Terms of Reference

Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, NAFO Division 4T, Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) stock status to 2023

Regional Peer Review - Gulf Region

March 27, 2024 - March 28, 2024

Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Daniel Ricard

Context

The Fisheries and Harbour Management sector of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has requested a stock and fishery assessment for the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL) (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) 4T) Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus). This stock is prescribed under section 6 of the Fisheries Act.

The scallop grounds in the Gulf Region are divided into four Scallop Fishing Areas (SFA 21, 22, 23, 24).The last scientific assessment for the sGSL Scallop fishery was completed in 2018 (DFO 2019).

Objectives

The objective of the assessment is to determine the stock status in order to inform if adjustments to the management measures are required.

Provide advice on:

• Stock status and trends for the whole sGSL stock, each SFA, and each of the three major scallop beds, taking into account assumptions regarding stock structure and distribution. Include the historical and recent trajectory of the fishery independent and dependent indicators such as stock biomass, size and age structure, commercial fishery statistics (landings, effort, catch per unit effort), and mortality.
• Environmental and climate change considerations that have an expected influence on Scallop in sGSL.

Evaluate or provide estimates of:

• The stock status for the sGSL in relation to a proposed limit reference point (LRP).

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Fisheries and Harbour Management)
• Stakeholders
• Indigenous groups and organizations
• External experts

References

• DFO. 2019. Fishery and Stock Status of the Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) from the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence to 2016. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2019/006.