Wolffish: Species at Risk

The listing of marine species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) is a relatively recent development with potentially major consequences for future governance of marine fisheries. Three species of wolffish were recently listed under the Species at Risk Act. One objective of this research on the wolffish listing was to document and compare the wolffish local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fish harvesters in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence with the information available in scientific fisheries data for the region. Although the SARA process incorporates the possibility of using LEK and Aboriginal traditional knowledge (ATK) in listing documents, systematically collected LEK is generally unavailable to scientists and to others engaged in the listing process. A second objective of the research was to explore the circumstances surrounding the wolffish listings, post-listing activities, and potential criteria for de-listing to identify possible clues for future listing and de-listings.

LEK interviews revealed that harvesters use the same methods to visually identify wolffish as are used in scientific studies. Research results showed that LEK is consistent with results contained in several public documents based on research vessel survey data and mobile sentinel data. In addition, harvesters reported changes in the seasonal distribution of wolffish and accounted for the opportunistic feeding nature of wolffish.

There are differing opinions about the SARA process, even within the fishing industry. In the case of wolffish, there is some evidence that the listing process has increased stewardship of the species and made harvesters more aware of safe release methods for the fish. However, there are many harvesters who question the science used by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada (COSEWIC) and feel that the SARA legislation is too strong. Conversely some key informants interviewed for this research voiced clear frustrations regarding weaknesses in the SARA and COSEWIC processes. Delays in decision-making, in the submission of species assessments, and in the allocation of funds, as well as a lack of LEK in assessments impairs, some feel, the effectiveness of SARA.

For additional findings see the linked reports.

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