Regional Advisory Process (RAP) DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region Herring (Div. 3KL and Subdiv. 3Ps) and Capelin (Subarea 2 + Div. 3KL)

Members Lounge, Clovelly Golf Course, Stavanger Drive
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
November 3-5, 2008

Meeting Chairperson: Fran Mowbray, Aquatic Resources Division, Science Branch, DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Context

The status of herring in Div. 3KL and Subdivision 3Ps was last assessed in 2006 (refer to Science Advisory Report 2006/042; and Proceedings 2006/045. The status of capelin in Subarea 2 and Div. 3KL was last assessed in 2001 (refer to Stock Status Report 2001/B2‑02. The current assessments are requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide the Minister with detailed advice on the status of these stocks.

Objectives

A review of any new information available concerning the status of East and South Newfoundland Herring as follows:

• White Bay – Notre Dame Bay
• Bonavista Bay – Trinity Bay
• St. Mary’s Bay – Placentia Bay
• Fortune Bay

The meeting will focus on the general state of herring stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador and identify any conservation issues requiring adjustments to the management plan.

The following topics will be discussed:

• Description of the 2006 and 2007 Commercial Fisheries (and 2008 to date)
• Results of the Herring Research Gill Net Program for 2006 – 2008
• Results from Herring Commercial Fixed Gear Logbooks for 2006 – 2008
• Results of the Herring Purse Seine Questionnaires for 2006 – 2008
• Examination of Biological and Ecological Data for 2006 -2008
• An analytical assessment will be attempted for White Bay – Notre Dame Bay, Bonavista Bay – Trinity Bay, St. Mary’s Bay – Placentia Bay, and Fortune Bay
• Analysis of herring age and length data in relation to age at maturity

To the extent possible an assessment of the stock status of Subarea 2 + Div. 3KL capelin will be reviewed.

The following topics will be discussed:

• Observations from the 2007 Fishery and Research data.
• Information on historical catches including the 2008 fishery. Information on the length/weight/age of capelin from these fisheries will be available from 1980-2007.
• 2007 Bellevue Capelin Spawning Project
• Spring Acoustic Survey
• Multi-species Survey

Products

Two science advisory reports (SARs) will be produced from this meeting, one for Div. 3KL and Subdiv. 3Ps herring and the second for Subarea 2 + Div. 3KL capelin. A single proceedings report will detail the meeting discussions, and at least two associated research documents will be produced as a result of this meeting.

Role of Participants

The Department is endeavouring to ensure all stock assessment meetings are open and transparent peer review process, and provide ample opportunity for knowledgeable individuals to contribute to the process. As such, attendees are expected to participate fully in the discussion and offer objective, informative, and constructive input that will aid in the process while respecting confidentiality requirements. It is not intended that participants come to RAP meetings merely to be informed about conclusions on stock status nor to 'lobby' regarding any issue.

Participation

The following participants are expected to attend:

• DFO Science, Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec Regions
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Newfoundland and Labrador Region
• Industry Representatives
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Fish, Food and Allied Workers Representatives
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Memorial University
• Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC)