Terms of Reference

Subdivision 3Ps Sea Cucumber Status Update

Regional Science Response Process - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

January 18, 2018
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: James Meade

Context

The status of NAFO Subdivision 3Ps Sea Cucumber was last assessed in February 2017. The assessment concluded that given the uncertainties with this species on the St. Pierre Bank, there is no scientific basis for assessing the risk of any increase in harvest level and that sustainable exploitation rates are unknown. It was also noted that the September 2016 3Ps Sea Cucumber survey was incomplete and only 23% of the northwest area was surveyed, therefore the Sea Cucumber biomass index for this area was considered inconclusive. In September 2017, the northwest area was surveyed in full. The current stock assessment update is requested by Fisheries Management to provide the Minister with advice to inform decisions regarding any changes to the current Management Plan for conservation purposes.

Objective

Update the status of the Sea Cucumber resource in NAFO Division 3Ps.

Expected Publications

• Science Response Report

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science and Fisheries Management
• Fishing Industry (FFAW)

References

DFO. 2017. An Assessment of the Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) resource on the St. Pierre Bank (NAFO Subdivision 3Ps) in 2016. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2017/029.