Proceedings 2014/008

Proceedings of the National Peer Review on Assessing Threats, Ecological Risk, and Ecological Impacts for Species at Risk; May 29-31, 2013

Chairpersons: Simon Nadeau and Christie Whelan
Editors: Ashley Kling, Justine Mannion, and Jennifer Shaw

Summary

These proceedings summarize the relevant presentations and discussions of the national science advisory meeting held on 29-31 May 2013 at the Lord Elgin hotel in Ottawa, Ontario.  The conclusions and advice resulting from this meeting will be provided in the form of a Science Advisory Report that will be made publicly available on the CSAS website.  Meeting participants included experts from various sectors and regions of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as external participants from Environment Canada, Parks Canada, and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).  One working paper was distributed prior to the meeting, in addition to several background documents.  The purpose of this meeting was to provide science advice on three distinct components of the species at risk process that have never benefitted from such peer review.

Treat Assessment

For species assessed as Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened by COSEWIC, assessment and prioritization of threats to survival and recovery of the species need to be provided in the Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA).  The RPA provides science advice to the Department to aid in the development of listing decisions, Recovery Strategies and Actions Plans under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).  Guidance is required on how to address threats in a consistent and standardized manner.

Assessing Ecological Risks in Support of Species at Risk Listing Decisions

The Ecological Risk Criteria is part of the Risk–Based Listing Framework that is developed to facilitate listing decisions for species assessed as at risk by COSEWIC.  Guidance is needed on how to apply the Ecological Risk Criteria consistently throughout the Department.

Monitoring Ecological Impacts of Action Plans

The department is legally required to assess and report on ecological impacts of Action Plans (SARA s.55) five years after the plan has been approved. The Department is beginning to receive Action Plans for review and these generally lack a proper approach to evaluate ecological impacts.  Guidance is required in order for Science to assess ecological impacts of SARA action plan effectively and consistently throughout the Department.

Complete document (PDF, 3,417 KB)

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