Terms of Reference

Stock Assessment of Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish

Regional Peer Review Process – Maritimes Region

December 11, 2018, and February 13, 2019
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Jennifer Ford

Context

The Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish is a transboundary resource with significant catches in Canada and the United States (USA). The last DFO framework review and assessment of Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish occurred in January and May 2014 using data up to 2010 (Fowler and Campana 2015). The accepted model was a forward-projecting stage-based, spatially explicit population dynamics model with two time steps. Efforts to incorporate more recent data into the framework model have not been successful.

DFO Science has determined that a new framework assessment is required to provide catch advice to Fisheries Management. The first part of this framework assessment, a review of data inputs, was held in September 2017. A second meeting addressed modelling approaches in June 2018. The proposed model was not accepted as the basis to provide management advice, and an index-based approach to providing science advice was proposed.

Objective

The objectives of the Regional Peer Review Process are to:

1. Review and update proxy biological reference points for Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish and evaluate the status of the stock up to 2018 in relation to these reference points. Comment on the uncertainty and relative informative value of the candidate reference points.
2. Provide recommendations on the schedule for ongoing assessment of Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish. Outline a process and guidelines for the monitoring of indicators and other events (e.g., decision rules) that could trigger an earlier than scheduled assessment. 

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management
• DFO Species at Risk Management
• Indigenous Communities/Organizations
• U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service
• Fishing industry Representatives
• Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations

References

Fowler, G.M., and Campana, S.E. 2015. Framework Assessment and 2013 Update Using a Stage-based Population Model for Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) in the Northwest Atlantic. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2015/065.