Terms of Reference

Arctic Surfclam Framework: Data Review

Regional Peer Review – Maritimes Region

June 28-29, 2016
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson:  John Neilson

Context

The Arctic Surfclam (Mactromeris polynyma) fishery on Banquereau was initiated in 1986. After some initial exploratory fishing, a quota regulated fishery was put in place for Arctic Surfclam on the Grand Bank in 1989.  The Scotian Shelf and Grand Bank offshore clam fisheries are managed under one plan, with the licence holder(s) having equal access to quotas in both areas.

Science surveys of Banquereau Arctic Surfclams were conducted in 2004 and 2010.  Due to the large size of the Grand Bank, a scientific survey of Grand Bank Arctic Surfclam was conducted in three parts ending in 2009 (2006, 2008 and 2009) to assess the biomass of the stock in this area.  An assessment framework for Arctic Surfclam on Banquereau and Sable banks was reviewed in 2007. A peer reviewed stock assessment of Grand Bank Arctic Surfclam was conducted in 2010, using an assessment approach similar to that developed for Banquereau.  The Banquereau Arctic Surfclam stock was last assessed in 2011.

In 2014, DFO initiated independent reviews of the science and management of Canadian Arctic Surfclam. Both the science and management reviews recommended consideration of a spatial management approach for Arctic Surfclam.

Objectives

The objectives of this meeting are to:

1. Compile and review the science information basis to conduct a preliminary risk assessment of spatial management options for Arctic Surfclam in Atlantic Canada. In this context, a number of different types of information will be reviewed, including:
• Information on life-history characteristics of Arctic Surfclam (or related species), focussing on any new information since 2007.   
• Previous survey information, including sources of uncertainty. 
• Available fishery information, including catch composition, catch rates, distribution and effort.
• Any new information on impacts of clam dredging on Arctic Surfclam and associated species since 2007.
• Information that could be used to assess changes in Arctic Surfclam habitat suitability since 2007.
• Other information that could be used to inform a spatial management approach for Arctic Surfclam on Banquereau and Grand Bank.
• In addition, summaries will be provided of the:
  • Management approach to this fishery that has been in place since 2007.
  • Indicators and reference points that have been used to assess the status of the Arctic Surfclam stocks.
2. Conduct a qualitative risk assessment to assess the relative risk and ongoing information requirements of the current management approach and alternative spatial management approaches. 
3. Determine whether any of the information presented would trigger a new science assessment for Banquereau or Grand Bank Surfclam, and if so, what approach would be used to conduct the assessment.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document(s)

Participation

• DFO Science, Ecosystem Management, Fisheries Management, and Policy & Economics
• Aboriginal Communities/Organizations
• Fishing Industry
• Provincial representatives
• Academics
• Non-governmental organizations
• Other invited experts

References

DFO. 1999. Offshore Surf Clam Integrated Fishery Management Plan, Maritimes and Newfoundland Regions 1998-2002. 24pp.

DFO. 2007. Proceedings of the Maritime Provinces Regional Advisory Process on Assessment and Management Strategy Framework for Banquereau Arctic Surfclam and Ocean Quahogs on Sable Bank and in St. Mary’s Bay. 17-18 January 2007; 4-5 April 2007. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Proceed. Ser. 2007/008.

Roddick, D., R. Kilada, and K. Mombourquette. 2007. Survey for Arctic Surfclams (Mactromeris polynyma) on Banquereau, 2004. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2007/035.

Roddick, D., J. Brading, L. Carrigan, T. Davignon-Burton, S. Graham, and C. McEwen. 2011. Assessment of the Arctic Surfclam (Mactromeris polynyma) stock on Grand Bank. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2011/052.

Roddick, D., J. Brading, L. Carrigan, T. Davignon-Burton, S. Graham, and C. McEwen. 2012. Assessment of the Arctic Surfclam (Mactromeris polynyma) stock on Banquereau in 2010. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2012/050.