Terms of Reference

Stock Status of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in DFO Gulf Region (Salmon Fishing Areas 15 to 18)

Regional Science Peer Review – Gulf Region

February 26-27 2014
Moncton, New Brunswick

Chairperson: Gérald Chaput (DFO Gulf Region)

Context

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is broadly distributed in most rivers of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and is exploited by aboriginal communities and in recreational fisheries. The last assessment of stock status of Atlantic salmon in Gulf Region was completed after the 2011 return year (DFO 2012). In support of the update to the Gulf Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic salmon, DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) has requested an assessment of the status of the Atlantic salmon stocks in DFO Gulf Region.

Objectives

The objectives of the science peer review meeting are to address the request for advice considering the following points:

• Description of fisheries management measures, current and recent catch and harvests of Atlantic salmon by size group of salmon in aboriginal and recreational fisheries by river and by SFA of the southern Gulf (as defined in the Atlantic salmon IFMP; 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 17, 18A, 18B).
• Description of river-specific conservation requirements for Atlantic salmon.
• Description of the total returns and spawning escapements of Atlantic salmon by size group in the rivers of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence to 2013 and trends in status in each of the SFAs.
• Description of freshwater production trends in the rivers of the southern Gulf.
• Development of indicators which could be used to monitor status of Atlantic salmon populations in the intervening years of the multi-year assessment and management plan cycle.
• Review information, such as river size as a proxy for stock size, which could be considered in the development of a classification system for Atlantic salmon rivers in the Gulf Region.
• Identification of uncertainties and knowledge gaps.

Expected Publications

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

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science Branch and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management)
• Provincial governments of the Maritime Provinces
• Aboriginal communities/organizations
• Watershed and angling associations

References

DFO 2012. Stock status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in DFO Gulf Region (Salmon Fishing Areas 15 to 18). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2012/040.