Terms of Reference

2018 Atlantic Salmon In-Season Review for the Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Regional Science Response Process - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

July 10 and July 24, 2018^{Footnote 1}
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Erika Parrill

Context

There are 15 Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) management areas, known as Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs) 1-14B, in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Within these areas there are more than 370 rivers with reported Atlantic Salmon populations characterized by differences in life history traits including freshwater residence time, age at first spawning, and the extent of ocean migrations.

The last full stock assessment of Atlantic Salmon in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region was completed for 2017 returns (DFO 2018). Fisheries Management will use information from this Regional Science Response Process as the basis to maintain or revise the current salmon management plan.

Objective

1. Assess the status of the 2018 salmon stock by comparing the predicted total returns to river specific targets.
2. Compare predicted 2018 total returns to the following reference points: 2013-17, 2011-15 (see DFO 2018 for more information)^{Footnote 2} and 2003-12 (10 year period prior to current generation).
3. Determine how many of the rivers are predicted to meet or exceed the Limit Reference Point and how many are predicted to meet or exceed the Upper Reference Point.
4. Based on the results of the in-season review:
1. can the stock sustain an increase in harvest of one additional salmon?
2. can the stock sustain an increase in one additional salmon on Class 2 Rivers, two additional salmon on Class 4 rivers and three additional salmon on Class 6 rivers?
3. can the stock sustain removals of salmon consistent with 2016 removals (2 fish on Class 2, 4 fish on Class 4, 6 fish on Class 6)?
4. can the stock sustain a catch and release fishery?
5. can the stock sustain any human induced mortality?

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO (Science and Fisheries Management Branches)

References

DFO. 2018.  Stock Assessment of Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon – 2017. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2018/034.