Terms of Reference

Science Advisory Process on the Identification of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas on the Offshore Scotian Shelf

December 12-13, 2006
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Context

One of the activities that is being undertaken as part of Canada’s approach to ecosystem-based marine management is the identification of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs). EBSAs are defined as those areas where the ecological consequences (in space, in time, or outward through the foodweb) of a severe perturbation would be greater than an equal perturbation of most other areas.

The identification of EBSAs will inform integrated ocean management and other strategic planning initiatives, including the development of spatial management approaches such as marine protected area (MPA) networks. Identifying EBSAs entails the collection, review and analysis of data from a number of sources, including different levels of government, Aboriginal Peoples, industry, non-governmental organizations, local communities, academia and scientists.

The CSAS Ecosystem Status Report 2004/06 outlines three main dimensions (Uniqueness, Aggregation, and Fitness Consequences) and two secondary dimensions (Resilience and Naturalness) along which specific areas can be evaluated with regard to their ecological and biological significance. The work of identifying EBSAs on the Scotian Shelf, ongoing since 2005, has been split between the inshore (within 12nm from shore or 50 fathoms depth) and the offshore. The goal of the offshore process has been to develop an initial map of EBSAs by December 2006, while timelines for the inshore are longer. The identification of EBSAs on the Scotian Shelf has been conducted through a science-led process, incorporating analysis of empirical data, expert opinion (Delphic) exercises, and collection of traditional ecological knowledge. The resultant list of ecologically significant areas may not be exhaustive, and additional sites may be added as new scientific or traditional ecological knowledge becomes available. 

Management measures to conserve important features of EBSAs will be determined through a separate process, involving a review of existing management regimes and an assessment of the threats to each area. A variety of spatial and non-spatial management tools will be considered. Some areas that meet the EBSA criteria may be considered for inclusion in MPA networks, but it is not envisioned that all EBSAs would become MPA candidates. In some cases, existing management measures may be sufficient to conserve the significant characteristics of an identified EBSA and additional measures may be unnecessary.

Objectives

This meeting will focus on how the criteria and guidelines have been applied to identify an initial list of significant areas for the Scotian Shelf offshore region. Specifically, it is to:

• Review and validate the methodology for the identification of offshore EBSAs on the Scotian Shelf.
• Evaluate, validate and refine (as required) the initial list of offshore EBSAs.
• Identify any additional steps (e.g., further research) needed to identify or refine Scotian Shelf offshore EBSAs.
• Review options for ranking Scotian Shelf EBSAs.

Outputs

• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

Participation

Participation at the meeting will comprise scientific and technical experts solicited from the following:

• DFO Science and Oceans Sectors
• Environment Canada / Parks Canada / NRCan
• Provinces
• Select non-government / private sector experts (e.g., TEK experts, university scientists).