Terms of Reference

Assessment of Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador

Regional Peer Review Process - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

February 28-March 1, 2017
St. John’s, NL

Chairpersons: Dale Richards and Carole Grant

Context

The last full stock assessment of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region was completed for 2013 returns (Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO] 2015). An annual update of stock status is prepared in interim years to provide data and information to DFO Fisheries Management and the general public (DFO 2016).

Declines in total returns (>30%) on more than half of monitored rivers in 2016 warranted conducting a stock assessment. Fisheries Management will use information from this Regional Peer Review Process as the basis for revising the current salmon management plan.

Objectives

• Assessment of Atlantic Salmon in NL (Salmon Fishing Areas 1- 14B).
• Review the Science triggers/indicators used by Fisheries Management to determine if a Regional Peer Review Process is warranted earlier than planned. 

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• DFO (e.g., Ecosystems and Oceans Science, and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• Academia
• Non-governmental organizations

References

DFO. 2015. Stock Assessment of Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon – 2013. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/023.

DFO. 2016. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Stock Status Update in Newfoundland and Labrador for 2015. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2016/020.