Terms of Reference

Evaluation of Allowable Harm for White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Atlantic Canada

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

November 30, 2016
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

In Canada, White shark was assessed as Endangered in 2006 by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2006) and was listed on Schedule 1 of Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2011. A Recovery Potential Assessment conducted by Fisheries and Oceans prior to listing concluded that there was no scope for allowable harm to the population (DFO 2006), which is defined as harm to the wildlife species that will not jeopardize its recovery or survival (DFO 2014).  To permit otherwise prohibited activities under section 73 of SARA, or to exempt such activities in a Recovery Strategy, it must be demonstrated that the activity does not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species.

Since the previous assessment (DFO 2006), new information has become available including new findings on age at maturity and a published study that suggests an increase in the Northwest Atlantic population. A new assessment of allowable harm is therefore warranted. The intent of this science advice is to re-assess whether there is scope for allowable harm for White Shark in Atlantic Canadian waters, in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Revised Framework for the Evaluation of Scope of Harm under Section 73 of SARA (DFO 2004).  This information will inform the White Shark Recovery Strategy, the development and direction of the upcoming Action Plan, and the ongoing management of activities that may interact with this species.

Objectives

The objective of this regional science response process is:

• To evaluate scope for allowable harm for White shark, in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Revised Framework for the Evaluation of Scope of Harm under Section 73 of the Species at Risk Act.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science
• DFO Species at Risk Management Division
• DFO Fisheries Management  

References

COSEWIC. 2006. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the White Shark Carcharodon carcharias (Atlantic and Pacific populations) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 31

DFO. 2014.  Guidance on Assessing Threats, Ecological Risk and Ecological Impacts for Species at Risk. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/013.

DFO. 2006. Recovery Potential Assessment Report on White Sharks in Atlantic Canada. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2006/052.

DFO. 2004. Revised Framework for Evaluation of Scope for Harm under Section 73 of the Species at Risk Act. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report 2004/048.