Terms of Reference

Recovery Potential Assessment – Channel Darter, Percina copelandi, Lake Erie (Designatable Unit 1) and Lake Ontario (Designatable Unit 2) Populations

Regional Peer Review Meeting – Central and Arctic Region

July 9, 2019
Burlington, ON

Chairperson: Sarah Bailey

Context

After the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assesses an aquatic species as Threatened, Endangered or Extirpated, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) undertakes a number of actions required to support implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Many of these actions require scientific information on the current status of the wildlife species, threats to its survival and recovery, and the feasibility of recovery. Formulation of this scientific advice has typically been developed through a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) that is conducted shortly after the COSEWIC assessment. This timing allows for consideration of peer-reviewed scientific analyses into SARA processes including recovery planning.
In support of listing recommendations for Channel Darter by the Minister, DFO Science has been asked to undertake an RPA, based on the national RPA Guidance. The advice in the RPA may be used to inform both scientific and socio-economic aspects of the listing decision, development of a recovery strategy and action plan, and to support decision making with regards to the issuance of permits or agreements, and the formulation of exemptions and related conditions, as per sections 73, 74, 75, 77, 78 and 83(4) of SARA. The advice in the RPA may also be used to prepare for the reporting requirements of SARA s.55. The advice generated via this process will update and/or consolidate any existing advice regarding Channel Darter.

Objectives

To provide up-to-date information, and associated uncertainties, to address the following elements:

Biology, Abundance, Distribution and Life History Parameters

Element 2: Evaluate the recent species trajectory for abundance, distribution and number of populations.

Habitat and Residence Requirements

Element 4: Describe the habitat properties that Channel Darter needs for successful completion of all life-history stages. Describe the function(s), feature(s), and attribute(s) of the habitat, and quantify by how much the biological function(s) that specific habitat feature(s) provides varies with the state or amount of habitat, including carrying capacity limits, if any.

River Darter

Element 8: Assess and prioritize the threats to the survival and recovery of the Channel Darter.

Element 9: Identify the activities most likely to threaten (i.e., damage or destroy) the habitat properties identified in element 4 and provide information on the extent and consequences of these activities.

Element 11: Discuss the potential ecological impacts of the threats identified in element 8 to the target species and other co-occurring species. List the possible benefits and disadvantages to the target species and other co-occurring species that may occur if the threats are abated. Identify existing monitoring efforts for the target species and other co-occurring species associated with each of the threats, and identify any knowledge gaps.

Scenarios for Mitigation of Threats and Alternatives to Activities

Element 16: Develop an inventory of feasible mitigation measures and reasonable alternatives to the activities that are threats to the species and its habitat (as identified in element 8).

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document(s)

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science sector, Species at Risk Program and Fisheries Protection Program)
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Academia
• Conservation Authorities
• Other invited experts

References

Bouvier, L.D., and Mandrak, N.E. 2010. Information in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment of Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) in Ontario. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2010/029.
vi + 39 p.