About the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS)

The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) provides a formal, transparent process for the delivery of peer-reviewed science advice for decision-making at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

The CSAS peer review process is guided by the following principles:

• Excellence: high quality, rigorous, objective peer review
• Innovation: continuous improvement that builds upon lessons learned and best practices
• Transparency: scientific processes and outputs are available to Canadians
• Inclusiveness: expertise comes from a variety of sources and perspectives

The CSAS peer review process follows DFO’s Policy on Science Integrity and Open Science Action Plan, and the delivery of science advice is further supported by CSAS policies and guidelines.

CSAS coordinates peer review meetings, where experts develop the science advice, and publishes the science advice and supporting information on our website. Science advice is developed for many topics, including fisheries stock assessments, fish habitat protection, aquaculture, marine protected areas, species at risk, and aquatic invasive species. The science advice is considered in decision-making, along with other important considerations.

Experts from within and outside of DFO review the scientific information and develop the science advice. Expert participants invited to peer review meetings can include those from:

• academic institutions
• other governments
• non-governmental organizations
• industry
• Indigenous organizations or communities

DFO uses the Registry for External Science Experts and the External Expert Identification Committee to identify potential participants outside of DFO with expertise relevant to the peer review topic. Observer status may be granted at CSAS peer review meetings. Observers are individuals who apply for observer status to attend a peer-review meeting for educational or awareness purposes.

CSAS coordinates science advice in all areas of Canada. This allows DFO to develop science advice specific to one area, to take a multiregional approach, or to develop advice that applies in a national context.

To ensure transparency, information regarding upcoming peer review meetings is available to the public on the Science Advisory Schedule. Science Advisory Reports, Science Response Reports, and Research Documents produced through the peer review process are published on the CSAS Website once finalized, making this information accessible to Canadians.