Terms of Reference

Science Advice for Precautionary Approach Harvest Strategies under the Fish Stocks Provisions

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

May 26-27, 2020
Virtual meeting

Chairperson: Roger Wysocki

Context

Bill C-68 received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, resulting in revisions to Canada’s Fisheries Act. Changes to the Act include Considerations provisions and Fish Stocks provisions that introduce legal requirements to promote sustainability, avoid Limit Reference Points and implement rebuilding plans for depleted stocks within prescribed time periods, all while considering biology and environmental conditions. The Fish Stocks provisions will apply to stocks prescribed under regulation; the requirements of the provisions will be interpreted through application of a suite of policies included in the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF), in particular the Fishery Decision-Making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (PA Policy, DFO 2009). However, the change in legislation raises technical questions that the Science Sector seeks to resolve in order to develop science advice in support of the legislation and policy intent. Operational guidelines will be developed for the Science Sector to support national consistency in providing fisheries science advice in line with the requirements of the new legislation.

Objectives

1. Interpret the scientific implications of the Fish Stocks provisions through the lens of: (1) the SFF (with a specific focus on the PA Policy); and, (2) the practices in other leading international jurisdictions.
2. Clarify the needs for new and/or updated technical (Science) guidance for the design and evaluation of Precautionary Approach harvest strategies consistent with the PA Policy intent (DFO 2006, DFO 2016)
3. Clarify roles and responsibilities for the Science Sector in supporting the design and evaluation of PA harvest strategies.
4. Identify gaps, new Science advice, or new activities needed to provide advice that allows for a consistent implementation of PA harvest strategies that meets obligations of the Fish Stocks provisions and preserves PA Policy intent (DFO 2005, DFO 2016).

Expected Publications

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

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science, National Fisheries Policy, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Academia or Academics
• Other invited experts

References

Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO]. 2005. Proceedings of the Meeting of the Precautionary Approach Science Working Group; October 20 and 21, 2005. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Proceed. Ser. 2005/027. Available online at: https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/322810.pdf

Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO]. 2006. A Harvest Strategy Compliant with the Precautionary Approach. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2006/023. Available online at: https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/322464.pdf

Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO]. 2009. A fishery decision-making framework incorporating the precautionary approach. Last updated 2009-03-23. Available online at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/sff-cpd/precaution-eng.htm

Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO]. 2016. Proceedings of the National Peer Review on the Development of Technical Guidelines for the Provision of Scientific Advice on the Various Elements of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Precautionary Approach Framework; February 28-March 1, 2012. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Proceed. Ser. 2015/005. Available online at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/Pro-Cr/2015/2015_005-eng.html