Terms of Reference

Status of Division 3KL and Subdivision 3Ps Herring

Newfoundland and Labrador, Regional Advisory Meeting

November 30-December 1, 2011
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Meeting Chairperson: Earl Dawe, Aquatic Resources Division, Science Branch, DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Context

The status of herring in Div. 3KL and Subdivision 3Ps was last assessed during a herring framework meeting in 2009 (refer to SAR 2009/069: Assessment of Newfoundland East and South Coast Herring Stocks to 2009; and Proceedings 2009/025: Regional Advisory Process (RAP) DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Region Atlantic Herring (Div. 3KL3Ps) Capelin (SuEbarea 2 + 3KL) Proceedings). The current assessment was requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide the Minister with detailed advice on the status of these stocks.

Objectives

A review of any new information available concerning the status of East and South Newfoundland Herring as follows:

• White Bay – Notre Dame Bay
• Bonavista Bay – Trinity Bay
• St. Mary’s Bay – Placentia Bay
• Fortune Bay

The meeting will focus on the general state of herring stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador and identify any conservation issues requiring adjustments to the management plan.

The following topics will be discussed:

• Description of the 2009 and 2010 Commercial Fisheries (and 2011 to date)
• Results of the Herring Research Gill Net Program for 2009–2010, and impacts of recent and potential changes in program structure.
• Results from Herring Commercial Fixed Gear Logbooks for 2009-2010
• Results of the Herring Purse Seine Questionnaires for 2009–2010
• Results of the Herring Telephone Questionnaire 2011
• Examination of Biological and Ecological Data for 2009-2010
• Examination of Trends in Spawning Affinity within stocks
• Candidate limit reference points

Expected Publications

A science advisory report (SAR) will be produced for Div. 3KL and Subdiv. 3Ps herring stocks. A proceedings report will detail the meeting discussions, and an associated research document will be produced.

Participation

• DFO Science, Fisheries Management, and Policy & Economics representatives
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Various Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations
• Various Aboriginal Groups
• Memorial University (including Marine Institute)
• Industry (harvester and processor)