Terms of Reference

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

Regional Advisory Meeting - Quebec Region

June 1-2, 2021
Virtual meeting

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, still exploratory, is carried out either by diving, using an LGS-type dredge or by a dredge specifically designed for sea cucumbers.

The last assessment of this fishery goes back to 2017. DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture management has requested an assessment of the sea cucumber fishery for 2021 to 2023 fishing seasons. 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, 3 and Lower North Shore. 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 data from the scientific survey conducted in 2018 in management units A, B, C.
• Analysis of data from the experimental fishery in the Lower North Shore (2017, 2018, 2020).
• Identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives for the 2021-2023 fishing seasons based on indicators derived from fishing and research activities.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings

Expected Participation

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