Author(s)

Z. Zhang

Abstract

Precautionary approach in development of a directed horse clam fishery in British Columbia, Canada Z. Zhang Pac@c Biological Station, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada Abstract A directed fishery on horse clams is being developed in British Columbia, Canada. The paper describes how the development follows the guidelines of a framework, which explicitly endorses the precautionary approach. At the first phase of the development, biological and fisheries information on horse clams, such as longevity, reproductive characteristics, growth, mortality, and management schemes, was synthesised based on scientific literature, technical reports, and surveys. Growth parameters and natural mortality rates were estimated in the literature with certain degrees of uncertainties. At the second phase of the development, alternative management strategies were evaluated and a precautionary approach for setting up biological reference points was provided through a simulation study. A stochastic spawning

Keywords