Terms of Reference

Review of the Information for the Identification of Critical Habitat for Morrison Creek Lamprey

Regional Peer Review – Pacific Region

October 29, 2013
Nanaimo BC

Chairperson: Chrys Neville

Context

The Morrison Creek lamprey is a unique life history form of the Western brook lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni) that is believed to occur only in Morrison Creek, Vancouver Island (Beamish 1985). It was discovered in 1977, is considered a derivative of L. richardsoni and has been labelled L. richardsoni var. marifuga (Beamish 1987). Its extreme endemic distribution is the principal factor in its designation as “endangered,” and suggests that it will always remain at some risk.

A variety of factors threaten the Morrison Creek lamprey and its associated habitat. The primary threat is impacts associated with urbanization of the watershed. Morrison Creek lamprey was listed in 2003 as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and a recovery strategy for the species was completed in 2007 (National Recovery Team for Morrison Creek Lamprey 2007). A recovery strategy or action plan must identify an endangered species’ critical habitat, or “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed species and that is identified as the species critical habitat in the recovery strategy or action plan for the species”. Under SARA s41(1)(c) a species’ critical habitat must be identified to the extent possible, based on the best available information.

The Fisheries and Oceans Canada SARA Management Program has requested science advice in support of the identification of critical habitat and residence, and development of the Action Plan for the Morrison Creek Lamprey under SARA. 

Objectives

The following working paper will be reviewed by meeting participants:

Wade, J., MacConnachie, S., and Pinnell, N.  2013. Recommendations for the identification of critical habitat for the Morrison Creek Lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni var. marifuga). CSAP Working Paper 2012/PXX.

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

• Provide the best available information regarding the geospatial extent and the biophysical attributes, features and functions of the habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of Morrison Creek in Canadian Pacific waters.
• Provide the best available information regarding residence for Morrison Creek Lamprey.

Expected publications

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

Participation

• DFO Science, Ecosystem Management Branch, Species at Risk, Policy and Economics
• Province of BC
• Non-governmental organizations
• City of Courtenay
• Other Stakeholders

References Cited

National Recovery Team for Morrison Creek Lamprey. 2007. Recovery Strategy for the Morrison Creek Lamprey (Lampetra richardsoni var. marifuga) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa. v + 24 pp.