Terms of Reference

Updated Information on Fishing Bycatch of Atlantic salmon, inner Bay of Fundy population, and its impact on the survival or recovery of this Atlantic Salmon Designatable Unit (DU)

Science Response Process - Maritimes Region

September 10, 2015
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

Atlantic Salmon, inner Bay of Fundy population (iBoF Salmon), was included as ‘Endangered’ on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) when the Act was passed in 2002. Following the coming into force of SARA, an Allowable Harm Assessment (Amiro 2004) and Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) (DFO 2008; Gibson et al. 2008) were completed to evaluate the scope for harm to this species under existing conditions. As required by SARA, a Recovery Strategy was completed for iBoF Salmon (DFO 2010). Supported by the scope for harm, as outlined in the RPA, the Recovery Strategy included a list of existing licensed activities that could be permitted to continue under SARA via the Recovery Strategy. To provide such an exemption, it must be demonstrated that the activity does not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species. DFO is presently working on amendments to the iBoF Salmon Recovery Strategy and is re-examining iBoF Salmon bycatch in existing licensed fisheries. The intent of this science advice is to provide updated information on fishing bycatch of iBoF Salmon and its impact on the survival or recovery of iBoF Salmon, in order to inform potential amendments to the species Recovery Strategy.

Objectives

• Provide any new information regarding iBoF salmon bycatch in existing licensed commercial, recreational, and Aboriginal fisheries in inland and tidal waters of the Bay of Fundy
• Describe the impact of these activities on the survival or recovery of iBoF Salmon that was not considered in previously-published DFO Science advice (see: Amiro 2004, DFO 2008).
• Verify accuracy of conclusions drawn in previously-published DFO Science advice (see: Amiro 2004, DFO 2008) regarding the potential impact of these activities on the survival or recovery of iBoF salmon change, if new information does exist, and provide updated conclusions and advice if required.

Expected Publication

• CSAS Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Species at Risk Management Division
• DFO Fisheries & Aquaculture Management

References

Amiro, P.G. 2004. Review of Allowable Harm Permits for inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2004/095. 9p.

COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada). 2006. COSEWIC Assessment Summary – November 2008: Rainbow Smelt - Lake Utopia large-bodied population.

DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 2008. Recovery Potential Assessment for Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2008/050.

DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 2010. Recovery Strategy for the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), inner Bay of Fundy populations [Final]. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Fisheries and Oceans Canada. xiii + 58 pp. + Appendices.

Gibson, A.J.F., Bowlby, H.D., Bryan, J.R., and Amiro, P.G. 2008. Population Viability Analysis of inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon with and without Live Gene Banking. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc.> 2008/057. v + 719p.