Terms of Reference

National Synthesis of the ‘Ecosystem Research Initiatives’

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

November 14-15, 2012
Sidney, British Columbia

Co-Chairs: Ian Perry & Andrea White

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) implemented ‘Ecosystem Research Initiatives’ (ERI) in 2008 as part of its five-year science plan (2008-2013). The ERIs represented seven geographically distinct areas, each with different stressors, and examined science support for DFO’s ecosystem-approach to management. The seven ERIs involved integrated research focused on the: 1) Newfoundland Shelf; 2) Gulf of Maine Area; 3) Northumberland Strait; 4) Lower St. Lawrence Estuary; 5) Lake Ontario; 6) Beaufort Sea Shelf; and 7) Strait of Georgia.

The knowledge gained from these large-scale ecosystem studies was intended to inform the development and testing of science-based tools required to assess the impacts of various human activities within Canada’s aquatic ecosystems. The general themes within each ERI included: 1) understanding ecosystem processes, 2) understanding the impacts of environmental and climate variability, and 3) developing tools for science support of the Department’s ecosystem-approach  to management.

The ERIs have concluded and Regional syntheses of their respective research and advice have been produced. This national meeting will discuss the ‘lessons learned’ from the ERIs in general, examine the current or potential application of these initiatives in support of DFO’s ecosystem-approach to management, and provide recommendations on the path forward for ecosystem science in DFO.

Objectives

1. Review and summarize the ‘lessons learned’ from the ERIs, particularly those with over-arching national relevance.
2. Examine the current or potential application of the research and advice produced through the ERIs on policy and decision-making within the Department, particularly with respect to an ecosystem-approach to management.
3. Based on 2), identify priorities and tools/approaches for science to further support the implementation of the Department’s ecosystem-approach to management.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document
• Proceedings

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Management and Policy Sectors