Terms of Reference

Assessment of Atlantic Salmon in Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs) 19-21 and 23  

Regional Science Special Response Process – Maritimes Region

March 1, 2013
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

Science advice on the status of salmon in SFAs 19-21 and 23 was requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) on 8 February 2013, with a response required by the end of March 2013. This advice is used to inform Aboriginal groups, and the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, of the status of the salmon resource in advance of developing harvest agreements and to develop recreational fishing plans for 2013. Given that this request was for an update of previous advice using established methods, it was decided to use the Science Special Response Process.

Objectives

• Assess the status of Atlantic Salmon stocks in Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs) 19, 20, 21 and 23 up to the end of 2012, using the following indicators:
• adult abundance relative to reference levels
• juveniles densities
• smolt production estimates

Expected Products

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Maritimes Science
• DFO Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management