Terms of Reference

Threat Assessment for Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Northwest Atlantic Distinct Population Segment

Regional Science Response Process (SRP) - Maritimes Region

January 07, 2020
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson : Lottie Bennett

Context

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was designated as Endangered by COSEWIC in April 1981 and reassessed as Endangered in 2001 and 2012. The species was listed under Schedule 1 of the Species At Risk Act (SARA) in June 2003. A recovery strategy was published on the SARA public registry in 2007 and did not include a formal threat assessment. The recovery strategy is now being amended to conform to current program guidance, which requires the inclusion of a threat assessment table.

The intent of this science advice is to provide a threat assessment for the Leatherback Sea Turtle, in accordance with the DFO Guidance on Assessing Threats, Ecological Risk and Ecological Impacts for Species at Risk (DFO 2014). This includes an assessment of threats to the Northwest Atlantic distinct population segment of leatherback sea turtles, as well as threats to individuals of that distinct population segment that use Atlantic Canadian waters.

Objective

The objective of this science response process is :

• To provide a threat assessment of threats to the Northwest Atlantic subpopulation of Leatherback Sea Turtles, as well as threats to individuals of that distinct population segment that use Atlantic Canadian waters.

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Species at Risk Program
• DFO Resource Management
• Environmental Non-Government Organizations
• Other invited experts

References

DFO. 2014. Guidance on Assessing Threats, Ecological Risk and Ecological Impacts for Species at Risk. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/013.