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Annual Meeting of the National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee (NMMPRC)

National Peer Review - National Capital Region

October 20-24, 2014
Ottawa, Ontario

Chairperson: Don Bowen

Context

The National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee (NMMPRC) holds an annual meeting to conduct scientific peer-review of marine mammal issues. This meeting provides the opportunity for collaborative review of scientific results by marine mammal experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and from other (non-DFO) organizations.  Following NMMPRC review and approval, scientific results are used to provide sound scientific advice for the management and conservation of marine mammals in Canada. When time permits, this annual meeting is also an opportunity to review ongoing research projects and provide feedback or guidance to the scientists involved.

Objectives

This year, the papers to be reviewed will include topics pertaining to Baffin Bay narwhal and Eastern Canada-West Greenland bowhead whale, Eastern Hudson Bay beluga, sea otter and Steller sea lion (see below for individual topics).

Expected Publications (see individual topics below)

Participation

The following groups were invited to participate in the meeting:

Topics

1 and 2. Bowhead Whale and Narwhal Abundance

Context:
Results of 2013 High Arctic Cetacean Survey
DFO conducted a comprehensive survey of narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales in key areas of the eastern Canadian Arctic in August, 2013. Together, the surveys covered the Canadian range of summering aggregation areas of Baffin Bay narwhals, Eastern High Arctic - Baffin Bay and Cumberland Sound beluga, and Eastern Canada-West Greenland bowhead whales. Several of these areas had never been surveyed before and a comprehensive survey of the entire summer distribution of narwhal and bowhead whales had never been attempted in the past.

Narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales inhabit Arctic waters year-round and are facing tremendous changes in their environment, ranging from increased human activities (e.g., oil and gas exploration, shipping) to climate change. These species also have widespread economic, social and cultural importance for Inuit, and it is therefore crucial to establish sustainable hunting levels based on accurate and up-to-date abundance estimates for long term sustainability of the stocks/populations. Obtaining these estimates, however, is complicated by the population structure of narwhals (which separate into several summering aggregations with varying degrees of site fidelity), by the highly mobile nature of bowhead whales, and overall by the vast range of these animals in the eastern Canadian Arctic.

DFO has recommended that Baffin Bay narwhals be managed on the basis of five summering aggregations (i.e., Somerset Island, Admiralty Inlet, Eclipse Sound, Eastern Baffin Island, and Jones Sound). With the exception of narwhals in Admiralty Inlet (surveyed in 2010), survey estimates for the other four aggregations date from 1996 to 2004. For bowhead whales, the most recent abundance estimates have been criticized for being based on surveys flown in 2002 that did not include the entire summer range of the population. Moreover, there is evidence that the distribution patterns of some of these cetacean summering stocks may be changing.

Bowhead Whale Genetic Capture-Mark-Recapture (gCMR)
Regional Fisheries Management and Science sectors at DFO have jointly developed a multi-year science and management plan for bowhead whales that includes the evaluation of alternative methods to estimate population abundance. Among these is the genetic mark-recapture of individual bowhead whales from genetic analysis of biopsy samples obtained during the multi-year sampling program. This research is part of a longer term plan to evaluate the distribution and movement patterns of bowhead whales.

Objectives:
Results of 2013 High Arctic Cetacean Survey
The results of this survey are expected to produce up-to-date abundance estimates and sustainable harvest advice (based on the visual component of the surveys; the photographic component will be reviewed in 2015) for the five narwhal summering stocks and the Eastern Canada-West Greenland bowhead population in Canadian waters. The survey results will also provide new information on the spatial distribution of narwhal, bowhead whales and beluga in their summering areas. Additional estimates based on the photographic component of the survey will be completed and reviewed in 2015.

Bowhead Whale Genetic Capture-Mark-Recapture (gCMR)

To evaluate:

Topic 1 (narwhal) Expected Publications:

Topic 2 (bowhead whale) Expected Publications (aerial survey results and genetic mark-recapture results):

3. Recent trends in the abundance and distribution of sea otters in British Columbia, based on the 2013 survey

Context: The Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) was assessed by COSEWIC as Threatened in 2000 and listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2003. In 2007 the species was reassessed by COSEWIC as Special Concern, and subsequently down-listed to Special Concern under SARA in 2009.

Sea Otter populations in BC have been surveyed since 1977, as a means of monitoring the recovery of this species in Canadian Pacific waters. A standardised survey methodology suitable for on-going assessment of the Sea Otter population was developed (Nichol et al. 2005), and remains in place today. Assessment of trends in abundance and growth are dependent on a time series of survey data and therefore on-going population surveys at regular intervals are important.

The Recovery Strategy for the Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) in Canada (2007), and the superseding Management Plan for the Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris) in Canada (2013), both identify population assessments in the form of regular surveys as required to monitor progress towards recovery. Specifically, the Management Plan identifies the undertaking of “annual surveys of the Sea Otter population in index areas, areas of range expansion, and other portions of their range as needed, as well as a total population survey every five years, to monitor population trends and distribution” as a high priority for the recovery of this species, and to assess progress towards the broad strategies and conservation measures outlined in the Management Plan.

