Terms of Reference

Last review/update: August 20, 2003

Photo of an elk eating come grass

Authority to establish the Scientific Subcommittee of the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC) was created by the Minister of Environmental Protection in April of 1998 (Ministerial Order 18/98). Section 6.1 of the Wildlife Act indicates that the ESCC shall establish, appoint and maintain an independent scientific subcommittee to study and assess Alberta species and to recommend, to the ESCC, organisms that should be established as endangered species.

The Scientific Subcommittee will use the best data, information and knowledge available to assess the biological status of species that may be at risk of extinction in Alberta. They will use an independent, open and transparent, science-based process in the assessment of species at risk, and will report their assessments to the ESCC and subsequently to the public.

The independence of the Scientific Subcommittee, and the objective scientific base for identifying species at risk in Alberta, are essential elements of the ESCC structure. They will help establish the credibility of the process and will create a common base upon which the diverse members of the ESCC can develop and implement conservation and recovery programs.

Composition

The Scientific Subcommittee (SSC) is comprised of an independent group of scientists with expertise in fields such as conservation biology, ecology, taxonomy, wildlife management and population biology. Membership is balanced to include individuals with expertise in a broad diversity of taxa, including fish, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, vascular plants, non-vascular plants and invertebrates. Candidates are nominated by the SSC and approved by the ESCC.

Administrative and technical support for the SSC is provided by a Secretariat comprised of at least one individual from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife Division and one individual from Community Development, Parks and Protected Areas Division.

Photo of Southern Alberta Grassland

Role

The SSC will use the best available scientific information to assess the status of species that are suspected of being at risk in Alberta; will develop and publish lists of species at risk; and will provide advice, information and recommendations to the ESCC and the public. The general assessment process will be developed by the SSC, approved by the ESCC, and applied by the SSC in an independent, open and transparent, science-based manner.

Decisions

Decisions are made on the basis of consensus whenever possible, with recourse to a two-thirds majority vote of members present if consensus is not possible.

Reporting

The SSC will summarize the results of its species status assessments in written form and present them to the next meeting of the ESCC. Without undue delay, the ESCC forward these status assessments, together with the ESCC recommendations for designation and conservation action, to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. Upon receipt by the Minister, the SSC status assessments become public.

Functions

  • To develop and periodically review scientific definitions, criteria and guidelines to be used to assess and identify species at risk in Alberta.
  • To review the general status of species within each taxonomic group and develop priorities for detailed species status assessments.
  • To apply scientific criteria and guidelines to information compiled on candidate species and evaluate their biological status in Alberta.
  • To assess the Alberta status of species listed as nationally threatened or endangered by COSEWIC.
  • To establish terms of reference for detailed status reports on priority candidate species, and to receive unsolicited status reports that meet the scientific criteria.
  • To review draft status reports with outside experts, and ensure accuracy, completeness, quality of analysis and application of relevant listing criteria.
  • To annually publish lists of species at risk in Alberta.
  • To provide information, advice and recommendations to the ESCC as required/requested.
  • To develop, implement and revise appropriate operational procedures for the functioning of the SSC, including the creation and direction of subsidiary working groups and subcommittees.

Secretariat

  • To be appointed by the Director of Wildlife.
  • To provide an assessment of the general status of wild species in Alberta to assist in the prioritization of species for detailed assessment.
  • To provide technical support to the SSC (e.g., facilitating the compilation of current data, information and knowledge on candidate species).
  • To publish and distribute information produced by or for the SSC, including detailed status reports, status assessments and lists of species at risk.
  • Provide administrative services, including planning meetings, keeping financial and meeting records, administering contracts and performing other duties as required.
  • To provide links to other provincial, national and international endangered species programs.
  • To coordinate prepartion of status reports.