Multi-year planning

Q1. Why are you moving fisheries to multi-year management plans?

A1. A longer-term management plan is a logical step in fisheries management planning now that we base our harvest decision making on the precautionary approach with predetermined reference points and rules. Multi-year planning will provide improved stability and predictability for fishermen and other stakeholders.

Q2. Are all fisheries moving to multi-year planning?

A2. No. Some fisheries will still require annual assessments and even in-season reviews, such as Pacific salmon stocks.

Q3. How will science advice be incorporated into a multi-year fisheries management plan?

A3. The multi-year approach to fisheries management includes science advice through a peer-reviewed stock assessment that provides advice on the associated risks and uncertainties over a period longer than one year.

Q4. How often will peer-reviewed science assessments now be conducted?

A4. This will vary from fishery to fishery although the majority will be conducted between three and five years.

Q5. Will Science still monitor fisheries after the multi-year plan is implemented?

A5. Yes. Monitoring at the current level will be maintained and science will provide regular updates on the status of the stock based on identified indicators.

Q6. How will you determine the duration of the multi-year plan?

A6. Many factors are considered, including the biology of the species, conservation, ecosystem and economic considerations, international commitments, Aboriginal rights, exploitation levels, and levels of uncertainty.