STABILIZATION OF ACCESS CRAB FISHING AREA 12, 18, 25, 26
STABILIZATION OF ACCESS
SNOW CRAB FISHERY IN CRAB FISHING AREA 12, 18, 25, 26
Moncton – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Gulf Region, announced today the stabilization of access to the Area 12, 18, 25, 26 snow crab fishery. This announcement follows the previous stabilization of access for the period 2005 to 2009.
As suggested in the « Policy Framework for the Management of Fisheries on Canada’s Atlantic Coast », the fishery is a common property resource to be managed for the benefit of all Canadians. DFO manages these resources consistent with conservation objectives and sustainable use, the protection afforded Aboriginal rights, and the relative contributions that various uses of the resource make to Canadian society.
The Framework also suggests that the distribution of the resource to various commercial fleets be established for longer terms. In order to better plan their fishing operations, harvesters need to know if they have long term access to a particular fishery and what their share of the resource will be.
It is in this context that access to the Crab Fishing Area 12, 18, 25, 26 snow crab fishery is stabilized for the period 2010 to 2014 inclusive, as follows:
STABILIZATION OF ACCESS CRAB FISHING AREA 12, 18, 25, 26
Percentage of TAC
First Nations 15.816 %
New Brunswick 8.700 %
Quebec 6.239 %
Prince Edward Island 0.877 %
Traditional Fleets 69.184 %
Midshore, New Brunswick 39.408 %
Midhsore, Quebec 21.169 %
Midshore, Nova Scotia 1.169 %
Inshore, Nova Scotia 4.002 %
Inshore, Prince Edward Island 3.436 %
New Access Fleets 15 %
New Brunswick 7.129 %
MFU 6.1613 %
ITQ groundfish specialists 0.713 %
Competitive groundfish specialists 0.2546 %
Quebec 4.837 %
Nova Scotia 0.913 %
Prince Edward Island 2.122 %
PEIFA 1.867 %
PEI Groundfishermen’s Association 0.255 %
Total 100%
For further information contact
Tasha Laroche
Director, Resource Management
Gulf Region
DFO Moncton
(506) 851-7790 Marcel Boudreau
Director, Resource Management
Quebec Region
DFO Quebec
(418) 648-7679
GULF REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER, 2009-113
GULF REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER, 2009-113
The Regional Director General, Gulf Region, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, pursuant to paragraph 43(m) of the Fisheries Act and subsection 6(1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations, hereby makes the annexed order varying the close time for fishing for bluefin tuna in NAFO Division 4T.
Dated at Moncton, New Brunswick, October 29, 2009.
_______________________
Robert Richard
Acting Regional Director General
Gulf Region
ORDER VARYING THE CLOSE TIME
FOR FISHING FOR BLUEFIN TUNA
IN NAFO DIVISION 4T
Short Title
1. This Order may be cited as Gulf Region Close Time Variation Order 2009-113.
2. Gulf Region Close Time Variation Order 2009-112 is hereby revoked.
Variation
3. The close time as fixed by section 99 of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, is hereby varied so that no person shall fish for bluefin tuna using a vessel set out in column I, with the type of gear set out in column II during the close time set out in column III in Schedule XXV of this Order.
Coming into Force
4. This Order shall come into force on the date of signature and remains in force until December 31, 2009, at which time the close time shall revert to those set out in Schedule XXV of the said Regulations.
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Gulf Region Close Time Variation Order 2009-113
SCHEDULE XXV
Item Column I
Vessel Column II
Gear Column III
Close Time
6. A vessel with a fishing port located on any part of the coastline of Nova Scotia within Division 4T. a) Angling gear
b) Tended lines (a) From 1000 hrs on October 29 to December 31.
(b) From 1000 hrs on October 29 to December 31.
TUNA FISHING BY GULF NOVA SCOTIA LICENSE HOLDERS(AMENDED)
TUNA FISHING BY GULF NOVA SCOTIA LICENSE HOLDERS
(AMENDED)
Antigonish- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wish to advise Gulf Nova Scotia tuna license holders that the tuna fishing season for areas 4T and 4WD is opening on August 17th, 2009 at 00:01 (12:01 am). The fishery will open for 5 days or until 20 mt is landed, whichever comes first. The fishery will re-open at 00:01 (12:01 am) on September 28th, 2009 until the remaining quota is caught. The total quota available is 50.53 mt including Ex-Sector.
Only those vessels that are registered to a Gulf Nova Scotia fish harvester can participate in these fisheries. All requests for a substitute vessel will be reviewed and only those that are requesting the substitute vessel from Gulf Nova Scotia will be considered.
Only those fish harvesters who have pre-registered at the DFO area office in Antigonish by 15:00 (3:00pm) on August 14th, 2009 will be able to participate in the Ex-Sector fishery. Ex-Sector will open on September 28, 2009 at 00:01 (12:01 am).
