Terms of Reference

Biophysical and Ecological Overview of a Study Area within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area Marine Zone

Regional Peer Review – Newfoundland and Labrador Region

November 29-30, 2018
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Nadine Wells

Context

The Government of Canada has committed to an international and domestic biodiversity conservation target (Aichi Target 11 and Canada’s Target 1) which calls for 10% protection of coastal and marine areas by 2020 (Marine Conservation Targets [MCTs]). The designation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Canadian waters has been identified as part of the national strategy to meet Canada's target. An Area of Interest (AOI) is a marine area proposed for MPA designation under the Oceans Act; it is a MPA candidate site. The identification of an AOI is the first step towards establishing a MPA under the Oceans Act. Information is typically collected for a broad study area, and this information is used to delineate the boundaries of the AOI.

The Governments of Canada and Nunatsiavut signed a Statement of Intent in September 2017, which commits to collaborative management of the ocean around northern Labrador (Nunatsiavut Government 2018). The Nunatsiavut Government has expressed interest in exploring potential MPAs off Labrador and has initiated discussions with both Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Parks Canada. In response, DFO’s Ecosystems Management Branch requested that DFO Science complete a biophysical and ecological overview of a study area within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area (LISA) Marine Zone.

Detailed information on the key biophysical, ecological, and cultural attributes of the study area, especially as it pertains to potential conservation objectives and the basic influence of or interaction with other ecosystem components is required. This biophysical, ecological and cultural overview will assist the Ecosystems Management Branch and the Nunatsiavut Government in formulating and/or refining conservation objectives and delineating boundaries of zones (if required) within the study area. The information contained within will also inform subsequent advice on monitoring indicators, protocols and strategies, identification of information gaps requiring further research, and the development of a management and monitoring plan for the area.

Objective

For the study area:

1. Describe, and map where possible, available information on key biophysical, ecological and cultural features, including:
   • predominant and unique physical and biological oceanographic characteristics;
   • predominant, unique, and sensitive habitat features;
   • key species of interest, including general species biology and ecology, distribution and abundance/biomass, status and trends, and the abiotic and biotic factors influencing them; and
   • Human use, including culturally important areas/species for the Labrador Inuit.
   • Identify known sensitivities/vulnerabilities of habitats and species of interest.  
2. Identify key uncertainties and knowledge gaps as they pertain to the current understanding of the existing environment and species of interest, and where possible outline how gaps can be addressed.
3. Where appropriate, recommend additional ecosystem components/features for potential conservation as indicated in the national guidance for biophysical overview reports (DFO 2005).
4. Utilize data collected and mapped by the Nunatsiavut Government in the LISA Marine Zone to inform objectives 1-4).

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• DFO Science and Ecosystems Management
• Nunatsiavut Government
• Torngat Wildlife, Plants and Fisheries Secretariat
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Land Resources
• Parks Canada
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Academia

References

DFO. 2005. Guidelines on Evaluating Ecosystem Overviews and Assessments: Necessary Documentation. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2005/026

Nunatsiavut Government. 2018. About Imappivut. Accessed September 2018.