Terms of Reference

Freshwater Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA) / Ecologically Significant Species (ESS) Criteria Assessment

Regional Science Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

November 19-20, 2013
Burlington, ON

Chairperson: Lynn Bouvier

Context

In marine areas, ecologically sensitive habitats and fish species that require enhanced management are identified under the Oceans Action Plan using specific criteria that address four conservation priorities:

1. Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA);
2. Ecologically Significant Species (ESS);
3. Depleted or rare species, and
4. Degraded areas.

These Ocean’s criteria can potentially be used for identifying significant areas and species in freshwater ecosystems as well.

A science project was designed to demonstrate knowledge transfer between marine and freshwater ecosystems, by extrapolating and assessing the Ocean’s criteria for identifying significant habitat and species in marine ecosystems to freshwater ecosystems. At a previous meeting in Burlington, the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, was chosen as a case study by a science panel to evaluate the Ocean’s criteria. Criteria were evaluated by identifying key biota and important habitat in the Bay of Quinte, by comparison with other areas in Lake Ontario using the Ocean’s EBSA and ESS criteria. Two writing teams were chosen, one to conduct the science review for significant areas and the second for significant species.

The identification and efficacy of ecologically significant areas and species in freshwaters as a tool for managers was included in the amendments to the Fisheries Act. This review of criteria was requested by DFO Science as a proactive task to initiate the evaluation of the existing criteria for potential use in freshwater ecosystems, using the Great Lakes as a pilot.  

Objectives

The objective of the meeting is to conduct a science peer review of the Ocean’s criteria for identifying:

1. Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas, and
2. Ecologically Significant Species in freshwater ecosystems based on the two working papers.

The specific objectives for the meeting are to assess and provide advice on the following:

1. Are the criteria interpretable in a freshwater context?
2. Are there science-based examples relevant to the criteria?
3. Is there quantitative information available to measure the criteria?
4. Are there significant modifications or gaps in criteria that relate to their use in freshwater areas?
5. If so, what future Science is needed to support the identification of EBSA and/or ESSs in freshwater?

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Documents (2)

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
• Academics (University of Waterloo)
• Other invited experts