Additionally, there is First Nation interest to harvest Sea Otters for Food, Social, and Ceremonial purposes; currently all harvest of Sea Otters, including FSC, is closed. In order to consider if and how such removals may occur without adverse impact to the population (i.e. sustainable harvest), DFO requires an accurate understanding of population status and trends, which may inform the development of a potential FSC harvest plan or other similar approach. This understanding will be informed by the results of this ongoing population survey; not having this information will place the department in a position of risk, as any potential ongoing infringement of Aboriginal Rights may not be adequately defended.

Lastly, information on population abundance and range expansion can be used to inform management actions and decisions made by DFO Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Branches (e.g. with respect to minimizing incidental catch and entanglement, predation (e.g. of shellfish, spawn-on-kelp etc.), and siting considerations).

Objectives: In 2013, a total population survey was undertaken by DFO as part of the ongoing series of population assessments for this species. This request is for the analysis of the 2013 survey data as per the standardised survey methodology developed by Nichol et al. (2005). Specifically, the objectives are to provide the following:

Survey Procedure Assessment

Current Range

Abundance

Population Trends

Expected Publications:

References:

Nichol, L. M., J. C. Watson, G. E. Ellis and J. K. B. Ford. 2005. An assessment of abundance and growth of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) population in British Columbia. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec., Res. Doc. 2005/094.

Nichol, L. M., M. D. Boogards, R. Abernathy. 2009. Recent trends in the abundance and distribution of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in British Columbia. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec., Res. Doc. 2009/016.

4. Population status assessment for Steller Sea Lion

Context: The Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) was assessed by COSEWIC as Special Concern in 2003 and listed as Special Concern under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2005. The species was re-assessed in 2013 and the COSEWIC status remains at Special Concern. This species is restricted to only five breeding locations (consisting of 7 rookeries) in British Columbia that occupy less than 10 km², with approximately 70% of births occurring at a single location (Scott Islands). The population is increasing, but is sensitive to human disturbance while on land and is vulnerable to catastrophic events such as major oil spills due to its highly concentrated breeding aggregations. The species is near to qualifying for Threatened, but has recovered from historical culling and deliberate persecution.

Steller Sea Lion populations and distribution in BC have been surveyed since 1971, as a means of monitoring the recovery of this species in Canadian Pacific waters. Beginning in 1994, the surveys have been conducted as part of an international range-wide survey that extends from California to Alaska to Russia. Survey techniques were standardized (Olesiuk et al. 2008) and schedules coordinated with the National Marine Fisheries Service, to coordinate monitoring of this highly mobile transboundary species and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Eastern Population of Steller Sea Lion over its entire range.

The Management Plan for the Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) in Canada (2011) identifies DFO’s “support [and contribution] to the coordination of range-wide surveys, every four years” as a high priority for this species, to meet the Research and Monitoring Objective R2 – “Conduct range wide population assessments through coordinated Canadian and US surveys, where feasible.” The information obtained through such surveys is necessary to monitor risk to the population by identifying new or re-established rookeries on the coast of British Columbia, and to inform management actions that serve to protect the species from identified threats.

Additionally, First Nations harvest of Steller Sea Lions occurs occasionally. Currently, harvest limits are unknown but considered to be negligible; however, harvest limits established for FSC purposes are set to ensure harvest occurs within sustainable limits, which is informed in turn by population assessments. Should there be interest in increasing FSC harvest levels, the population assessments would be used to inform the development of a sustainable harvest plan or similar approach.

Lastly, the results of this population assessment will inform actions undertaken to meet objectives identified in the Recovery Strategy for the Transient Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in Canada, specifically R2 – “Minimize the risk of prey population reductions from anthropogenic activities, until precise prey needs can be determined.” Transient Killer Whales are listed under SARA as Threatened, and could be vulnerable to fluctuations in their prey species.

Objectives: In 2013, a province-wide aerial survey was undertaken by DFO as part of the ongoing series of population assessments for this species, in coordination with a range-wide survey effort conducted by NMFS conducted that same year. This request is for the analysis of the 2013 survey data as per the standardised survey methodology developed by Olesiuk et al. (2008). Specifically, the objectives are to provide the following:

Current Range

Abundance

Population Trends

To determine the current population status for the Steller Sea Lion in Canadian Pacific waters, based on the 2013 survey.

Expected Publications:

References:

Olesiuk, P. F., D. G. Calkins, K. W. Pitcher, W. L. Perryman, C. Stinchcomb, M. Lynn. 2008. An evaluation of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) pup counts from 35mm oblique images. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec., Res. 2008/064.

Olesiuk, P. F. 2008. Abundance of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in British Columbia. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec., Res. 2008/063.

