Terms of Reference

State of the Pacific Ocean: 2011 Workshop

Pacific Regional Science Advisory Process

February 23-24, 2011
Sidney, B.C.

Chairpersons: Bill Crawford and Jim Irvine

Context

Annual state of the ocean reporting in the Pacific Region is provided by the DFO Pacfific Fisheries and Oceanography Working Group (FOWG), in conjunction with the regional Centre for Science Advice Pacific (CSAP) and the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) in Ottawa.

Significant changes have occurred in recent years in physical and biological oceanographic conditions and the state of fishery resources.  Annual monitoring and reporting provides a synopsis of current status, how it is changing, and how these changes may affect commercial and non-commercial resources in the region.

The influences of ocean conditions are an important component of fishery resource assessment. The annual State of the Pacific Ocean Report provides an overview of these conditions. which can then be used by DFO Science Branch in resource assessments.  DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch, and Oceans, Habitat and Enhancement Branch, incorporate information provided in the annual State of the Pacific Ocean Report to inform risk-based management decisions.  In addition, the report responds to a growing public interest in the state of the North Pacific Ocean.

Objectives

1. To develop a  synopsis of the physical and biological state of the ocean off Canada’s Pacific coast in a workshop setting. Focusing on 2010, relevant scientific information will be provided in short (~15 minute) presentations followed by discussion.
2. To conduct focused presentations and disussion on the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), that will subsequently be used in the development of a separate DFO Manuscript Report.

Expected publications

CSAS Research Document
CSAS Science Advisory Report
CSAS Proceedings
DFO Manuscript Report (to be completed by November 2011, focused on PNCIMA, as part of a national State of the Oceans initiative)

Participation

Participants (approximately 70) will include DFO Oceans and Resource Assessment sectors primarily within Science, and external participants from academia, other Canadian and American federal and provincial agencies, and the NGO community.

References Cited

Published reports from previous years are available at: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/psarc-ceesp/osrs/index-eng.htm