Terms of Reference

Advice on Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida) Bycatch Limits in Northern Shrimp Fisheries in the Canadian Arctic

Regional Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

July 3–4, 2019
Winnipeg, MB

Chairperson: Eva Enders

Context

Incidental bycatch and discard of non-targeted species occur in many fisheries. An objective of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management is to control incidental mortality of non-targeted species. Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida) is a ubiquitous species occurring in a wide range of habitats in the Arctic. Given this widespread distribution and tendency to form large aggregations, it is a common bycatch species in various northern fisheries including the Northern and Striped shrimp fisheries in the Eastern Canadian Arctic.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Resource Management has requested DFO Science to provide advice on a sustainable overall bycatch limit of Arctic Cod (in tonnes) for the Eastern and Western Assessment Zones (EAZ and WAZ) and Shrimp Fishing Area 1 (SFA 1) as well as establishing suitable references to indicate when that mortality is unacceptable. In providing the requested advice, DFO Science is asked to consider the current "move away" provision on commercial licenses.

Objectives

The objectives of the peer review are to:

• Assess historical trends in Arctic Cod bycatch in the Northern and Striped shrimp fisheries in the EAZ, WAZ, and SFA 1;
• Recommend the amount of Arctic Cod bycatch that can be sustainably removed in the EAZ, WAZ, and SFA 1 in relation to historical bycatch levels and subsequent impact on the population;
• Recommend annual Arctic Cod bycatch limits for each the EAZ, WAZ, and SFA 1; and,
• Review methods for in-season mitigation of Arctic Cod bycatch (DFO [2012] and Conditions of License).

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Fisheries Management)
• Nunavut and Nunavik Management Boards
• Academia

References

DFO. 2012. Guidance related to bycatch and discards in Canadian commercial fisheries. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2012/022.