Coral & Sponge Conservation Strategy for Eastern Canada 2015
Table of Contents
- Complete Text
- Executive Summary
- Acronyms
- Introduction
- Purpose of the Strategy
- Why Protect Corals and Sponges?
- Geographic Scope
- International Context
- Canadian Context
- Status of Coral and Sponge Conservation in Eastern Canada
- Research on Corals and Sponges in Eastern Canada
- Objectives
- Targets and Actions
- Development and Implementation
- References
- Appendix A: Biology of Corals and Sponges in Eastern Canada
- Appendix B: Challenges for Coral and Sponge Conservation
- Appendix C: Management Measures
- Appendix D: Ecological Risk Assessment Framework
- Appendix E: Relevant Publications
- Contact Information
Appendix D: Ecological Risk Assessment Framework
The first step is determining the objective of the ERAF (Box 1). Next is the information gathering stage (Box 2).
If insufficient information is available (Box 2A) the ERAF should end and a rationale provided. The data deficiency should be addressed (Box 2B) and the ERAF should be continued once information is available (Box 2C) and the objectives defined (Box 1).
Once information is gathered a risk assessment should be completed (Box 3) to determine both the consequence level (Box 4) and likelihood level (Box 5) of the risk occurring. To determine the level of risk, the risk matrix should be used (Box 6).
If the risk is deemed to be high (Box 6) or moderate (Box 7) a rationale should be provided. As well, management measures should be identified and implemented where appropriate (Box 9). These measures should be monitored to track the effectiveness and improve future measures. If the risk is deemed to be low (Box 8) a rational should be provided and the ERAF process should end.
Once the Risk Matrix process is complete, a review of the ERAF (Box 1-9) should be conducted at the start of each planning cycle, or in the event of fisheries changes/ new information which may affect the risk assessment and appropriate management measures.
Figure 10: Ecological risk analysis process for cold water coral and sponge dominated communities (DFO 2013)
This figure is a flowchart of the different steps in the Ecological Risk Assessment Framework or ERAF process.
Appendix D Citations
- DFO. 2013. Ecological Risk Assessment Framework (ERAF) for Coldwater Corals and Sponge Dominated Communities. (accessed 2 September, 2013).
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