Terms of Reference
Assessment of Sea Cucumber Stocks in Quebec's Inshore Waters
Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region
April 24, 2024
Mont-Joli, QC
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 2021. DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture management has requested an assessment of the sea cucumber fishery for 2024 to 2026 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 Quebec’s inshore waters, management units A, B, C and 3. 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 2022 in management unit 3.
- Identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
- Perspectives for the 2024-2026 fishing seasons based on indicators derived from fishing and research activities.
Expected Publications
- Science Advisory Report
Expected Participation
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Fisheries Management sectors)
- Aboriginal communities/organizations
- Fishing industry
- Provincial representatives
Notice
Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.
- Date modified: