Terms of Reference

National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee (NMMPRC) 2017 Annual Meeting

National Peer Review - National Capital Region

February 26 - March 2, 2018
Quebec City, QC

Co-Chairpersons: Garry Stenson and Lianne Postma

Context

The National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee (NMMPRC) holds at least one annual meeting to conduct scientific peer-review of marine mammal issues. Meetings provide the opportunity for collaborative review of scientific results by marine mammal experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and from other (non-DFO) organizations. Following NMMPRC peer-review and approval, scientific results are used to provide sound scientific advice for the management and conservation of marine mammals in Canada.

Objectives

Specific Terms of Reference for each topic are as follows:

1. Spring, fall and winter habitat important to the St. Lawrence beluga population

Context: In 2004, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) classified the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) population, as threatened. This population was reassessed in 2014 by COSEWIC as endangered. These assessments were based upon the best available information on the biological status of the population, including scientific knowledge and aboriginal traditional knowledge.

As a result of this addition to Schedule 1, Part 3 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans was required to prepare a Recovery Strategy for the species. The Recovery Strategy was prepared by DFO in cooperation with specific persons and organizations, as required under SARA. Also, to the extent possible, persons considered by DFO to be directly affected by the Recovery Strategy were consulted.

The final Recovery Strategy for SLE beluga, including the identification of the summer critical habitat, was posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry in March 2012. Information on important spring, fall and winter habitat was not available at that time. Critical habitat was considered to be areas where beluga whales carried out specific life processes such as calving and rearing young belugas. This is a fundamental life-cycle process that is necessary for the survival and recovery of this endangered population. The rearing of young requires access to quality food sources and an acoustic environment that permits communication between individuals.

Objectives:

• Review the available information regarding the quality and quantity of the spring, fall and winter habitat important to the SLE beluga population.

Expected Publications:

• One Research Document
• One Science Advisory Report

2. Northwest Atlantic International Sighting Survey (NAISS) of Marine Megafauna on the Continental Shelf from Northern Labrador to the Bay of Fundy

Context: The NAISS survey provides important updated information critical to understanding the abundance and distribution of a number of at-risk and migratory megafauna that span the continental shelf areas of eastern Canada and the north Atlantic. These data are used to assess the sustainability, or otherwise, of the numbers of cetaceans (including several species at risk) killed incidentally in fishing gear; a problem that has been the focus of DFO efforts since 2000. The NAISS sightings records are an important data source for the Department and stakeholders as they are used in the review of many large-scale offshore environmental impact assessments. For the Species at Risk Program sightings data are essential in habitat modelling exercises used in Critical Habitat designation; abundance and distribution information, contributes to Recovery Potential Assessments (RPAs) and management scenarios. Furthermore, this data is used in assessing the success of recovery measures and changes in population sizes and ranges.  The only other large-scale marine megafauna survey occurred in 2007.  This data will be required to support comparability finding provisions are enacted by the U.S. Marine mammal protection regulations..

Objectives:

• To provide advice on abundance estimates and distribution for several species (including cetaceans, sea turtles, and large fish species, such as basking sharks and sunfish) in Atlantic Canada. Target species will include multiple species at risk including the blue whale, north Atlantic right whale, fin whale, SLE beluga whale, Scotian Shelf northern bottlenose whale, Sowerby’s beaked whale, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles, and basking sharks.

Expected Publications:

• One Research Document
• One Science Advisory Report

3. Protocols and recommended mitigation for the use of drones in the study of Marine Mammals

Context:The Species at Risk Management Division (SARMD) has received applications for SARA permits to conduct research on marine mammals listed under SARA using drones/ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).  Prior to issuing a permit under SARA, DFO must ensure that all feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species (S. 73.3(b)).  Drones are a relatively new technology with great potential to be used in the study of marine species. Anticipating an increase in applications for research involving the use of drones, SARMD is seeking a review of the known impacts of drones on at-risk marine mammal, as well as recommended mitigation measures that can be used to minimize impacts. The intent of this request is to ensure national consistency in  permit reviews and permit conditions with respect to the use of drones in conducting marine mammal research; and, a reduction in repeated requests to Science for stand-alone advice on the same activities.

Objectives:

• Provide advice regarding protocols and mitigation measures to avoid and/or minimize harm, harassment and mortality when using drones/UAVs to study marine mammals.

