Terms of Reference

Assessment of the risk posed to wild Atlantic Salmon population abundance and genetic character by direct genetic interaction with escapes from East Coast Atlantic Salmon aquaculture

National Advisory Meeting – National Capital Region

June 6-9, 2023
Halifax, NS

Co-Chairs: Brittany Beauchamp and Paul Snelgrove

Context

Escaped farmed Atlantic Salmon have been documented as a potential threat to wild Atlantic Salmon populations. Farm escapees can, in some instances, account for a large proportion of Atlantic Salmon in rivers and can affect both the abundance and genetic diversity of wild Atlantic Salmon populations.

In the three Atlantic provinces where Atlantic Salmon are farmed in coastal waters (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick), the individual province is the lead regulator for aquaculture activities. However, the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, and the protection of fish and fish habitat, are a part of the mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

DFO provides management advice to the provinces on new or expanded aquaculture sites and production increases, and shares responsibility with the provinces for issuing permits for the introduction and transfer (I&T) of fish into marine farm cages. To support this role, Aquaculture Directorate is seeking peer-reviewed science advice on the risks posed by escaped farmed Atlantic Salmon to the abundance and genetic diversity of wild Atlantic Salmon through direct genetic interactions, as well as to inform management options to reduce the risk to wild Atlantic Salmon.

The risk assessment advice may also be used to inform policy and regulatory reviews, assist in developing a consistent risk management approach in the different regions, inform siting advice and I&T decisions, and inform the development of standards (for example, for marine net pens used in salmonid aquaculture).

Objectives

The objective of the meeting is to provide peer-reviewed scientific advice through a semi-quantitative risk assessment of the risk posed to wild Atlantic Salmon population abundance and diversity by direct genetic interaction with escapes from East Coast Atlantic Salmon aquaculture.

The scientific advice will also include a characterization of sources of uncertainty and an assessment of potential mitigation options aimed at reducing risk.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document
• Proceedings

Expected Participation

• International experts
• Academia
• Provinces
• Indigenous experts