Terms of Reference

Biogeographic Classification Framework to Inform Bioregional Marine Protected Area Network Design in Pacific Region

Regional Peer Review – Pacific Region

February 12–14, 2013
Nanaimo, BC

Chairperson: John Holmes

Context

In June 2009 Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) hosted a Science Advisory Process on the Review of Biogeographic Classification Systems which identified 12 major biogeographic units for Canada's three oceans (four in the Pacific, five in the Arctic, and three in the Atlantic) (DFO 2009). The review concluded that each of the major biogeographic units represents a "maximum scale" that can be disaggregated/subdivided further into smaller units that are ecologically meaningful. It was noted that there is no single prescription for determining the level of disaggregation for finer scale units as the choice will be guided by the management or policy use being made of the biogeographic classification system. Based on these conclusions, it was agreed that discussion and guidance on the disaggregation/subdivision of the major biogeographic units should occur in each Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Region through their formal review process.

Science advice and guidance on biogeographic classification is critical to the development of bioregional networks of MPAs in the Pacific Region at appropriate biogeographic scales. Canada has agreed to utilize the scientific criteria for identifying ecologically or biologically significant marine areas and the scientific guidance for selecting areas to establish a representative network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) articulated by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Decision IX/20 (CBD 2008). For Canada to meet this commitment, the appropriate units of biogeographic regions need to be identified regionally.

The goal of this meeting is to review a proposed framework of marine ecological classification and modelling for the Pacific coast of Canada to guide the identification of fine scale biogeographic units that capture habitat and biotic diversity at appropriate scales to meet varying management or policy needs in Pacific Region. The meeting will not review products of the framework, as the focus is on the process used to derive scientifically defensible fine scale biogeographic units. The resulting scientific guidance and advice will fulfill DFO’s commitment to develop regionally-based guidance on multi-scale biogeographic classification and it will meet international commitments to support broader MPA network development. The framework and associated guidance will be used by DFO Pacific region to continue the process of identifying ecologically coherent bioregional networks of MPAs in collaboration with federal and provincial partners, First Nations, and stakeholders and to facilitate collaborative MPA network development and implementation in an international context in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.

Objectives

The following working paper will be reviewed to provide the basis for discussion and advice:

A framework for the application of ecological classification and modeling systems used to describe marine biodiversity in Pacific Canada bioregions. Cliff Robinson, Jim Boutillier, Doug Biffard, Jessica Finney, Ed Gregr, Mike Foreman, Vaughn Barrie, Karen Bodker, Jo Smith, Joey Bernhardt, Jennifer Spencer,and Tom Therriault. CSAP Working Paper, 2012/P45.

The objectives of this Regional Peer Review (RPR) meeting are to:

1. Ensure that all marine biogeographic classification systems/approaches relevant to British Columbia marine environments were reviewed using appropriate criteria;
2. Assess the capacity of the framework to capture habitat and biotic diversity of BC marine environments based on ecological criteria including, but not limited to, representivity, connectivity, replication, and adequacy/viability;
3. Ensure that uncertainty, bias, and data gaps are appropriately captured and addressed in the proposed framework;
4. Assess the scalability of the proposed framework for application at different spatial scales, depending on management and policy needs;
5. Assess the adaptability of the proposed framework to the integration of additional data or information as they become available;
6. Recommend additional criteria or approaches for capturing habitat and species diversity that are appropriate for BC marine areas; and
7. Make recommendations on whether the proposed framework serves the intended function of guiding the development of finer-scale biogeographic units in fulfillment of DFO’s commitment to develop regionally-based guidance on multi-scale biogeographic classification for MPA network development in Pacific Region and international commitments to support broader MPA network development in the Pacific Ocean.

Expected publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report (1)  
• CSAS Research Document (1)
• CSAS Proceedings

Participation

• DFO Science. Oceans, Habitat, Species at Risk
• DFO Fisheries Management
• DFO Ecosystem Management
• Environment Canada
• Parks Canada
• Province of British Columbia
• First Nations
• Marine Use Planning Initiatives (e.g. municipalities/West Coast Aquatic partnership)
• Environmental Non-governmental Organisations
• Universities
• United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Additional Information and References Cited

Convention on Biological Biodiversity (CBD). 2008. Annex lll: Scientific Guidance for Selecting Areas to Establish a Representative Network of Marine Protected Areas, including in Open-Ocean Waters and Deep-Sea Habitats. COP 9 Decision lX/20. Marine and Coastal Biodiversity.

DFO. 2009. Development of a Framework and Principles for the Biogeographic Classification of Canadian Marine Areas. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2009/056.