Terms of Reference

Stock Assessment for American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Areas 35, 36-38

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

February 26-27, 2025

Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Michelle Greenlaw

Context

American Lobster (Homarus americanus) is found in coastal waters from Cape Hatteras to southern Labrador, with major fisheries concentrated around Gulf of Maine and the Gulf of St. Lawrence areas. Though lobster is most common in coastal waters, they are also found in deeper, warm water areas of the Gulf of Maine and along the outer edge of the continental shelf from North Carolina to Sable Island.

Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area(s) (LFA) 35, 36 and 38 are assessed on a multi-year assessment schedule, with stock framework and assessment science advisory processes conducted approximately every five years and stock status updates conducted in the interim years. A stock framework review was conducted in October and November 2024. The framework presented a suite of primary and secondary indicators along with contextual and environmental indicators for use in the stock assessment as well as limit reference points.

This assessment will assess the LFAs 35, 36, and 38 stocks in a manner consistent with the framework developed for the fishery in October and November 2024.

In support of the decision-making for the 2025 fishery, DFO Maritimes Resource Management has requested an assessment of resource status from DFO Maritimes Science.

Objectives

The objectives of this Regional Advisory Process are to:

• Apply the suite of primary and secondary indicators proposed during the 2024 Stock Framework Regional Advisory Process to assess the stock status of the LFAs 35, 36 and 38 lobster to the end of the 2023/24 season.
• Evaluate primary indicators against the limit reference points for LFAs 35, 36 and 38.
• Identify indicators that would be used to characterise stock status in the intervening years of the multi-year stock assessment cycle.
• Review trigger values that would suggest an earlier than scheduled assessment is warranted.
• Review the frequency and timing of interim-year updates and evaluate the risks of providing multiyear advice.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries Management
• Indigenous communities/organizations
• Provincial government
• Fishing Industry
• Non-Government Organizations
• Academia
• NOAA Fisheries