Terms of Reference

Stock assessment for Pacific Ocean Perch in Areas 3CD and 5DE (British Columbia); and
A Simultaneous Stock Assessment of Five Rockfishes in British Columbia Waters: Splitnose, Greenstriped, Redstripe, Harlequin and Sharpchin Rockfish

Regional Peer Review – Pacific Region

November 6-9, 2012
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Chairpersons: Andrew Edwards and Rob Kronlund

Stock assessment for Pacific Ocean Perch in Areas 3CD and 5DE (British Columbia)

(November 6 at 9:00am to November 7 at 12:00pm)

Context

Of the current annual Total Allowable Catch of rockfish on the west coast of Canada, Pacific Ocean Perch is the species that has the largest single-species quota. It accounts for 25% of the total weight of rockfish landed by bottom trawl gear. A detailed stock assessment has never been done for stocks 3CD and 5DE. Harvest advice is required to determine if current harvest levels are sustainable and compliant with the Fishery Decision-making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (DFO 2009).

Objectives

Guided by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Sustainable Fisheries Framework, particularly the Fishery Decision-making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (DFO 2009), meeting participants will review the working papers:

Stock assessment for Pacific Ocean Perch (Sebastes alutus) for Area 3CD in British Columbia. Edwards, A., Starr, P. and Haigh, R. CSAP Working Paper 2012/P02a

Stock assessment for Pacific Ocean Perch (Sebastes alutus) for Area 5DE in British Columbia. Edwards, A., Starr, P. and Haigh, R. CSAP Working Paper 2012/P02b

The working papers will be used to provide advice with respect to the following objectives:

• Recommend reference points consistent with the DFO Precautionary Approach. Include the biological considerations and rationale used to make such a determination.
• Assess the current status of the Pacific Ocean Perch 3CD and 5DE stocks relative to the recommended reference points.
• Evaluate the consequences of varying constant catches on future population status, providing decision tables and figures of projected biomass.

A Simultaneous Stock Assessment of Five Rockfishes in British Columbia Waters: Splitnose, Greenstriped, Redstripe, Harlequin and Sharpchin Rockfish

(November 7 at 1:00pm to November 9 at 12:00pm)

Context

Currently, Splitnose, Greenstriped, Redstripe, Harlequin and Sharpchin Rockfish are captured incidentally in British Columbia waters. Redstripe Rockfish has previously been assessed as part of a larger rockfish complex, but the other four stocks have not previously been assessed.

The Fisheries Management Branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has requested advice on the status of the coastwide stocks of these five rockfishes. Advice will be given in terms of reference points based on both B_MSY (the biomass at the maximum sustainable yield) and on depletion (biomass relative to unfished equilibrium biomass).

Objectives

Guided by the DFO Sustainable Fisheries Framework, particularly the Fishery Decision-making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (DFO 2009), meeting participants will review the working paper:

A Simultaneous Stock Assessment of Five Rockfishes in British Columbia Waters: Splitnose, Greenstriped, Redstripe, Harlequin and Sharpchin. Taylor, N., Stanley, R. Starr, P., Rutherford, K., and Haigh, R. CSAP Working Paper 2011/P01

The working paper will be used to provide advice with respect to the following objectives:

• Examine a “minimalist” approach to stock assessment analyses, even if sufficient data are available for more complex assessments.
• Examine whether current survey and sampling procedures are adequate for providing advice for such species.
• Recommend reference points consistent with the DFO Precautionary Approach. Include the biological considerations and rationale used to make such a determination.
• Assess the current status of the five stocks relative to the recommended reference points.
• Evaluate the consequences of varying constant catches on future population status, providing decision tables and figures of projected biomass.
• Provide recommendations on approaches for streamlining the production of assessments.

Expected Publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Reports (2)
• CSAS Research Documents (2)
• CSAS Proceedings (1)

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Oceans
• DFO Habitat
• DFO Fisheries Management
• Aboriginal Communities
• Province of BC
• External Reviewers
• Industry
• Non-governmental Organizations
• Other Stakeholders.

References

DFO. 2009. A fishery decision-making framework incorporating the Precautionary Approach.