Terms of Reference

Standardized Framework for the Assessment of Instream Flow Needs in Canada

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

March 6-8, 2012
Montréal, QC

Chairpersons: Keith Clarke and Roger Wysocki

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Habitat Managers seek scientific guidance and advice regarding a standardized approach to assessing instream flow needs (IFN) for fish and fish habitat in Canada. This standardized framework for the assessment of instream flow needs must consider the diversity of aquatic (riverine) ecosystems in Canada.

DFO Habitat Policy and Habitat Management would like to move towards a more standardized approach to delivery of their program, from both the perspectives of (i) technical standards, and (ii) process standards (including methodologies and information requirements).  In order to provide for more consistent review of instream flow requirements, a review of the science regarding instream flow needs is sought, along with technical guidance towards a more standardized assessment method for the protection and conservation of fish and fish habitat.

Research Document:  The Canadian Rivers Institute of the University of New Brunswick has produced a research document which will serve as scientific input for this CSAS process.

Objectives

1. Peer review the Research Document indicated above.
2. Review and clarify the various definitions and terminologies commonly used in IFN methods/assessments.
3. Review and compare the various IFN methodologies, including the benefits and assumptions of each, and situations under which they are most appropriate and for which management purposes they were designed.
4. Provide technical recommendations towards the standard(ized) assessment of IFN for the management of fish and fish habitat in the Canada, including:
   • Pan-Canadian Framework with regionalization based on river (hydrological/flow regime/ecological) regions/types (suggested flow-chart/infographic);
   • IFN monitoring considerations and adaptive management;
   • Addressing data gaps in Canada and knowledge gaps in general; and
   • Addressing uncertainty in IFN assessment.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report (SAR)
• Proceedings
• Research Document(s).

Participants

• DFO Science
• External experts
• Academia
• DFO Habitat Managers