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Update to the assessment framework for Goose Barnacles (Pollicipes polymerus)

Regional Peer Review Process – Pacific Region

June 14 and 15, 2016
Tofino, British Columbia

Chair: Janet Lochead

Context

A review of the biology and fisheries for goose barnacles was presented to the Pacific Science Advice Review Committee (PSARC) in 1999 and raised concerns regarding the sustainability and viability of the fishery given the paucity of information on goose barnacle abundance, distribution, and life history parameters, as well as the lack of biologically based harvest control rules (Lauzier 1999). In response to these concerns, a very general framework for goose barnacles in waters off the West Coast of Canada was prepared and presented to PSARC in 1999 (Lauzier 1999).

Various knowledge gaps relating to goose barnacles still existed at the time the Lauzier (1999) framework was developed. In response, an experimental fishery was authorized under the New Emerging Fisheries Policy DFO (2001, now superseded by 2008) to, in part, gather information and conduct studies to expand the knowledge base and further develop assessment methods.

Advances in technology and the acquisition of new equipment have provided opportunities to update the survey methodology used to estimate goose barnacle bed area. New bed area estimations, supported by local ecological knowledge (LEK), could potentially inform and refine biomass estimation and the development of conservation objectives. This work has been conducted in response to a re-invigoration of interest in the goose barnacle fishery off the west coast of Vancouver Island from five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. The five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations; Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht have aboriginal rights to fish within their fishing territories and to sell that fish, with the exception of geoduck. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is working with the First Nations to accommodate and exercise their right without jeopardizing Canada’s legislative objectives and societal interests in regulating the fishery.

The five First Nations took the lead and developed an updated assessment framework in collaboration with DFO. The framework is specific to Clayoquot Sound, within two of the five First Nations fishing territories, but could have potential application to other areas. The five First Nations, along with DFO Fisheries Management, have requested a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Regional Peer Review (RPR) of the updated assessment framework. Advice arising from this CSAS RPR, will be used to inform the Nations, Fisheries Management and Science on the soundness of the updated assessment framework and will guide the goose barnacle fishery as it transitions from the Feasibility Stage (Stage 1) towards the Exploratory Stage (Stage 2) of DFO’s updated New Emerging Fisheries Policy (2008).

Objectives

The following working paper will be reviewed and provide the basis for discussion and advice on the specific objectives outlined below.

Gagne, A., C. Picco, D. Rutherford and J. Rogers. 2016. Update to the assessment framework for Goose Barnacles (Pollicipes polymerus) in Clayoquot Sound. CSAP Working Paper 2014INV02.

  1. Develop a new methodology for estimation of Goose Barnacle bed area using Trimble Handheld GPS in conjunction with GoogleEarth Pro and Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK).
  2. Develop a revised methodology for estimating Goose Barnacle biomass.
  3. Provide:
    • Quantitative estimates of total biomass, by harvest rock in Clayoquot Sound, in the form of decision tables.
    • An estimated sustainable harvest rate.
    • LEK estimates of biomass available for harvest.
    • Limit reference point(s) at an appropriate scale consistent with the PA policy.
  4. Examine and identify sources of uncertainties in the data and methods.
  5. Provide recommendations for future monitoring.

Expected Publications

Expected Participation

References

DFO  2008. New Emerging Fisheries Policy.

Lauzier, R. B.  1999a. A review of the biology and fisheries of the Goose Barnacle (Pollicipes polymerus Sowerby, 1833). Canadian Stock Assessment Secretariate Research Document 99/111. 30p.

Lauzier, R.B. 1999b. Framework for Goose Barnacle (Pollicipes polymerus Sowerby, 1833) fishery in waters off the west coast of Canada. Canadian Stock Assessment Secretariat Research Document 99/198, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Ottawa, Canada. 24 pp.

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