition, if possible, to determine a population target for ringed seals and a maximum yearly harvest limit to either maintain or reach this target within 10 or 20 years.

Working papers: One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: One Research Document and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

4. Grey seal harvest advice

Context: There is a small commercial hunt for grey seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the Eastern Shore. Due to logistical difficulties, no commercial hunt has occurred on Sable Island; this is unlikely to change, as the designation of Sable Island as a National Park includes a prohibition of commercial activities on the Island. Grey seals are occasionally a nuisance to commercial fisheries and some are killed under the authority of Nuisance Seal Licences. They are an important host for the seal/cod worm (Pseudoterranova decipiens), which also infect many groundfish species, and must be removed during processing. Grey seals are also considered by industry to be affecting the recovery of some depleted fish stocks, and to damage fishing gear. The status of the population was recently assessed in 2010.

Grey seals are managed under the Objective Based Fisheries Management (OBFM) approach for Atlantic seals which was implemented in 2003. Under this approach, populations are classified as ‘Data Rich’ or ‘Data Poor’ depending on certain data criteria. As of 2007, grey seals were considered to be ‘Data Rich’.

Under the current OBFM, the management objective is to set harvests that will ensure an 80% probability (L20) that the population will remain above the Precautionary Reference Point (PRP; N70; 70% of the maximum observed population). The Limit Reference Point (LRP), for this population, also known as a “conservation reference level” has been set at N30 (30% of the maximum observed population).

Ecosystems and Fisheries Management (EFM) is currently considering revising the objectives of the Atlantic Seal Management Plan. EFM has asked Science to consider alternatives to the current LRP (see below), and also to evaluate the impacts of various harvest levels using a range of probabilities of risk associated with dropping below the LRP.

Objectives: For each age class scenario below, determine the maximum harvest that could be taken from the grey seal population with probabilities of 0, 5, 10 and 15% of falling below the LRP (LRP is roughly equivalent to current N30).

1. Age composition comprised of 97% young of the year, 3% animals aged 1+ years, and
2. Age composition comprised of 50% young of the year, and 50% animals aged 1+ years

Working papers: Two working papers will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: Two Research Documents and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

5. Foxe Basin walrus estimates

Context: In 2007, Ecosystems and Fisheries Management (EFM) requested Science advice concerning the Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) levels for each of the walrus stocks found within the Nunavut Settlement Area, as requested by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB). In 2008, Science produced a Research Document evaluating the existing information (Stewart 2008), but concluded that due to lack of information on stock estimates, it was not possible to provide the advice as requested. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 EFM requested abundance estimates and sustainable harvest advice for Foxe Basin and Baffin Bay walrus (Baffin Bay, West Jones Sound and Penny Strait-Lancaster Sound stocks). In 2012, EFM requested the same information for Hudson Bay-Davis Strait walrus. This information is needed to finalize draft Integrated Fisheries Management Plans for these stocks, and/or for NWMB consideration in establishing harvest limits (TAH and Basic Needs Level). Population abundance estimates and sustainable harvest advice are now available for Foxe Basin walrus. For other walrus stocks the Potential Biological Removal method may now be applicable to provide sustainable harvest advice to the NWMB.

Objectives: To evaluate abundance estimates for Foxe Basin walrus and provide Potential Biological Removal estimates for all walrus stocks in Nunavut.

Working papers: One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: One Research Document and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

6. Abundance estimate of eastern Hudson Bay (EHB) beluga

Context: The Inuit harvest of beluga in the Nunavik Marine Region is of utmost importance in terms of their culture, tradition and subsistence. The current beluga management plan promotes the conservation of the Eastern Hudson Bay and Ungava beluga populations but is up for review in 2012-2013 based in part on the scientific information obtained. The results of the latest survey conducted would be useful in determining the status of these two populations.

This information is necessary to the development and implementation of a beluga management plan in the Nunavik Marine Region. This will be completed with the collaboration of the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board and the Regional Nunavimmi Umajutvijiit Katajuaqatigininga.

Objectives: To address the following:

1. Evaluate the abundance of the Eastern Hudson Bay (EHB) beluga population under the precautionary approach and the impact of current harvest levels.
2. Recommend a recovery population target under the precautionary approach and provide scenarios which include the maximum number of EHB beluga whales that can be hunted each year and still provide for recovery within 25 and 50 years.
3. Determine the maximum number of belugas from the EHB population that can be harvested while maintaining a 25%, 50% and 75% chance of population increase and taking into account the season and area of the hunt.

Working papers:  Three working papers will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: Two Research Documents and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

7. Distribution and densities of blue whales in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence

Context: The northwest Atlantic population of blue whale was listed as endangered under SARA in January 2005. The legal obligation of developing a Recovery Strategy for the species was met in November 2009. At that time, it was determined that it was not possible to identify the Critical Habitat of blue whales, a failure which triggered the obligation to improve knowledge on critical habitat to proceed to minimal designation in 2014.

Current knowledge on blue whale distribution and habitat use is limited and based mainly on summer observations of blue whales in the estuary and north-western Gulf of St. Lawrence area, a small part of the distribution area of this species. Most of the past research effort has been made by the Mingan Island Cetacean Study (MICS) group, a non-government organization. DFO has funded the MICS to analyse their data on blue whale seasonal distribution and habitat use and prepare a report which could eventually feed into the next exercise for identification of blue whale Critical Habitat. A thorough review of the quality of the data, analyses and conclusions is needed to ensure future designation of critical habitat is based on sound science.

This assessment is therefore a necessary step in the action planning process in order to provide the best available information regarding identification of Critical Habitat(s) for blue whales as required under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Objectives: To review the quality of the data, analyses and conclusions as to the seasonal distribution and habitat use by blue whales.

