Terms of Reference

Support for Delineation of Inner Bay of Fundy Salmon Marine Critical Habitat Boundaries

Regional Science Response Process - Maritimes Region

July 11, 2014
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

The inner Bay of Fundy (iBoF) populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). SARA requires the identification of Critical Habitat for endangered species. The Recovery Strategy for iBoF salmon (DFO 2010) identifies freshwater Critical Habitat areas and its Schedule of Studies identifies the need to identify additional areas of Critical Habitat.

Atlantic salmon require freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitat to complete their life cycle. Science advice on important marine and estuarine habitat requirements for iBoF Salmon was provided by DFO Science (DFO 2008; DFO 2013). Critical Habitat for iBoF Salmon in the estuarine and marine environment is now being identified in an amendment to the Recovery Strategy, and additional science advice has been requested to assist with the determination of appropriate boundaries in a number of key areas.

Objectives

• To provide information to assist in the delineation of marine critical habitat for iBoF Salmon within the inner boundaries of the Chignecto Bay and Minas Basin for several key estuaries (i.e., Petitcodiac River, Avon River, Salmon River Truro and Cumberland Basin), based on oceanographic, physical or ecological characteristics.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Ecosystem Management

References

DFO. 2008. Recovery Potential Assessment for inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2008/050. 34p

DFO. 2010. Recovery Strategy for the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), inner Bay of Fundy populations [Final]. In: Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Fisheries and Oceans.

DFO. 2013. Important Marine and Estuarine Habitat of Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2013/054.