5. Narwhal Harvest Credit System

Context: DFO has approved an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for narwhal fisheries within the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA) as negotiated between the Nunavut wildlife co-management organizations and DFO.  A key component of this management regime is a Marine Mammal Tag (MMT) transfer policy.  An evidence based three-phase approach was negotiated for development and implementation of MMT transfer in the narwhal harvest.  Phase 1 provides for the transfer of unused non-migratory narwhal MMT amongst the communities that harvest within a specific Management Unit (MU) during the harvest year for which the MMT are issued.  There is no transfer of migratory period narwhal MMT provided for under Phase 1, which was implemented April 1, 2013.  Phase 2 may provide for the transfer of migratory period MMT between the communities of Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet in the Admiralty Inlet MU and Eclipse Sound MU respectively, and amongst the communities of Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, Pangnirtung and Iqaluit within the Eastern Baffin Island MU.

There is a desire on the part of Inuit to have a "flexible quota system" management provision implemented in the fishery, similar to what was employed under Community Based Management (CBM) of narwhal and beluga in Nunavut prior to negotiation and implementation of the IFMP.  Under CBM, there was provision to carry-over unused quota for use in the subsequent harvest season or to borrow-back up to 15% of the following years’ quota for use in the current harvest season.  There is also a desire on the part of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) to have narwhal Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) established for each MU in 5-year blocks, rather than annual TAH harvest limitations.  This information will be used to determine whether a harvest credit accumulation and/or borrow-back system can be sustainably implemented in the narwhal harvest within the NSA.

Objectives: The objectives are to answer the following specific questions:

If the harvest credit accumulation system proposed is implemented within each of the narwhal Management Units (MU: Northern Hudson Bay; Somerset Island/ Admiralty Inlet; Eclipse Sound; East Baffin Island; Grise Fiord) will the harvest of narwhal be sustainable?

Proposal 1.  100% carry-over for 1 year only
All unused MMT in a given harvest season within a narwhal MU is carried over for use in the next harvest season only. Unused MMTs carried-over from the previous year are applied first to narwhal harvests in the current year.  Carried-over MMTs expire at the end of the harvest year for which they were carried over.  No more than 2 times the annual narwhal TAH may be landed in the MU over 2 consecutive harvest seasons. 

Proposal 2. (0% to 100%) carry-over for 1 year only
If 100% carry-over for 1 year only is unsustainable, is there any proportion of carry-over less than 100% that is sustainable?

Proposal 3. (0% to 100%) carry-over for consecutive years
If some percentage of carry-over for 1 year is sustainable, can unused MMT from each harvest season be accumulated for use in subsequent harvest seasons for consecutive years, potentially indefinitely until the existing TAH is modified and still be sustainable?  In this case unused annual MMT within a MU would continue to accrue for use in subsequent harvest seasons.

Proposal 4. 100% borrow-back
In any given harvest season, any portion of the next years TAH for the MU may be used in the current harvest season.  However, the MU's TAH for the subsequent season is discounted by the amount borrowed for use in the current harvest season.

Proposal 5. (0% to 100%) borrow-back
If 100% borrow-back is found to be unsustainable, is there any proportion of borrow-back less than 100% that is sustainable?

Proposal 6. Five year TAH
If the 5 year sum of annual TAH for each narwhal MU within the NSA was applied as an overall narwhal harvest limit that may be prosecuted at any time during this 5 year consecutive period, would it be sustainable? 

Expected Publications:

6. Eastern Hudson Bay Beluga

Context: With the signing of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claim Agreement in 2006 the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board (NMRWB) became the main instrument of wildlife management for the Nunavik Marine Region (NMR).  The objectives of the NMRWB are to establish wildlife management systems that reflect Nunavik Inuit harvesting rights, while being governed by the principles of conservation (NILCA s. 5.1.3 (a) and (c)).

Eastern Hudson Bay (EHB) beluga were designated by COSEWIC as Threatened in April 1988; the status was re-examined and designated as Endangered in May 2004.

Given existing conservation concerns for the EHB belugas, the NMRWB has established a Total Allowable Take (TAT) for this stock.  The level of sustainable harvest has been heavily informed by DFO Science in the past (e.g. DFO Sci. Advis. Rep 2014/005).  The NMRWB is also in the process of implementing a new management system which relies substantially on genetics research, specifically the proportion of EHB belugas harvested in different regions of Nunavik (Turgeon et al. 2012).  Turgeon et al. (2012) include analysis of data up until 2006 and based their analyses on groupings of sampling data based on sub-regions.  Given that the NMRWB recently approved new management zones, adjustments to the data grouping would improve accuracy and bring the science advice into alignment with the NMRWB’s decisions.  Additionally there is more recent data available that would improve the confidence in the proportions currently being used.  Having access to this science advice, with improved accuracy and confidence, and being more reflective of the NMRWB’s management decisions, would provide the NMRWB with the best available information, which is essential in ensuring the sound and adaptive management of EHB beluga.

Objectives: To determine what is currently the best estimate of the proportion (and associated uncertainty) of EHB belugas harvested in Sanikiluaq, both annually and when analyzed based on season?  This evaluation should also take into account the voluntary harvest closure from July 15th until September 30th, which has been in place since 2012.  The NMRWB is interested in answering the question of when the voluntary summer closure Sanikiluaq has in place would be most effective to conserve EHB beluga?

Expected Publications:

Notice

Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.

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