Summary of 2016 survey results

Section 1

Implementation of the Fishery Decision-Making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (called the Precautionary Approach Policy)

The results show that elements of the Precautionary Approach Policy – reference points and harvest control rules - have been put in place for many of the 170 stocks, but not yet for all of the stocks. The following are a few highlights:

• 61% (103 of 170) of the 170 stocks have limit reference points.
• 60% (102 of 170) of the 170 stocks have harvest control rules.
• 3 of the 21 stocks currently classified as in the Critical zone have a stock rebuilding plan.
• 3 stocks classified as Uncertain are at levels such that “serious harm is likely” and 11 stocks classified as Uncertain are at levels such that “serious harm is possible”.

Some of the questions in this section are used to report on indicators in the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators report.

Section 2

The Status of Integrated Fishery Management Plans

The results show that 72% (122 of 170) of the 170 stocks are part of an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) and the fisheries on these stocks are managed using the IFMP. Currently, there are 59 IFMPs covering 122 stocks. In some cases, IFMPs need to be updated. In the absence of an IFMP, some of the stocks are managed using other types of fishery management plans, such as a Conservation Harvesting Plan.

Implementation of the Policy for Managing Bycatch

The results show that elements of the Policy for Managing Bycatch have been implemented in some of the fisheries on the 170 stocks but that this policy has not been fully implemented. The following are a few highlights:

Retained Bycatch

• The fisheries on 62% (106 of 170) of the stocks have retained bycatch
• For 86% (91 of 106) of the stocks whose fisheries have retained bycatch, the risks these fisheries pose to the retained bycatch have been assessed
• Bycatch management measures are in place or are partially in place to address the risks identified in 86% (91 of 106) of the stocks whose fisheries have retained bycatch
• Assessments of bycatch management measures have determined that the measures are working to achieve their objectives in 81% (74 of 91) of the stocks whose fisheries have retained bycatch

Non-retained Bycatch

• The fisheries on 72% (123 of 170) of the stocks have non-retained bycatch
• For 75% (92 of 123) of the stocks whose fisheries have non-retained bycatch, the risks these fisheries pose to the non-retained bycatch have been assessed
• Bycatch management measures are in place or are partially in place to address the risks identified in 83% (102 of 123) of the stocks whose fisheries have non-retained bycatch
• Assessments of bycatch management measures have determined that the measures are working to achieve their objectives in 69% (71 of 102) of the stocks whose fisheries have non-retained bycatch

Species at Risk

The results show that fisheries on 63% (106 of 170) of the stocks interact with aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act. Where interactions do occur, fishery management measures to mitigate the risks to these species are in place in fisheries on 95% (101 of 106) of these stocks.