Terms of Reference

Evaluation of survey methodologies for monitoring Olympia Oyster (Ostrea lurida Carpenter, 1864) population in British Columbia

Stock Assessment and Quota Options for the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) fishery in British Columbia,
2010-2013

Assessment Framework for Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia

A review of the Haida razor clam fishery

Rockfish bycatch in the British Columbia commercial prawn trap fishery

Regional Advisory Meeting

1-3 December, 2009

Pacific Scientific Advice Review Committee (PSARC)

Pacific Biological Station

Nanaimo, BC

Chairperson: Ray Lauzier

Context

The PSARC Invertebrate Subcommittee meets routinely to conduct peer reviews of scientific information in support of management decision making.  A peer review of five working papers on five NE Pacific invertebrate species are planned for December 2009:  1) Evaluation of survey methodologies for monitoring Olympia Oyster (Ostrea lurida Carpenter, 1864) population in British Columbia; 2) Stock Assessment and Quota Options for the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)fishery in British Columbia, 2010-2013; 3) Assessment Framework for Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia; 4) A review of the Haida razor clam fishery; and 5)  Rockfish bycatch in the British Columbia commercial prawn trap fishery

Objectives 

A review and recommended survey methodologies for monitoring Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) populations at proposed index sites:

This paper is an evaluation of different survey protocols used to make relative abundance estimates of Olympia oyster beds. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of survey design are identified as well as a review of the field data for the protocols that were tested. The different habitats of Olympia oyster are defined and the challenges in conducting assessments within these diverse habitats are outlined. Recommendations are made on how to best monitor abundance at sites that may be complex in structure and/or remote in location and difficult to access, including how to best measure relative abundance over time at a specific site where quantitative assessments are not feasible. Appropriate survey designs are developed and the variables needed to obtain reliable distribution information and quantitative estimates of abundance are identified.

Stock Assessment and Quota Options for the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) fishery in British Columbia, 2010-2013:

Fisheries and Aquaculture Management is requesting that Green Sea Urchin quota options be updated from the previous 2005 analysis by incorporating the information obtained from recent stock assessment survey data and logbook data into the quota analysis for the green urchin fishery.  A new 3 year IFMP (2010-2013) will be developed following advice from this paper and the PSARC committee

Assessment Framework for Sea Cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) in British Columbia

Stock assessment framework to provide a detailed description of assessment protocols, including data collection, data precision and accuracy and the decision rules for applying results to biomass estimation. The paper includes a discussion of the development of reserves for conservation and to aid in stock assessment, and a discussion on target and limit reference points. Recommendations on research priorities to support monitoring and stock assessment are provided.

A Review of the Haida Razor clam fishery

The review of the Haida Razor Clam fishery includes a review of MSY calculations and quota determination using current data as well as the development of a framework for providing quota options to Resource Management, including analyses of variability in biomass estimates.  There is a review of historic management decisions and methods with suggestions for possible changes to the fishery. The objectives of this paper are to:  provide managers with a more current foundation for recommending quota options to stakeholders; o provide greater confidence to DFO Managers and stakeholders in quota determination by considering all factors affecting available biomass and recruitment levels based on more recent data; and to provide greater confidence for the stakeholders (Council of the Haida Nation, Razor Clam Diggers Association) in stock assessment and TAC determination processes and a TAC that accurately reflects current conditions and available stock. 

Rockfish bycatch in the British Columbia commercial prawn trap fishery:

This paper will document the methodology used to estimate total rockfish bycatch in the commercial prawn trap fishery. Results from the bycatch monitoring program from 2002 to 2008 will also be included. This paper has been prepared in response to a request from FAM for a report on rockfish bycatch in the commercial prawn trap fishery.

Products

• CSAS Proceedings document summarizing the discussion (1)
• CSAS Science Advisory Report (5)
• CSAS Research Document (5)

Location and Date

Seminar Room, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC, December 1-3, 2009

Participants

Participants will include internal DFO representatives and potentially participants from the Province of British Columbia, academia, First Nations, NGO’s and industry.