Terms of Reference

Assessment of SFA 29 West of 65°30' Scallop

Regional Peer Review – Maritimes Region

March 13, 2014
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Christie Whelan

Context

In support of the fishery for SFA 29 (west of 65°35') scallop, DFO Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has asked DFO Science for an assessment of resource status and the consequences of various harvest levels for the coming fishing season. The current meeting follows the SFA 29 West of 65°30' Scallop framework meeting February 5-6, 2014. This current meeting is a scientific review of the assessment and projections undertaken in support of the 2014 fishery, based on the recently completed framework.

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 SFA 29 (west of 65°35') scallop was conducted in March 2013.

Objectives

• Assess the status of SFA 29 west of 65°30' scallop stocks by subarea as of the end of 2013.
• Evaluate bycatch of lobster during the 2013 fishery. Summarize the available bycatch of non-target species information and identify any notable changes in occurrence for these bycatch species relative to previous years.
• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels by subarea during the 2014 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate.

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