Terms of Reference

Science guidelines to support development of rebuilding plans for Canadian fish stocks

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

January 14-16, 2020
Montreal, Quebec

Chairperson: Joanne Morgan

Context

Under Canada’s recently modernized Fisheries Act, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is required to develop and implement rebuilding plans for major stocks listed in regulation that decline below their limit reference point, taking into account the biology of the fish and the environmental conditions affecting the stock. In addition, DFO is developing a regulation that will set out the necessary contents of rebuilding plans required under the Act. Science advice is needed to support development of rebuilding plans to meet the legal requirements of the legislation and the regulation, the policy requirements of the Fishery Decision-Making Framework Incorporating the Precautionary Approach, and the Guidance for the Development of Rebuilding Plans under the Precautionary Approach. DFO Science provides advice required for key elements of rebuilding plans.

Science advice was requested by Resource Management, National Fisheries Policy, and Fish Population Science to establish best practices and guidance in the provision of science advice for rebuilding plans. The aim of this process is to develop a more consistent, standardized, and efficient process and improved science advice tailored to the requirements of rebuilding plans. This advice will support the development of rebuilding plans that are compliant with legal obligations and departmental policies.

Objective

The objectives of this meeting are to :

• Review existing guidance and policies, in Canada and internationally, related to science components of rebuilding plans.
• Produce a technical guidance document to assist scientist practitioners responsible for developing science advice on elements of rebuilding plans. These guidelines will help clarify the role of the Science Sector to support development of rebuilding plans and will help ensure that science advice is delivered more consistently and efficiently.

Expected Publications

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

Expected Participation

• DFO, Ecosystems and Oceans Science, Fisheries and Harbour Management, and Strategic Policy sectors.
• Academia and/or other invited experts may also be invited.