Examen du Cadre de l'approche de précaution pour la Stratégie de gestion du phoque de l'Atlantique

Abstract

The Atlantic Seal Management Strategy (ASMS) was the first Precautionary Approach (PA) framework developed for a fishery in Canada and was adopted in 2003, prior to the implementation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) PA Policy. Since then, it has been used to provide advice on sustainable harvest levels for Atlantic seals (harp, grey and hooded seals) and other marine mammal stocks in Canada. Components of the ASMS have been reviewed and refined since its implementation, however, in light of the time since the initial development of the ASMS, DFO Science was asked to review the current PA framework for Atlantic seals to ensure consistency with DFO’s PA Policy. Here we review the ASMS PA framework and make recommendations for adjustments to the current strategy and suggestions for future work.