Terms of Reference

Adapting Monitoring Protocols and Strategies for the Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area

Regional Peer Review Process - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

December 8, 2016
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: M. Robin Anderson

Context

The Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) was established in 2005 with the conservation objective of protecting and conserving the unique population of Atlantic cod and its habitat. The monitoring framework developed for Gilbert Bay is based upon the conservation objective. The Gilbert Bay cod population has been monitored since 1998 (Morris and Green 2010) and the MPA monitoring program was reviewed in 2009. As a result, several indicators, protocols, and strategies were identified and adapted as part of the ongoing monitoring program (DFO 2010).

Scientific data including existing indicator data, suggest that the Gilbert Bay cod population has declined. Concerns for the population’s health have raised important questions regarding future research, mitigation, and options for improved management. The Regional Peer Review Process will review existing monitoring information and consider potential changes to the existing long-term monitoring process. If appropriate, specific changes (or lack thereof) to the existing monitoring program will be considered.

Objectives

• Review existing indicator data used to assess the Gilbert Bay cod population.
• Consider relative importance of existing indicators and determine if additional research or indicators are required.
• Recommend adaptations to the monitoring program should they be required.
• Summarize the status of the Gilbert Bay cod population based on indicators and available literature.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (e.g., Ecosystems and Oceans Science, and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Industry
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• Academia

References

DFO. 2010. Review of the Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area monitoring indicators, protocols and strategies, and an assessment of the Gilbert Bay cod population. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2010/027.

Morris, C. J. and Green J. M. 2010. Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area science indicator monitoring. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/060. iv + 22 p.