Terms of Reference

Assessment of the sea cucumber fishery in Quebec's Inshore Waters

Quebec Region Science Advisory Process

Mont-Joli, QC
June 3, 2014

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Context

The sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) fishery is a recent activity in Quebec’s inshore waters. It began in 2008 on the Gaspé Peninsula’s north shore and in 2009 it extended to the Middle North Shore near Havre-Saint-Pierre. This fishery is carried out either by diving, using an LGS-type dredge or by a dredge specifically designed for sea cucumbers. There are currently five active licenses. There is always an exploratory fishery.

The last assessment of this fishery goes back to 2011. DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture management has requested an assessment of the sea cucumber fishery for fishing seasons from 2014 to 2016. The objective of the review is to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status require adjustments to management plans based on the conservation approach used.

Objectives

Provide science advice on management measures for the sea cucumber fishery in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, management units A, B, C and HSP. This advice shall include:

• Description of the biology of the sea cucumber and its distribution in Quebec’s coastal waters.
• Description of the fishery including landings, fishing effort and management measures specific to the fishing areas.
• Analysis of catches per unit effort from the fishery.
• Analysis of data from the commercial sampling program and the at-sea observer program.
• Analysis of results from the 2011 sea cucumber exploratory fishery in Magdalen Islands.
• Review of results from the post-season survey conducted in zones B and C in 2013.
• Identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations on management measures in effect for the 2014-2016 fishing seasons.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Quebec Provincial Government
• Aboriginal communities/organizations