The Ex-Sector meeting will take place in the Class of ‘47 Boardroom, DFO office, 176 Portland St., Dartmouth at 10:00 (10:00 am) on Friday, September 25th, 2009. Fish harvesters must have their vessels in Eastern Passage or ports west of there and have reported to Fleet Captains by 12:00 (12:00 noon) Sunday, September 27th, 2009. Fleet captains will be chosen by the tuna association.
The Ex-Sector cap for the GNS fleet is 35 mt. If there is an overrun in the Ex-Sector, it will be deducted from next year’s Ex-Sector quota for the Gulf Nova Scotia fleet.
For information: Alan Dwyer
A/Chief, Resource Management
Gulf Nova Scotia Area
Fisheries and Oceans
Antigonish, NS
(902) 863-5670
WHELK EXPLORATORY FISHERY
WHELK EXPLORATORY FISHERY
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, wishes to advise industry that it will be considering issuing temporary exploratory licences under the New Emerging Fisheries Policy in order to evaluate the feasibility of a whelk fishery (Buccinum undatum) in the Southern Gulf of St.-Lawrence.
DFO’s intention is to combine both Stage 1 and 2 of the New Emerging Fisheries Policy and issue exploratory licences under Section 7 of the Fisheries Act. All proposals will be assessed under the provisions of the New Emerging Fisheries Policy that can be found online at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
/fm-gp/policies-politiques/efp-pnp-eng.htm. Should the number of applicants exceed the number of licences allowed per area, a selection process will take place and the names of the successful applicants will be publicly released. As stated in the policy, First Nation applications will be given special consideration.
The following management measures will apply in the exploratory whelk fishery:
Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) will be used to manage the whelk fishery
The maximum number of traps allowed will be 100 and only DFO approved traps may be used.
The maximum volume of the each trap will be 0.3 m3 with 57 mm net mesh size
Only whelks with a minimum shell length of 75 mm may be retained.
The proposed season in each LFA should be within the timeframe of September 1st to November 30th
Logbooks are mandatory and must be completed as instructed by DFO.
100% dockside monitoring
Licence holders will be responsible for the cost of technicians required for data collection
The maximum number of licences that will be issued per LFA are the following:
LFA 25 3 (1-GNB, 1-GNS, 1-PEI)
LFA 26A 6 (3-PEI, 3-GNS)
LFA 26B 5 (3-North, 2-South)
Proponents who wish to participate in this exploratory fishery are asked to submit a proposal that meets the requirements set out in the application process of the New Emerging Fisheries Policy, to the area office by July 24, 2009 for evaluation.
Alan Dwyer
Junior Staff Officer, Resource Management
Gulf Nova Scotia
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
2920, Highway 104
Antigonish, N.S.
B2G 2K6
Tel: (902) 863-5670 x.2259
Fax: (902) 863-5818
Shari Cormier
Species Officer, Resource Management Gulf Fisheries Center
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, N.B.
Tel: (506) 851-7255
Fax: (506) 851-2607
MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR 2009 – 2010 FOR SPECIES OF GROUNDFISH OTHER THAN COD IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR 2009 – 2010
FOR SPECIES OF GROUNDFISH OTHER THAN COD
IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
(Redfish, Winter Flounder, Yellowtail Flounder, American Plaice, Witch Flounder, Atlantic Halibut)
Moncton, Québec City, Corner Brook – May 14, 2009
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) today announced the management measures of certain
species of groundfish for 2009-2010. This Notice is further to the May 13th Notice to Fishers in which
the total allowable catches (TACs) for groundfish, other than cod, were announced for 2009. Attached
is a summary table of the Conservation Harvesting Plans outlining the main management measures for
these fisheries.
Copies of the Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHP) are available from DFO offices and these
harvesting plans include detailed and specific measures for each species of groundfish. These
measures, combined with responsible fishing practices, should ensure that the conservation goals are
met. However, if the fishery is not conducted in an orderly manner, the Department may implement
additional management measures or controls in these fisheries.Licensed fishers who want to participate in fishing activities for species listed in the table must obtain conditions of licence for the 2009-2010 season from their local DFO Licensing Service Centre.
For more information please contact:
Luc Légère
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-2382
Dario Lemelin
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Québec, QC
(418) 648-4946
Donald Ball
Area Chief, Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Corner Brook, NL
(709) 637-4310
Notice to Fish Harvesters-Spring Herring Fishery
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
April 15, 2009
Notice to Fish Harvesters
2009 TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH (TAC) AND HARVESTING PLAN
FOR THE SPRING INSHORE HERRING FISHERY IN THE SOUTHERN
GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE (HERRING FISHING AREAS 16A-16G)
MONCTON – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has announced the 2009 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Harvesting Plan for the spring inshore herring fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The decision on the TAC level is based on the results of the Regional Advisory
Process held by DFO Science on March 11-12, 2009, as well as on consultations with industry representatives following this meeting.
