Terms of Reference

Update on the Status of Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland & Labrador

Regional Peer Review Process – Newfoundland and Labrador Region

December 3-4, 2013
St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Keith Clarke, Environmental Sciences Division, DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Context

There are 15 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) management areas, known as Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs)^{Footnote 1} 1-14B, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Within these areas there are more than 370 rivers with reported Atlantic salmon populations characterized by differences in life history traits including freshwater residence time, age at first spawning, and the extent of ocean migrations. This meeting is intended primarily to update those stocks/rivers considered during the last assessment meeting, with emphasis on determining the level of conservation spawning requirement achieved.

Objectives

An update of any new information available concerning the status of Atlantic Salmon stocks will be presented for SFA regions as follows:

• Labrador: SFAs 1-2, 14B
• Newfoundland: SFAs 3-14A

The objective of this meeting will be to produce science advice on the request of FMB (Fisheries Management Branch). The meeting is not intended as a forum to seek changes/alterations to the Atlantic Salmon Management Plan. The meeting will focus on the general state of salmon stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador and identify conservation issues. Detailed assessments of individual rivers will not be carried out. Rather, regional overviews of the status of stocks will be tabled. An update on smolt production, marine survival of Newfoundland salmon and ecological considerations that impact the survival of salmonid species will be presented.  Information on the genetic analysis of southern Newfoundland populations including the identification of Designatable Units (DUs) and farm escapees will be updated from the 2012 assessment.  Also, genetic estimates of stock composition of salmon harvested in the Labrador food, social and ceremonial (FSC) fishery (2006-2011) will be presented.  Advice will also be provided on the accuracy and utility of the license stub survey.

Expected Publications

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

Participation

• DFO Science, Fisheries Management, Policy & Economics and SARA Program
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Parks Canada
• Various Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations
• Various Aboriginal Groups
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Various Salmon Working Groups
• Various Aquaculture Groups