Working papers:  One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: One Research Document is expected.

8. Information relevant to the identification of Critical Habitats of transient killer whales (Orcinus orca) in British Columbia

Context: This assessment is a necessary step in the action planning process in order to provide the best available information regarding identification of critical habitat(s) for Transient Killer Whales as required under the Species at Risk Act.

Objectives:

1. Recommend the geo-spatial extent of habitat required to meet the identified recovery objective for Transient Killer Whales in British Columbia.
2. Identify the functions, features and attributes of this habitat based on the best available information.
3. Describe any additional information and studies, if any, required to clarify or refine critical habitat for this species.

Working papers:  One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: One Research Document and one Science Advisory Report are expected.

9. Status of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) wintering in British Columbia

Context: An assessment of British Columbia sea lion distribution and abundance outside the summer breeding season has not been conducted to date. Preliminary sea lion surveys in 2009/10 outside the breeding season indicate a large influx of Steller sea lions into British Columbia waters. The lack of information on sea lion distribution and abundance outside the breeding season make it difficult to assess impacts (spatially and temporally) on commercially and recreationally important fish stocks (e.g. salmon, herring, hake, rockfish, lingcod and eulachon).

Objectives: To determine the status (recent population trends, shifts in distribution and seasonal changes in abundance) of California and Steller sea lions in British Columbia outside the breeding season (i.e. autumn, winter and spring).

Working papers:  One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: One Research Document, one Science Advisory Report update (Steller sea lion), and one new Science Advisory Report (California sea lion) are expected.

10. Northern Hudson Bay narwhal – assessment of a standardized aerial survey time series, and its use in stock-dynamic modelling of narwhal hunt sustainability

Context: Central and Arctic Resource Management requested an updated population estimate and sustainable harvest recommendation for the Northern Hudson Bay (NHB) narwhal population. A visual survey was flown in August 2011 from which an abundance estimate and Total Allowable Landed Catch recommendation were calculated (Asselin et al. 2012). Direct comparison of the 2011 survey results with those from previous surveys was not possible due to differences in survey methods. Correction factors have now been developed and applied to the surveys to make them comparable. A stock-dynamic model previously developed for the NHB population has been updated to include the new and corrected survey data. The purpose of this model is to evaluate population trend and the sustainability of, and risk levels associated with, different harvest levels. 

Objectives: To evaluate validity of the methods used to develop correction factors for the surveys to make them comparable, and to evaluate population trend based on corrected NHB narwhal survey data, and evaluate sustainability of, and risk levels associated with, different harvest levels.

Working papers: Two working papers will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: Two Research Documents and one or two Science Advisory Reports are expected.

11. Information on two killer whale strandings in northern Hudson Bay, 2009 and 2011 (Matthews, Cory; Ferguson, Steve; Higdon, Jeff; Petersen, Stephen; Watt, Cortney; Muir, Derek; Raverty, Stephen; Nielsen, Ole; Tomy, Gregg; Wang, Xiaowa)

Paper withdrawn.

12. Application of the PA approach developed for seals to all marine mammals

Context: Canada has domestic and international commitments to implement the Precautionary Approach (PA) into its decision-making framework for fisheries. This commitment is driven primarily by the 1997 Oceans Act, the 2003 guiding principles for the application of precaution to science-based decision making in the federal government, and the United Nations Agreement. The necessity for developing appropriate management approaches also applies to land-claims, where there are provisions for the development of an effective management framework that respects the principles of conservation (e.g. Nunavut Land Claims Agreement section 5.1.5).

DFO is currently undertaking extensive discussions to develop and implement PA-based management frameworks for all marine species. A management approach that respects the PA framework has been developed for Atlantic seals (Hammill and Stenson 2002).

Objectives:  To initiate a discussion for the development of a PA framework that could be applied nationally to all marine mammals.

Working papers:  One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: No additional documents are expected.

13. Acoustic monitoring of cetaceans on the Scotian Slope

Context: DFO Maritimes Region has been conducting acoustic monitoring studies along the eastern Scotian Slope for the past few years, primarily to investigate habitat use and behaviour of Endangered Scotian Shelf northern bottlenose whales. Additionally, we have been helping develop automated detectors for multiple species, density estimation techniques and other software for the analysis of acoustic data. Much effort has also been put towards developing relationships with industry and other government partners to support longer-term acoustic projects in the region. The purpose of this talk is to inform the group about cetacean-related work being done by the Ecosystems Management Branch and Science Branch of DFO Maritimes Region.

Objectives: The main objectives are to:

1. Provide the group with an update on cetacean research efforts by DFO Maritimes Region.
2. Discuss possible collaborations/partnerships.

Working papers:  One working paper will be presented for peer-review.

Expected Publications: No additional documents are expected.

Participation

The following is a list of groups invited to participate in the meeting:

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, Species at Risk, Ecosystems and Fisheries Management, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• University Of British Columbia (Fisheries Center)
• University of Prince Edward Island
• Alberta Innovates
• Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
• Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board
• Makivik Corporation

References

Asselin, N.C., Ferguson, S.H., Richard, P.R. and Barber, D.G. 2012. Results of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) aerial surveys in northern Hudson Bay, August 2011. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2012/037. iii + 23 p.

DFO. 2012. Current Status of Northwest Atlantic Harp Seals, (Pagophilus groenlandicus). DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2011/070.

DFO. 2003. Overview of the Atlantic Seal Hunt 2003 - 2005. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Hammill, M. and Stenson, G. 2002. Application of the Precautionary Approach and Conservation Reference Point to the Management of Atlantic Seals: A Discussion Paper. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2003/067 iii + 17 p.

Stewart. 2008. Can We Calculate Total Allowable Harvests for Walrus Using Potential Biological Removal? DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2008/025. iv + 13 p.