Terms of Reference

A framework for assessing vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems to ship-source oil spills

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

March 1-3, 2016
Ottawa, Ontario

Chairperson: Gilles Olivier

Context

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to ensuring sustainable aquatic ecosystems. The development of a framework for assessing vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems to ship-source oil spills represents an important step toward meeting this commitment, and supports the Organizational Priority identified in the Report on Plans and Priorities by "Commencing the collection and analysis of science and marine ecosystems information and data as key supporting elements of the world class tanker system initiatives". More specifically, the proposed framework may be used to identify the potential impacts of ship-source oil spills on aquatic ecosystems, as well as provide advice on the ability of ecosystems to recover from such impacts.

A structured approach to identify ecological components most affected by a ship-source oil spill has been developed utilising a suite of criteria to assess vulnerability. This approach divides criteria into three categories: exposure, sensitivity, and recovery, each encompassing a number of criteria which are envisaged to be consistent and broad enough to be usable in multiple aquatic environments. In support of this, the framework has been developed and refined with input from biologists from three DFO regions who are currently contributing to the development of ship-source oil spill area response plans (i.e. Pacific, Quebec & Maritimes). If successful, it is anticipated that this approach will be useful for identification of ecological components most affected by ship-sourced oil spills in any aquatic environment.

Objectives

The following working paper will be reviewed to provide the basis for discussion and advice:

A framework for assessing vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems to ship-source oil spills. Working Paper by Thornborough, K., C. Hannah, C. St. Germaine, and M. O.

The overarching objective of this National Advisory Process is to assess whether the proposed framework identifies scientifically defensible vulnerabilities in aquatic ecosystems to ship-source oil spills.

Specific objectives of this Advisory Process are to:

• Determine if the proposed species groupings for assessing vulnerability to ship-source oil spills are appropriate;
• Determine if the criteria used to identify species groupings most affected by ship-source oil spills are complete and appropriate;
• Determine if the proposed criteria are appropriate (for identifying species groupings most affected by ship-source oil spills) for multiple aquatic environments;
• Provide recommendations on best approaches and methods to address knowledge and data gaps in the application of the criteria (i.e. uncertainty with scoring of criteria); and,
• Provide recommendations on potential uses of this framework for assessment of ecological vulnerability to environmental stressors, and specifically for ship-source oil spill preparedness and response.

Strategy and Working Paper

There will be a two-staged review for this framework. The first stage would entail the review of the framework and its National consistency and applicability (Stage 1 – March 1-3, 2016). The second stage will entail a review of the regional applications of this framework, any necessary modifications and lessons learned (Stage 2 – date to be determined).

Expected publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report (1)
• CSAS Research Document (1)
• CSAS Proceedings

Expected Participation

• DFO Science (National and regional) DFO Oceans (National)
• Canadian Coast Guard (National)
• Environment Canada (National)
• Transport Canada (National)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Vancouver Aquarium