Closure of Herring Area 16F

GULF REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER 2011-088

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 herring in Herring Fishing Area 16F.

Dated at Moncton, New Brunswick, September 27, 2011.



____________________
Serge Thériault
Regional Director General
Gulf Region


ORDER VARYING THE CLOSE TIME
FOR FISHING FOR HERRING IN HERRING
FISHING AREA 16F

Short Title

1. This Order may be cited as the Gulf Region Close Time Variation Order 2011-088.


Variation

2. Gulf Region Close Time Variation Order 2011-087 is hereby revoked.

3. The close time as fixed by section 40 of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 and set out in sub item 16.5 of Schedule VII thereto is hereby varied so that no person shall fish for herring with the type of gear set out in Column II during the close time set out in Column III of Schedule VII 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, 2011, at which time the close time shall revert to those set out in Schedule VII of the said regulations.



Gulf Region Close Time Variation Order 2011-088

SCHEDULE VII

Item Column I
Herring Fishing Area No. Column II
Gear Column III
Close Time
16.5 16F c) Seines



d) Drift nets

e) Gill nets


f) Trap nets c) From 15:00 hrs on September 27 to December 31.


d) From 15:00 hrs on September 27 to December 31.


e) From 15:00 hrs on September 27 to December 31.


f) From 15:00 hrs on September 27 to December 31.


QUÉBEC
PLEASE BROADCAST OVER: FOX RIVER AND ESCOUMINS
VEUILLEZ RADIODIFFUSER : RIVIÈRE-AU-RENARD ET ESCOUMINS
SYDNEY MCTS
PLEASE BROADCAST OVER: HALIFAX AND SYDNEY
VEUILLEZ RADIODIFFUSER : HALIFAX ET SYDNEY

NOTFISH

PURSUANT TO THE FISHERY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS AND BY THE GULF REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER 2011-088, THE HERRING FISHERY IN HERRING FISHING AREA 16F FOR ALL FIXED GEAR VESSELS WILL CLOSE AT 15:00 HRS ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2011.

GULF REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER 2011-087 IS REVOKED.

REFER TO GULF REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER 2011-088 ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2011, OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FISHERY OFFICER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
------------------------------------------------------------------
SERGE THÉRIAULT
REGIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL
DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL RÉGIONAL
GULF REGION / RÉGION DU GOLFE

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Herring Fishery in Fishing Area 16C and 16E

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Notice to Fish Harvesters


August 16, 2011
EKME # 2429912

OPENING OF THE FALL INSHORE
HERRING FISHERY IN FISHING AREA 16C AND 16E

Moncton – August 16, 2011 – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to
remind the Industry of the main management measures for the herring fishery in Herring
Fishing Areas (HFA) 16C and 16E (Miramichi Bay down to Escuminac, New Brunswick
(NB), West of Prince Edward Island (PEI) and North of Gulf Nova Scotia Area).

Quotas for 2011:

Group A (NB): 2,500 tonnes
Group B (PEI and north of Gulf NS Area): 2,500 tonnes
Competitive fishery: 3,192 tonnes
Opening dates
Group A: August 21, 2011
Group B: August 21, 2011

Competitive fishery: August 28, 2011

Daily limit: More than one landing per day is allowed, but the maximum amount which can
be landed in one day (defined as a 24 hours period between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00
p.m. the next day) is 9,752 kg.

Dockside monitoring level: 100%

For this fishery, Groups A and B will fish separately
until August 27, 2011, 11:59 p.m., or until
the group quota is captured. Once the competitive fishery opens, both groups will fish against
the competitive quota. Once this competitive quota is captured, if groups have remaining
uncaught quota from the first week of fishing, fish harvesters may fish against their respective
group’s quota until it is captured.

Please refer to the March 23, 2011 Notice to Fish Harvesters, for further details concerning the
management measures for this fishery.

