Summary of 2015 Survey Results

Section 1

Implementation of the Fishery Decision-Making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach (called the Precautionary Approach Policy)

The results show that elements of the Precautionary Approach Policy – reference points and harvest control rules - have been put in place for many of the 159 stocks but not for all of these stocks. The following are a few highlights:

• 55% (87/159) of the 159 stocks have limit reference points.
• 65% (104/159) of the 159 stocks have harvest control rules.
• 15 stocks in the Critical zone do not have stock rebuilding plans.
• It is estimated that for 2 stocks classified as Uncertain^{Footnote 1} the stock is at a level such that “serious harm is likely” and for another 5 stocks classified as Uncertain, “serious harm is possible”.

Some of the questions in this section are used to report on indicators in the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators report.

Section 2

The Status of Fishery Management Plans

The results show that fisheries on most of the 159 stocks are managed using an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). In some cases, IFMPs need to be updated. In the absence of an IFMP, some of the stocks are managed using other types of fishery management plans.

Implementation of the Policy for Managing Bycatch

The results show that elements of the Policy for Managing Bycatch have been implemented in the fisheries on the 159 stocks but that the Policy has not been fully implemented. The following are a few highlights:

• There was bycatch in the fisheries on 77% (122 of 159) of the stocks surveyed.
• The risks of the fishery(ies) to bycatch species has been assessed or partially assessed for 80% of (97 of 122) of the stocks whose fisheries have bycatch.
• Bycatch management measures are in place to address the risks identified in 73% (89 of 122) of the stocks whose fisheries have bycatch.

Policy on New Fisheries on Forage Species

Thirty of the 159 fish stocks are forage species. The results show that the management measures in the fisheries on these 30 stocks, partially meet the objectives of the policy.

Management of Lost Gear

The results show that the likelihood of losing gear is negligible in fisheries on 38% (60 of 159) of the 159 stocks. The results also show that measures to mitigate the risks of lost gear to marine ecosystems are in place for 43% (43 of 99) of the stocks where there is a likelihood of losing gear. The risks of lost gear have not been evaluated for 51% (50 of 99) of these stocks.

Species at Risk

The results show that the fisheries on 70% of the 159 stocks interact with aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act. Where interactions do occur, fishery management measures to mitigate the risks to these species are in place in fisheries on 97% these stocks.