Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Potential to Re-Open Great Slave Lake Fall Closure Zones A and B

Regional Science Response Process – Central and Arctic Region

May 1, 2014
Winnipeg, MB

Chairperson: Kathleen Martin

Context

Currently there are several areas along the south shore of Great Slave Lake (GSL) that are closed to commercial fishing to protect the Buffalo River Inconnu stock. This Inconnu stock was historically depleted and has not fully recovered.

Inconnu are thought to leave GSL in small numbers throughout the summer and fall (May through September) to migrate up Buffalo River and its tributaries to spawn.  An out-migration back into GSL is believed to occur in a concerted run in mid-October.  Inconnu are then believed to overwinter in offshore, deep water areas of GSL.

The Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee has made a recommendation to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) that the Inconnu Closure Zones A and B in area 1E of GSL be re-opened from September 1 - October 31 to allow for the targeted inshore harvest of Lake Whitefish.

Objectives

The objective of this meeting is to determine if the closure zones A and B of area 1E in GSL could be opened from September 1 to October 31 with minimal impact to the Buffalo River Inconnu stock. 

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Dehcho First Nations