Terms of Reference

Optimal Strategy for Invasive Species Control to Ensure Survival and Recovery of Atlantic Whitefish in the Petite Rivière Lakes

Regional Peer Review – Maritimes Region

October 11-12, 2017
Dartmouth, NS

Chair: Tana Worcester

Context

The Atlantic Whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) was listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act in 2003. The species is restricted to three interconnected lakes in Nova Scotia and its viability is threatened by illegal introduction of aquatic invasive fish species, in particular, Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel. A proposed Action Plan for Atlantic Whitefish was published in 2016, outlining measures to help achieve survival and recovery of the species. The Action Plan identifies developing and implementing management approaches to mitigate or eliminate the threat posed by Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel as a key recovery measure (DFO 2016).

Efforts to study invasive species control methods have been underway in the Petite Rivière lakes since 2013, including testing various electrofishing boat survey methods and targeted angling efforts. The purpose of this meeting will be to review the various control methods used and to provide advice on what continued invasive species control efforts are recommended to minimize the risk that invasive species present to the survival and recovery of Atlantic Whitefish in the Petite Rivière lakes.

Objectives

The objective of this regional science advisory process is:

• To document the threat posed by aquatic invasive species (i.e., Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel) in the Petite Rivière lakes.
• To compile information on aquatic invasive species control measures that have been utilized to date in the Petite Rivière Lakes and discuss their effectiveness.
• To provide advice on the recommended invasive species control measures (type, level of effort, spatial and temporal extent) to minimize the risk that invasive species present to the survival and recovery of Atlantic Whitefish in each of the Petite Rivière Lakes.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science
• DFO Species at Risk Management Division
• DFO Fisheries Protection Program
• Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• External experts
• Aboriginal organizations

References

DFO. 2016. Action Plan for the Atlantic Whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa. vii + 39 pp.