The spawning biomass in the spring has continuously declined since 1995 and according to abundance indicators, the current adult biomass, estimated at 20,300 t, is below the limit reference point of 22,000 t. The precautionary approach requires that removals from the stock should be kept to the lowest level possible. DFO has set the 2009 TAC at 2,500 t, as in 2008. This decision takes
into account advice from industry to maintain a minimal catch level for bait in order to reduce, among other things, the economic burden on lobster fishing enterprises in 2009. It is understood by industry and DFO that this catch scenario represents a high risk of future biomass reduction for the spring spawning component. However, this TAC is accompanied with a harvesting strategy and
management measures aimed at maintaining catches below 2,000 t to promote rebuilding, as well as measures to protect spawning in many areas of the southern Gulf. The Department also wishes to inform industry that the bait fishery will be the priority market for the 2009 spring fishery. As such, if fishing activities are directed on other markets, further management actions could be taken in order to reduce these activities. DFO is very preoccupied with the status of the spring spawning component, and will continue efforts with industry to rebuild the spring herring component.
Monitoring of bait landings will be implemented in 2009. As detailed in the conditions of licence, bait licence holders will be required to maintain a log of catches and report these catches.
Spawning beds which are closed to commercial fishing will also be closed by licence condition to bait fishing. Finally, a protocol will be established to reduce the catches of spring spawners during
the fall purse seine fishery.
The sharing of the quota remains unchanged for 2009: 76.83% for the inshore fleet and 23.17% for large seiners.
Spring Quota in the 2009 herring fishery (t) as per traditional sharing
FLEET SPRING
Inshore fleet Areas 16A-G 1,901
Inshore fleet in Area 17 20
Gulf large seiners 579
TOTAL 2,500
2008 Inshore fleet quota distribution (in tonnes) in HFAs 16A to 16G
QUOTA
QUOTA (Area 16A-G) 1,901
QUOTA (Area 17) 20
TOTAL INSHORE QUOTA
(Areas 16A-G and 17)
1,921
Reserve (initially distributed) 0
Remaining reserve ** 947
TOTAL RESERVE 947
Basic allocation with no initial distribution of reserve
16A 4
16B 95
16C 130
16D 22
16E 605
16F 7
16G 9
16A-G (June 1 – 30) 82
** Remaining reserve after initial distribution. For more details on inshore quota distribution rules, please
refer to Annex I.
The 2009 spring inshore management measures for each Herring Fishing Area (HFAs) were established after consulting with fleet representatives. The fall inshore management measures for each HFA and for the herring purse seine fleet will be announced at a later date.
For more information on the management of the herring fishery, see the Gulf Region Herring Fishery
Information Website at http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fam-gpa/herring-hareng/index-e.php .
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INFORMATION :
Colin MacIsaac
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Charlottetown (PEI)
(902) 566-7815
David Courtemanche
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gaspé (QC)
(418) 368-5559
Michel Albert
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tracadie (NB)
(506) 395-7718
Sylvette LeBlanc
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Cap-aux-Meules (QC)
(418) 986-2390
Paul Boyd
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish (NS)
(902) 863-5670
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LOBSTER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2009 AND BEYOND
LOBSTER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2009 AND BEYOND
FOR LFAs 23, 24, 25, 26A, AND 26B – SOUTHERN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
Moncton – Further to the March 6, 2009, statement by the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, today provided the details of the management plan for Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 23, 24, 25, 26A, and 26B in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The Department has contacted all fishing organizations to ascertain their interest in moving forward with their multi-year management plans. Based on their feedback, the following management measures apply and, in the case of First Nations, are subject to further consultations. New management measures in LFAs and sub-LFAs announced in 2008 for implementation in 2009 will be implemented as planned.
New Management Measures 2009
LFA 26B
As was the case in 2008, the LFA will be divided into north and south based on a management line to allow for different management measures. Existing management measures such a reduced number of traps, window on females, etc. remain in place. New management measures include:
LFA 26B North:
Year New Management Measure
2009 Minimum carapace size of 78 mm
Cheticamp Harbour permanently closed to lobster fishing
Opening date permanently set for 1st Saturday in May
2010 Minimum carapace size of 79 mm
Minimum of 5 traps per line
2011 Minimum carapace size of 80 mm
Maximum hoop size of 152 mm
2012 Minimum carapace size of 81 mm
Change to escape mechanism
Remove 1 day at end of the season.
**Once a 79 mm lobster is reached, it is possible that the window on females will be removed.
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With respect to a request to permanently divide the LFA, further discussions are needed prior to a decision being made.
LFA 26B South:
Beginning in 2009, the number of traps is reduced from 300 to 275.