Expected Publications:

• One Research Document
• One Science Advisory Report

4. Eclipse Sound Narwhal - abundance estimates from analysis of DFO and LGL aerial survey data  

Context: Narwhal is a key fishery for DFO Central and Arctic Region. DFO is moving toward a Sustainable Fisheries Framework for key fisheries that contains existing DFO policies for resource management decisions, and builds on new policies to address ecosystem factors and precautionary considerations. Updated science and documented management approaches are required for sustainable narwhal management. Domestic management measures must also conform to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) requirements for international trade. The lower abundance estimate reported by DFO (2015) based on the 2013 aerial survey of the Eclipse Sound narwhal stock provided the basis for a management decision to reduce the existing Total Allowable Harvest (TAH).

The Nunavut Agreement requires a valid conservation basis on which to limit Inuit harvest. DFO (2015/046) Science Advice identified increased uncertainty around the estimate (coefficient of variation) for narwhal sightings in the 2013 aerial survey of Eclipse Sound, which could introduce bias for the current abundance estimates. Since the DFO (2015/046) publication, additional aerial survey information has become available (e.g., DFO 2016 aerial survey, LGL Ltd. aerial survey data) that may enhance our understanding of Eclipse Sound narwhal abundance. Resource Management has requested DFO Science provide an updated abundance estimate for the Eclipse Sound narwhal stock.

Objectives:

• To estimate new abundances and associated Total Allowable Landed Catch (TALC) recommendations for the Eclipse Sound narwhal stock based on the DFO 2016 aerial survey;  
• To assess aerial survey data collected in 2013, 2014, and 2015 by LGL Ltd. on behalf of Baffinland Corporation for compatibility with DFO survey data to use in a stock abundance estimate for Eclipse Sound narwhal; and,
• If appropriate, then again estimate new abundances and associated Total Allowable Landed Catch (TALC) recommendations for the Eclipse Sound narwhal stock.

Expected Publications:

• Two Research Documents
• One Science Advisory Report

5. St. Lawrence beluga whale: how to respond to live calf stranding events

Context: SLE beluga is listed as endangered under SARA. Over the last few years, newborn calves have been found alive, and abandoned by the female. Furthermore, on occasion, juvenile belugas have been detected trapped in rivers in Quebec and New Brunswick. Left on their own these animals will die. The SARMD is asking Science for advice regarding the potential benefits to recovery of the population and the animal welfare concerns related to rehabilitation, euthanasia, or no human intervention. Consideration should be given to the recent science advice related to the release of rehabilitated animals (2017/XXX) and the euthanasia of cetaceans (2014/046).

Objectives:  Specifically, this review will address the following questions:

• Is attempting to rehabilitate or relocate a live-stranded newborn beluga or juvenile likely to contribute to the recovery of the SLE beluga population?
• What are the chances of survival of a stranded newborn beluga calf, and how should we assess the health status of newborn beluga whales?
• In the case of a stranded SLE beluga what factors should be considered in the decision to rehabilitate, re-locate, or leave the animal where it is? What practical steps should be undertaken to minimize animal welfare concerns?
• In the event that a stranded animal is relocated, what scientific information should be collected during the relocation?

Expected Publications:

• Three Research Documents
• One Science Advisory Report

6. Pre-COSEWIC Peer Review Meeting for Atlantic fin whale

Context: The Atlantic population of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) was last assessed as special concern by COSEWIC in May 2005. In fall 2016, COSEWIC included fin whale in their call for bids to update the status report in preparation for a re-assessment. DFO, as the primary generator and archivist of information on marine species, is to provide COSEWIC with the best information available to ensure that an accurate assessment of the status of a species is undertaken.

Objectives:

• To review all of the available DFO information regarding the status of this species. 

Expected Publication:

• Three Research Documents

Additional Expected Publications

• In addition to the expected publications listed under each topic, a meeting Proceedings will be produced.

Expected Participation

Participants from the following groups were invited to participate in the meeting:

• DFO (Ecosystems and Oceans Science, Ecosystems and Fisheries Management, Species at Risk)
• Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
• Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board
• Makivik Corporation
• Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Institute of Marine Research (Norway)
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• Academia (University of Prince Edward Island, St. Andrews University, University of Montreal)
• Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM)

References

DFO. 2014. Euthanasia techniques for small and large cetaceans. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/046.
DFO. 2015. Abundance estimates of narwhal stocks in the Canadian High Arctic in 2013. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2015/046.