Terms of Reference

Estimating Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population Abundance and Allowable Harm

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

November 19, 2015
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Andrew Newbould

Context

Lake Utopia is part of the Magaguadavic River watershed in southwestern New Brunswick. Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (LURS) represent one of the only three confirmed occurrences in Canada where genetically divergent smelt populations co-exist. Two populations of smelt co-exist in Lake Utopia, a small-bodied form and a large-bodied form. Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population was designated ‘Endangered’ by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in November 2008. The rationale for the designation was “population is part of a genetically divergent sympatric pair of Osmerus that is endemic to a single lake in Canada with an extremely small index of area of occupancy (6 sq. km). It spawns in only three (3) small streams in the watershed and could quickly become extinct through degradation of spawning streams from increasing development around the lake shore and impacts of the dip-net fishery. This population is threatened by introduction of exotic species and by increasing eutrophication” (see: COSEWIC 2008). On October 26-27, 2010, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) undertook a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) for Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) in Fredericton, New Brunswick (DFO 2011). The intent of this meeting is to provide updated information on Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population abundance estimates, abundance targets, and allowable harm, where available.

Objectives

• Provide a population abundance estimate for the Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population based on work undertaken in 2014.
• Provide an updated recovery abundance objective for the Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population to replace the interim recovery abundance objective proposed in the Recovery Potential Assessment (see: Science Advisory Report 2011/004).
• Provide the likelihood that the updated abundance objective for the Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population can be achieved under current levels of mortality.
• Provide the maximum level of allowable harm that the Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Large-bodied) Population can sustain without jeopardizing survival or recovery.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Species at Risk Management Division
• DFO Fisheries & Aquaculture Management

References

Bradbury, I.R., R. Bradford, and P. Bentzen. 2011. Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity and Divergence in Sympatric Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax).DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc.2011/008: vi + 28p.

Bradford, R.G., P. Bentzen,  and I. Bradbury, I. 2013. Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) Status, Trends, Habitat Considerations and Threats. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc.2012/124. iv + 42 p.
COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada). 2006. COSEWIC Assessment Summary – May 2006: Atlantic salmon – Inner Bay of Fundy populations.

DFO. 2011. Recovery Potential Assessment for Lake Utopia Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) Designatable Units. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2011/004.