Untimely publications: Delayed Canadian fisheries science advice limits transparency of decision-making

Abstract

The governance framework for wild-capture fisheries varies widely across the world, but most frameworks generate and use science advice in decision-making, developed with some level of peer-review. The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) oversees the peer-review process of science related to the management of Canada’s fisheries and oceans; the resultant publications with science advice are the main source of scientific evidence used in decision-making in Canada’s fisheries. The CSAS has a publicly available policy intended to ensure transparency and timely dissemination of publications that is currently under review. To examine the effectiveness of the existing policy, inform its revision and development of similar policies in other jurisdictions, this paper evaluates the timeliness of the publication of scientific information to support the management of Canada’s fisheries and oceans from recent CSAS meetings against current policy deadlines. It was found that from 2017 to 2019, implementation of the policy was poor, with most documents published late, if at all. Furthermore, the science advice considered most during fisheries management decision-making was often not publicly available until after the decision was made and communicated. Despite having a policy to promote transparency, public engagement in policy and decision-making is being limited and a common understanding of the science evidence underlying advice inhibited. Transparency, which is becoming a cornerstone principle in modern fisheries management, is being compromised in Canadian fisheries management.