Terms of Reference

Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Framework and Assessment

Maritimes Regional Science Advisory Process

25-27 May 2011
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Mark Showell

Context

Spiny dogfish is a transboundary resource with significant catches in Canada and the United States (US). Although the framework assessment for this resource was initiated under the Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee (TRAC), the US has proceeded with unilateral management and delayed any further consideration under TRAC. In the interim, Canada has no reference points and no scientifically-based management. The last DFO assessment of spiny dogfish occurred in November 2007. A combination of a framework and stock assessment at this meeting will provide DFO with its first science-based assessment for the spiny dogfish resource, and will provide a suitable approach upon which to base management advice.

Objectives

• Review and evaluate biological and fishery information on spiny dogfish stock status as it relates to Canada.
• Review the formulation of an assessment model for the northwest Atlantic stock which takes into account catch and abundance indices in both Canada and the U.S., as well as transboundary mixing.
• Identify biological reference points for spiny dogfish.
• Evaluate the current status of northwest Atlantic spiny dogfish in relation to the reference points, with comments on uncertainty.
• Evaluate the consequences of different Canadian harvest levels on stock abundance and exploitation rate during the 2012/13 Canadian fishery.

Expected Publications

CSAS Science Advisory Report
CSAS Research Document(s)
CSAS Proceedings

Participation

DFO Science
DFO Fisheries Management
Provincial representatives
Industry
NGOs
Aboriginal groups and organizations