Terms of Reference
Evaluation of the Saint John River population of Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) to Inform a CITES Non-Detriment Finding
National Peer Review, National Capital Region
January 17, 2013
Fredericton, New Brunswick*
Co-chairs: Tana Worcester and Andrea White
Context
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally binding multilateral environmental agreement that aims to ensure that international trade of species does not threaten their survival in the wild. Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) is listed on Appendix II of CITES and a valid CITES export permit must be issued in order to internationally trade products of this species. An export permit cannot be issued without an assessment that determines whether harvests and exports of the species will be detrimental to its survival in the wild. This assessment is known as a Non-Detriment Finding, or NDF.
The purpose of this peer review process is to review the information available with respect to the Saint John River population of Atlantic Sturgeon and provide advice on sustainable harvest levels, as well as sustainable caviar and meat export quotas.
Objectives
The objectives of this meeting are to:
- Summarise the scientific and management information available related to the Saint John River population of Atlantic Sturgeon;
- Determine the relationship of the Saint John River population to other Atlantic Sturgeon populations, particularly those in the United States;
- Evaluate if the current total removals of the Saint John River population of Atlantic Sturgeon are sustainable, and if they are not, advise on what a sustainable level would be; and
- Provide advice on sustainable meat and caviar quotas for the Saint John River population.
For the purpose of this review, “total removals” refers to all sources of removal and/or (human-induced) mortality of Atlantic Sturgeon such as legal and illegal harvests, bycatch, recreational fisheries, scientific research, and the collection of eggs and/or juveniles for the purpose of reintroduction or conservation.
Expected Publications
- Science Advisory Report
- Proceedings
- Research Documents
Participation
- DFO Science
- DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
- Fishing Industry
- External Reviewers
Updated January 4, 2013
Notice
Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.
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