Terms of Reference

Abundance and Potential Biological Removal (PBR) Estimates for the High Arctic Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) Management Stocks

Regional Peer Review - Arctic Region

January 28-29, 2025

Virtual

Chairperson: David Boguski

Context

The High Arctic Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) population comprises walrus distributed from the Canadian Archipelago to west Greenland, and is divided into three management stocks: Penny Strait-Lancaster Sound (PS-LS), West Jones Sound (WJS), and Baffin Bay (BB). All three High Arctic walrus stocks are hunted by Inuit in Canada, and are managed according to applicable federal acts and regulations, as well as relevant land claims agreements. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has assessed the High Arctic Atlantic Walrus population as Special Concern in Canada. The species is currently under consideration for listing on Schedule 1 of SARA (species of special concern).

The three High Arctic walrus stocks were last surveyed in 2009, and associated abundance and Potential Biological Removal (PBR) estimates are considered outdated. A new aerial survey of the PS-LS, WJS, and BB walrus stocks was completed during August 2022 to provide updated abundance and PBR estimates requested by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Management. Updated abundance estimates and Science advice on sustainable hunt levels will also be used by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Inuit organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of walrus. It may also be used internationally by North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) where shared walrus stocks are hunted in both Canada and Greenland.

Objectives

Estimate abundances and PBR levels for the PS-LS, WJS, and BB stocks based on the August 2022 survey of the High Arctic walrus population.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Resource Management sectors)
• Academia
• Stakeholders
• Other invited experts