Quantitative Research on Pacific Herring

Introduction

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) requires expertise in integrative and quantitative research approaches to develop a hypothesis testing framework for evaluating uncertainties in Pacific Herring stock structure. This framework will support integration of ecosystem research and uncertainties in stock structure, as informed by multiple knowledge types, into the evaluation of management options to support long term sustainable fisheries for Pacific Herring.

Objectives of the Requirement

The contract will develop a hypothesis testing framework for evaluating uncertainties in Pacific Herring stock structure using a variety of data sources. Oral and written communication of quantitative approaches and results to both scientific and nontechnical audiences will be required.

Projects 1-11

1. Assemble relevant sources of scientific data (survey data, tagging, genetics, other).
2. Assemble potentially relevant ecosystem indicators and herring predator information.
3. Develop engagement plan with coastal First Nations to evaluate similarities and differences among knowledge systems (scientific data, Indigenous knowledge, local knowledge) relating to herring distribution, abundance, migration, and spawn timing.
4. Develop and apply methods to estimate predator consumption within alternative definitions of herring stocks.
5. Develop modelling framework prototypes for various scales of evaluation, based on spatial hypotheses.
6. Test modelling framework and conduct spatial analysis of stock dynamics (for various scales).
7. Develop and deliver training modules for First Nations communities on herring research approaches, data/results/interpretation, and implications for sustainability.
8. Provide documentation of modelling approaches, including equations, assumptions, analyses, sensitivity analyses, and interpretation for scientific peer review process(es).
9. Participation in Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) peer review process.
10. Provide thorough documentation of modelling approaches, including equations, assumptions, and data analyses, for general audiences.
11. Provide facilitation services for meetings between DFO and First Nations, local knowledge holders, environmental nongovernment organizations (ENGOs), and/or commercial harvesters.
     

Background, Assumptions and Specific Scope of the Requirement

BC Pacific Herring are managed as 5 major and 2 minor stocks. Fisheries decision making is supported within an annual cycle that includes scientific surveys, stock assessment, and provision of science advice to fisheries management, consultations with First Nations and the fishing industry, and the development of an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). Decision making is also supported through stock-specific management strategy evaluation (MSE) processes in which simulation models of Pacific herring stock dynamics are used to evaluate the ability of alternative harvest rules to meet conservation and fishery objectives.

This project requires scientific expertise in the fields of fisheries science, simulation modelling, hypothesis testing, development of tools for quantitative analysis of fisheries data, management strategy evaluation, and engagement, collaboration, and facilitation with BC coastal First Nations. Experience collaborating directly with First Nations in the development of management-oriented research is therefore critical. In addition, project outcomes may be integrated into existing modelling and assessment frameworks to support the provision of science advice for Pacific Herring stock management.

Contractor expertise must include knowledge of DFO commitments and requirements under domestic and international policies, where domestic policies specifically include the DFO Reconciliation Strategy (dfo-mpo.gc.ca), the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF, Sustainable fisheries framework (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)), DFO commitments to ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM, Principles of ecosystem-based fisheries management (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)) and the new Fisheries Act and S6.1 (Fisheries Act (justice.gc.ca)) and where international commitments include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP 2007) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010).

Time frame for completion: It is the intent of DFO for the full extent of this contract to be carried out over a 2-year period.