Terms of Reference

Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Herring Framework Meeting and Framework for Capelin Reference Points

Regional Peer Review – Newfoundland and Labrador Region

November 19-21, 2013
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Bill Brodie

Context

There are five Atlantic herring stocks in the southern and eastern coastal waters of Newfoundland, namely (1) Notre Dame Bay/White Bay, (2) Bonavista Bay/Trinity Bay, (3) Conception Bay, (4) St Mary’s Bay/Placentia Bay and (5) Fortune Bay.  In all but one of these stocks current sampling regimes have shown an increasing contrast between abundance trends in spring and fall spawning stock components.  Herring in Newfoundland and Labrador have traditionally been composed of largely spring spawners.  However, in the last decade the proportion of fall spawners in research and commercial catches has been increasing.  Assessment tools and techniques currently used to present information to stakeholders cannot transmit this important information which is crucial for the management of the fishery.  A new framework meeting is required to examine how best to incorporate this information in future assessments.

During the Regional Advisory Process on the status of SA2+Div. 3KL Capelin in January 2013, questions were raised regarding the framework surrounding the stock status information provided to management.  The current state of various abundance and biological indicators were low and it was advised that the stock be managed with caution.  However without reference points it is difficult for mangers to equate this information with management objectives.   Since there are no abundance estimates or exploitation rates available for this stock, the usual stock limit reference points cannot be derived.  It was therefore recommended that alternative types of limit reference points be examined.

Objectives

1. Peer review of alternative approaches for conducting the long-term projections of population abundance to incorporate the recent changes in abundance trends in spring and fall spawning herring.
2. Peer review of approaches for the development of limit reference points for Capelin, including:
   
   
   • Review reference point methodologies and propose approaches for the identification of reference points for Newfoundland and Labrador Capelin stocks;
   • Apply the chosen methodology(ies) to estimate potential reference points.

Expected Publications

• Proceedings
• Research Document(s)

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Policy and Economics)
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Academia or Academics
• Fishing Industry
• Environmental non-government organizations (e.g.: WWF)