Fisheries science: Data to Decision

How fisheries science informs and contributes to sustainable fisheries management.

Data collection

• Data can be fishery dependent (e.g. from industry fishing activities), or fishery independent (e.g. from targeted surveys).
• Output: Indicators of abundance, biological information, catch from multiple sources (commercial, recreational, Food, Social and Ceremonial)

Stock Assessment

• Data are analyzed using statistical methods and mathematical models to learn more about the fish stock.
• Output: Estimates of the reference points, stock status, evaluation of harvest control rules

Science advice

• Science advice is peer-reviewed through DFO's Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat.
• Output: Science advice documents, projections of potential future stock status under different catch levels

Management

• Science advice is considered along with other sources of information in fisheries management decisions.
• Output: Management measures such as harvest levels, Integrated Fisheries Management Plans, and Rebuilding Plans