Terms of Reference

Review of risks and benefits of Collaboration for Atlantic Salmon Tomorrow’s (CAST) Smolt-to-Adult Supplementation (SAS) Experiment Proposal

National Science Advisory Process

January 22-23, 2018
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Dr. Howard Powles

Context

A science peer review of the risks and benefits of Smolt-to-Adult Supplementation (SAS) to the fitness of wild Atlantic salmon was conducted through DFO’s Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) process in December 2015 (see Chaput 2016; DFO 2016; Fraser 2016; Pavey 2016). SAS would be a precedent setting activity for supplementation of Atlantic salmon populations in DFO’s Gulf region, where populations are showing multi-decadal decline but not yet at immediate risk of extinction; the intent of a SAS strategy is to circumvent low marine survival and to increase the number of spawners and freshwater juvenile production.

Collaboration for Atlantic Salmon Tomorrow (CAST) has developed a SAS Experiment Proposal with the goals of determining if SAS is a functional conservation strategy that can be used to supplement Atlantic salmon populations in situations where conservation targets are not being met due to high at-sea mortality, and to answer identified scientific knowledge gaps regarding the SAS conservation strategy. This peer review will seek to bring the appropriate expertise, including technical and traditional ecological knowledge.

Objective

The overarching goal of this meeting is to review the CAST SAS Experiment Proposal: Phase 1 (2018-2023), as submitted in November 2017, to assess the risks and benefits of the proposed SAS program to the long-term integrity, survival and recovery of the wild population of Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River, and propose mitigation measures to minimize any risks and enhance any benefits (Chaput 2016; DFO 2016; Fraser 2016; Pavey 2016 will be used as key references).

Specific objectives to achieve the overarching goal include:

Review the four levels of study (i.e., (1) sub-basin genetic structure of Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River; (2) laboratory experiments; (3) experimental river; (4) SAS impacts on a natural river), including:

Scientific knowledge gaps of the risks and benefits of SAS to wild fish to be addressed;
Program sequencing and timelines including adaptive planning approaches;
Genetic monitoring tools including parentage analyses;
Program monitoring and assessment activities including metrics for assessing genetic and ecological risks and benefits and metrics to evaluate program success as a functional conservation strategy;
Any other components of the SAS Experiment Proposal that have bearing on, or provide information to, the assessment of risks and benefits of SAS and/or identification of mitigation measures (e.g., smolt collection, fish husbandry practices); and,

As per the outcomes of objective 1, propose mitigation measures if necessary to the CAST SAS Experiment Proposal: Phase 1 (2018-2023) including for activities that have already occurred or are well-underway.

Expected Publications

Science Advisory Report
Proceedings

Expected Participation

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science and Fisheries Management)
Aboriginal organizations
Academia
Other invited experts (e.g., non-government organizations, non-profit corporations, international experts)