Terms of Reference

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

October 26-28, 2010 - St. John's NL

Chairperson: Earl Dawe

Context

The status of capelin in Subarea 2 + Div. 3KL was last assessed in 2008, refer Science Advisory Report 2008/054; and Proceedings 2009/025. The current assessment is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide the Minister with detailed advice on the status of this stock.

Objectives

A review of information available concerning the status of Subarea 2 + Div. 3KL capelin as follows:

• Information on historical catches up to and including the 2010 fishery. 
• Trends in abundance from the spring acoustic survey, egg and larval studies, and the fall multi-species survey including Ecosystem Research (ERI) results.
• Behavioural information on occurrence, distribution, and spawning times.
• Biological information on sizes, ages and maturities.
• Review of stock structure based on genetic data for capelin stocks in the Northwest Atlantic.
• Review of capelin feeding and condition
• Recent changes in predator field
• Information on beach and demersal spawning
• Review of potential larval recruitment indices
• A discussion of the impact of the fishery on the health of the stock.

Products

A science advisory report (SAR) will be produced from this meeting for Subarea 2 + Div. 3KL capelin. A proceedings report will detail the meeting discussions, and associated research documents will be produced as a result of this meeting.

Participation

• DFO Science, Newfoundland and Labrador and Maritimes 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  of Newfoundland
• Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC)