Terms of Reference

Framework Review for Northern Shrimp on the Eastern Scotian Shelf: Part 2 - Indicators and Reference Point Development

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

March 5-6, 2025

Virtual

Chairperson: Kristian Curran

Context

Northern Shrimp, Pandalus borealis, is the only shrimp species of commercial importance in the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Maritimes Region. The fishery consists of 28 DFO Maritimes Region-based licences and 14 DFO Gulf Region-based licenses. All mobile licences have been under Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) since 1998. A competitive trap fishery that consists of 14 licences is largely restricted to Chedabucto Bay, Nova Scotia. The fishery operates under an ‘evergreen’ management plan, which documents sharing agreements between fleet sectors.

A science peer-review of data inputs and a new population modelling framework for application to the assessment of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Northern Shrimp stock in Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFAs) 13–15 was held in October 2024. Consensus was reached at this meeting regarding a new population model to be used to assess the stock. As follow-up, this science peer-review aims to identify indicators to monitor stock health and to develop limit reference points for the stock. These will guide application of the Fish Stocks Provisions pursuant to the Fisheries Act and the DFO Precautionary Approach Framework. DFO Science will also use the advice to update the assessment approach for the stock.

Objectives

The objectives of this meeting are to:

• Review proposed stock health indicators that enhance description of stock dynamics and effectiveness of DFO’s Traffic Light Approach as a contextual tool to assess the stock.
• Review proposed scenarios for limit reference points and identify a suitable limit reference point for the stock.

Expected Publications

• Research Document

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management
• Indigenous Communities/Organizations
• Provincial government
• Academic community
• Industry stakeholders
• Non-government organizations