Terms of Reference

Science Review of Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) Surveys Conducted by Golder-WSP in 2019-2023 for use in DFO Fisheries Stock Assessments

Regional Peer Review - Arctic Region

October 16, 2024

Virtual

Chairperson: Steve Ferguson

Context

DFO Science is responsible for advising DFO Fisheries Management (FM) in support of sustainable fisheries through implementing the Fisheries Act. To do this, DFO Science conducts stock assessments by species and stock. For narwhal (Monodon monoceros), summer aerial surveys of narwhal aggregations are conducted to estimate abundance for population modelling. Population modelling is most effective with more annual abundance estimates. DFO FM would like Science to validate and determine if the annual aerial survey results from the Baffinland Iron Mines (BIM) Mary River Project could be used to inform future DFO population modelling for Admiralty Inlet and Eclipse Sound management stocks.

The Mary River Project is an operating open pit iron ore mine located on North Baffin Island in Nunavut. As part of their project certificate, annual surveys of narwhal have been conducted by Golder Associates, (now owned and referred to as WSP Canada Inc.) in Eclipse Sound and Admiralty Inlet in August 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (Golder 2020, 2021, 2022, WSP 2023, 2024). These reports are submitted to the project-specific Marine Environment Working Group (MEWG) for review by interested parties of survey design, analysis methods, and results. DFO Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) is the Departmental representative on the MEWG and benefits from DFO Science review comments annually.

Objectives

The objective of this request is to review the 2019-2023 Golder narwhal aerial survey reports (open water August surveys) to:

• Determine if the survey design and analysis methods are appropriate for use in the current time-series for Admiralty Inlet and Eclipse Sound stock assessment modelling.
• Determine if modifications to the survey design, or additional analyses, are required to ensure the survey results are compatible with DFO’s existing time-series data for Admiralty Inlet and Eclipse Sound.

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science, Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program, and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Academics
• Greenland Institute
• Other invited experts

References

• Golder. 2020. Mary River Project: 2019 Marine Mammal Aerial Survey. Golder Report No. 1663724-191-R-Rev0-22000. Prepared by Golder Associates Ltd., Victoria, BC, Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, Oakville, Ontario. 98 p. + appendices.
• Golder. 2021. Mary River Project: 2020 Marine Mammal Aerial Survey. Golder Report No.1663724-270-R-Rev1. Prepared by Golder. Associates Ltd., Victoria, BC for Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, Oakville, Ontario. 79 p. + appendices.
• Golder. 2022. Mary River Project: 2021 Marine Mammal Aerial Survey. Golder Report No.1663724-353-R-Rev0. Prepared by Golder. Associates Ltd., Victoria, BC for Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, Oakville, Ontario. 109 p. + appendices.
• WSP. 2023. Mary River Project: 2022 Marine Mammal Aerial Survey Program. WSP Report No. 166372401-428-R-Rev0-59000. Prepared by WSP Canada Inc., Calgary, AB for Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, Oakville, Ontario. 97 p. + appendices.
• WSP. 2024. Mary River Project: 2023 Marine Mammal Aerial Survey Program. WSP Report No. 166372402-498-R-Rev0-78000. Prepared by WSP Canada Inc., Calgary, AB for Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, Oakville, Ontario. 111 p. + appendices.