For more information please contact:

Michel Albert
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick
506-395-7718

Colin MacIsaac
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
902-566-7815

Leroy MacEachern
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
902-863-5670 – ext. 2231

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CHP FOR FALL HERRING FISHERY IN 16B 2011

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Notice to Fish Harvesters
August 5, 2011
EKME # 2419412

CONSERVATION HARVESTING PLAN (CHP) 2011
FALL INSHORE HERRING FISHING IN FISHING AREA 16B
Moncton – August 5, 2011 – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced
today the details of the Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) for the herring fishery in
Herring Fishing Area (HFA) 16B.
Main Roe Fishery
The opening date for the main roe fishery was set for August 14 at 19:00 Hrs Atlantic
Daylight Time (ADT). As announced in the March 23, 2011 Notice to Fish Harvesters,
fishery will be closed everyday between 13:00 Hrs and 19:00 Hrs (ADT) and every
weekend from 13:00 Hrs on Friday until 19:00 Hrs (ADT) on Sunday. Fish harvesters
will be limited to one landing per day, with a maximum weight of 11,340 Kg. In Quebec,
this limit will be managed by a self regulation program administered by the Industry.
Late Fishery
As in the past, there will be a late fishery starting two weeks after the closing of the roe
fishery. The fishery will be authorized west of a line joining the Grande-Anse lighthouse
in New Brunswick to the Pointe-à-Maquereau lighthouse in Quebec.
Small Seiners
Fishing with a purse seine will be authorized in the Bay of Chaleurs from September 1 to
December 31, 2011, except to the west of a line between Grande-Anse in New Brunswick
and Paspébiac in Québec, in order to limit the capture of spring spawners.
To obtain more details on the management measures in this fishery, please consult the
attached summary of the Conservation Harvesting Plan.
For more information about this fishery, please contact:

Michel Albert
Area Chief, Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick
506-395-7718

David Courtemanche
Area Chief, Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gaspé, Québec
(418) 368-6818 Extension (250

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OPENING OF 4VN FISHERY AUGUST 2 AT 4AM TO AUGUST 5 AT 4AM

ATTENTION GROUNDFISHERMEN:

THE 4VN FISHERY WILL OPEN AGAIN ON AUGUST 2 AT 4AM AND WILL CLOSE 72 HOURS LATER ON AUGUST 5 AT 4AM 2011. THE CATCH LIMIT IS SET AT 1000LBS. THE VARIATION ORDER WAS ISSUED ON AUGUST 2 AND HAS BEEN EMAILED TO GROUNDFISHERS WHO HAVE EMAIL ACCOUNTS. IT IS ALSO POSTED AT VICTORIA CO-OP FISHERIES.

HAPPY FISHING!

RHONDA FOR THE BOARD OF NOS-ISFA

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Opening of the Halibut Fishery in 4T for 4VN based Vessels

Dear Groundfishermen:
See attached Variation order below for the dates of the 4T fishery for 4VN based vessels. The fishery opens as 4am on July 22 and closes 4am on August 1, 2011. The catch limit will be 1600 lbs as per contract.

Happy Fishing.

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Opening of Halibut Fishery in 4T for 4VN based Vessels



ORDER VARYING THE CLOSE TIME FISHING
FOR HALIBUT AND IN DIVISION 4T
FOR VESSEL CLASS A1147.


Short title

1. This Order may be cited as the Quebec Region Close Time Variation Order, 2011-Q-083.

Variation

2. The Quebec Region Close Time Variation Order 2011-Q-060 is hereby repealed

3. The close time as fixed by subsection 87(1) of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 and set out in column IV of item 6(3) in schedule XXIII thereto is hereby varied so that no person shall fish for halibut for Vessel Class A1147 during the period beginning on January 1, 2011 and ending on July 22, 2011 at 04:00 h (ADT) and the period beginning on August 1, 2011 at 04:00 h (ADT) and ending on December 31, 2011 in Division 4T.

Coming into Force

3. This order shall come into force on the date of the signature and remains in force unless otherwise revoked.

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16 F Summer Herring Fishery - 2011

Conservation Harvesting Plan
16 F Summer Herring Fishery - 2011



Quota: 500 MT


Season: July 3 – August 26


Weekend Closures: 15:00 Friday to 15:00 Sunday


Catch Limitations: Herring shall only be offloaded once per 24 hour period, from 15:00 h to 15:00 h on the following day


Trip Limit: There will be no trip limit (kg) on the Conditions of Licence in accordance with the Overage Pilot project. Fish harvesters have agreed to limit their landings per trip to 4,536 kg. The Overage Pilot project for this fishery was implemented in mid July. Prior to this, the trip limit on the Conditions of Licence was 4,536 kg. Fish harvesters will not directly benefit from any amount in excess of this limit per trip as the funds will go to the Gulf Nova Scotia Herring Federation to conduct programs for the betterment of the fishery.

