Terms of Reference

Status of Division 3KL and Subdivision 3Ps Herring

Regional Peer Review, Newfoundland and Labrador Region

February 3-5, 2015
St. John’s NL

Chairperson: Rick Rideout, Aquatic Resources Division, Science Branch, DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Context

The status of herring in Div. 3KL and Subdivision 3Ps was last assessed during a herring framework meeting in 2013. The current assessment was requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide the Minister with detailed advice on the status of these stocks.

Objectives

A review of any new information concerning the status of East and South Newfoundland Herring in the following stock areas:

• White Bay – Notre Dame Bay
• Bonavista Bay – Trinity Bay
• St. Mary’s Bay – Placentia Bay
• Fortune Bay

The meeting will focus on the general state of herring stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador and identify any conservation issues requiring adjustments to the management plan.

The following topics will be discussed:

• Description of the 2013 and 2014 Commercial Fisheries (to date)
• Results of the Herring Research Gill Net Program for 2013-2014 in Bonavista-Bay Trinity Bay and Fortune Bay
• Results from Herring Commercial Fixed Gear Logbooks for 2013-2014
• Results of the Herring Purse Seine Questionnaires for 2013-2014
• Results of the Herring Telephone Questionnaire 2014
• Results of the Cumulative Change in Abundance Index 2013-2014
• Examination of Biological and Ecological Data for 2013, including a discussion of the length at maturity and implications for size limits in the fishery
• Examination of the Biology and Distribution of Herring caught in spring offshore surveys from 2011-2014
• Examination of Trends and potential changes in Spawning Stock Composition and Spawning Type Designation

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• DFO Science, Newfoundland and Labrador and Maritimes Regions
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Newfoundland and Labrador Region
• Industry Representatives
• Aboriginal Groups
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Fish, Food and Allied Workers Representatives
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Academia