Terms of Reference

Assessment of Bay of Fundy Scallop

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

6-7 November 2013
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Christie Whelan

Context

In support of the fishery for scallop in the Bay of Fundy (Scallop Production Areas [SPAs] 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6), DFO Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has asked DFO Science for an assessment of resource status and the consequences of various harvest levels to inform management measures and recommendations for the 2013-14 season.

The summary of bycatch species information will be used by DFO to monitor interactions of the fishery with non-target species.

The last assessment of Bay of Fundy Scallop was conducted in November 2012.

Objectives

For SPAs 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6:

• Assess the status of scallop stocks by SPA (SPA 1A, subareas of SPA 1B, SPA 3, 4, 5, and 6), taking into account available commercial and survey information.
• Using proposed reference points, harvest strategies and indicators, evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels during the 2013/2014 fishery on stock abundance, exploitation rate, and interim harvest levels for 2014/2015.  In addition, provide interim advice for SPA 1A, 1B, 3 and 4 for the start of the 2014/2015 season.
• Summarize the available bycatch of non-target species information and identify any notable changes in occurrence for these bycatch species relative to previous years.

Expected Publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report
• CSAS Proceedings
• CSAS Research Document

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
• Aboriginal communities / organizations
• Provincial (NS and NB) governments
• Fishing Industry