Sub-LFA 26A-2
The definition of the sub-LFA is being moved on a pilot basis a little over 6 kilometers westward and pertinent management measures apply. As already announced a maximum hoop size of 152 mm is being introduced throughout the sub-LFA.
LFA 23
This LFA, which was divided into three in 2008, will be further sub-divided beginning in 2009. Sub-LFA 23C is being divided on a permanent basis into north and south, LFA 23C and LFA 23D based on the management line implemented in 2008 to allow different management measures. Further details about the management measures in the sub-LFAs will be provided shortly.
The Departmental view is that it is imperative that all move forward on efforts to conserve and sustain the fishery, especially given that the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council’s (FRCC) report on lobster expressed concerns that the resource and the fishery are not as robust and resilient as could be expected for such an important industry in Atlantic Canada. Consequently, for organizations that have opted not to proceed with multi-year plans and for those who did not submit plans that address adequately the minimum carapace size and the long-term goals, they are being asked to work with DFO to continue development of longer term plans.
The FRCC report also included recommendations on the need for more complete data about the fishery. The Department will continue its consultations with stakeholders in 2009 with a view to having a comprehensive data collection system in place for the 2010 lobster fishing seasons.
The Department supports the study being undertaken by the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) to determine how to ensure biodegradable panels work effectively. It is expected that the results of the study will be available in the fall of 2009 and a modified panel will be in place for the 2010 fishery.
Further to a request from harvester organizations, the Department will authorize the retention of sculpin and cunner; however, this management measure will be reviewed in the future to ensure it is not having a detrimental impact on the ecosystem.
For information:
Ernest Ferguson
A/Area Director, Eastern NB
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tracadie-Sheila, NB
506-395-7702 Bill Drost
Area Director, PEI
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Charlottetown, PEI
902-566-7810 Helen Kerr
Area Director, Gulf NS
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, NS
902-863-5670
Notice to Fish Harvesters
Fishery (General) Regulations
March 23, 2009
Metric System in the Gulf Region
Over 20 years ago, the Government of Canada adopted the International System of Units (metric
system). However, up until now, Fisheries and Oceans Canada , in order to provide a transition
period for its clientele, accepted the use of both the imperial and metric systems. Recent court
decisions will no longer allow the use of the imperial system.
The present notice is to notify the fishing industry that as of April 1, 2009, all fish capture d,
retained and monitored by the Dockside Monitoring Program in the Gulf Region, are to be
reported using the metric system, whose unit of measurement of weight is the kilogram (kg).
This unit of measurement (kg) must be used on all documents associated with your fishing
activities, including landing operations.
The weight of your fish catches are to be indicated in kilogram (kg):on your combined form s which includes: the logbook and the weigh-out summary forms when providing hail-in information to a designated dockside monitoring company;on the scale used when weighing your catches;
on your weigh-out summary forms used by a dockside monitoring company;The need for fish harvesters to have their catches weighed using this unit of measure (kg) will bestipulated in licence conditions. Failure to comply with this obligation constitutes a violation
under the Section 22 (7) reads: “No person carrying out any
activity under the authority of a licence shall contravene or fail to comply with any condition of the licence”
The monitoring of captures is based on the metric system (kg) and licence holders are responsible for ensuring that this unit of measurement of weight is used to reflect the quantities caught andretained.
For further information:
Marc LeCouffe
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Resource Management Branch
Gulf Region
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-7845
Monica Cormier
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Conservation and Protection Branch
Gulf Region
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-3790
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NOTICE TO FISHERS
October 23, 2008
ADJUSTMENTS TO DIMENTIONS ESCAPE MECHANISM - LOBSTER TRAP
Moncton – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans wishes to advise the lobster fishing industry in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 23, 24, 25, 26A and 26B of the minimum height and length requirements for escape mechanisms.
Further to recent discussions with some fishing organizations, it has come to DFO’s attention that a 254 mm long escape mechanism may pose some structural difficulties for some trap configurations. In consideration of this, the tables below provide the sizes of escape mechanisms that will apply.
Length of Escape Opening of 127 mm
Minimum carapace size Height of Escape Opening
70 mm to 71 mm 40 mm
>71 mm to 73 mm 42 mm
>73 mm to 76 mm 43 mm
>76 mm to 80 mm 44 mm
Length of Escape Opening of 254 mm
Minimum carapace size Height of Escape Opening
70 mm to 71 mm 40 mm
>71 mm to 73 mm 41 mm
>73 mm to 76 mm 42 mm
>76 mm to 80 mm 43 mm
DFO will undertake discussions with fishing organizations to identify a calendar for implementation of these adjustments as needed.
For Information:
Michel Albert Paul Boyd Kill Hill
(506) 395-7718 (902) 863-5670 902) 566-7815
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