Terms of Reference

Status of Saint John River Population of Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

August 18, 2014
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

Science advice on the status of the Saint John River population of Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) was requested by Fisheries Resource Management in the National Capital Region. This advice will be used by Fisheries Resource Management to inform the Minister as to whether petitioning the US Government to delist the Saint John River population of Shortnose Sturgeon is warranted.

Objectives

The objectives of this review are to answer the following two questions: Based on the best information available,

• Is the Saint John River population of Shortnose Sturgeon sufficiently genetically distinct from all other populations of Shortnose Sturgeon as to meet the criteria for recognition as a Designatable Unit (CANADA) and a Distinct Population Segment (USA)?
• What is known about the present status of the Saint John River Shortnose Sturgeon population?

In addition, if these questions cannot be fully addressed with the information available, provide recommendations on what work would need to be done to answer these questions.   

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries Management
• Invited Experts