Monitoring: 100 % DMP

Validity Period: The licence conditions are valid from July 3, 2011 to August 26, 2011 or until such time the fishery is closed by variation order other than the normal weekend closures.


Net (size/mesh deep/ length): 66.7 mm min / 125 mesh / 150 fathoms







Approved by: Leroy MacEachern
Area Chief, Resource Management
Gulf Nova Scotia

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16 F Fall Herring Fishery - 2011

Conservation Harvesting Plan
16 F Fall Herring Fishery - 2011

Quota: 8,508 mt of which 500 mt is available for the 16 F summer herring fishery.

Season Opening: August 28 at 15:00 hours

Weekend Closures: - 15:00 hrs Friday, September 2 to 15:00 hrs Monday, September 5
- 15:00 hrs Friday, September 9 to 15:00 hrs Sunday, September 11
- 15:00 hrs Friday, September 16 to 15:00 hrs Sunday, September 18

The fishery will re-open and remain open inclusively at 15:00 hrs September 18th until such time the fishery is closed by variation order.

Trip Limit: There will be no trip limit (kg) on the Conditions of Licence in accordance with the Overage pilot project. Fish harvesters have agreed to limit their landings to 6,804 kg. Fish harvesters will not directly benefit from any amount in excess of this limit per trip as the funds will go to the Gulf Nova Scotia Herring Federation to conduct programs for the betterment of the fishery.

Monitoring: 100 % DMP

Net (size/mesh deep/ length): 66.7 mm min / 125 mesh / 100 fathoms

Catch Limitations: Herring shall only be offloaded once per 24 hour period, from 15:00 h to 15:00 h on the following day

Offloading of the catch may only occur at one of the following ports:
• Toney River, Nova Scotia
• Caribou, Nova Scotia
• Logan Point, Nova Scotia
• Lismore, Nova Scotia
• Ballantyne’s Cove, Nova Scotia
• Murphy’s Pond, Nova Scotia
• Machon Point, Prince Edward Island.
• Wood Island, Prince Edward Island
• Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island
• Beach Point, Prince Edward Island

Vessels: Vessels to be used in this fishery must be from the same administrative area as the licence holder.

Validity Period: The licence conditions issued are valid from August 28, 2011 until such time the fishery is closed by variation order other than the normal weekend closure. At that time the conditions are invalid.


Approved by: Leroy MacEachern
Area Chief, Resource Management
Gulf Nova Scotia

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Gulf Based Class A 69 vessels are open to Fish in 4VN

NOTICE TO FISHERMEN
CANADIAN COAST GUARD OPERATION
CCG RADIO DARTMOUTH FUNDY SYDNEY
FSHFX A. MACLEAN

PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION 6.(1) OF THE FISHERY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR-GENERAL, MARITIMES REGION, DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS GIVES NOTICE BY VARIATION ORDER’S 2011-082 THAT FISHING FOR GROUNDFISH IN NAFO DIVISIONS 4Vn BY CLASS “A69” VESSELS IS PERMITTED EFFECTIVE ON JULY 13, 2011 AT 04:00 HOURS TO JULY 15, 2011 AT 16:00 HOURS.
THE MARITIMES REGION CLOSE TIME VARIATION ORDER 2011-078
IS HEREBY REVOKED.
THE VESSEL CLASSES ARE IDENTIFIED ON A LICENCE OR VESSEL REGISTRATION CARD.

FAITH G. SCATTOLON
REGIONAL DIRECTOR-GENERAL FOR THE
MARITIMES REGION

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NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS VARIATION ORDER RE: HALIBUT FISHERY 4VN JULY 5-JULY 7, 2011

NOTICE TO FISHERMEN
CANADIAN COAST GUARD OPERATION
CCG RADIO DARTMOUTH FUNDY SYDNEY
FSHFX A. MACLEAN

PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION 6.(1) OF THE FISHERY (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR-GENERAL, MARITIMES REGION, DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS GIVES NOTICE BY VARIATION ORDER’S 2011-076 AND 2011-077 THAT FISHING FOR GROUNDFISH IN NAFO DIVISIONS 4Vn BY CLASS “A1100” VESSELS IS PERMITTED EFFECTIVE ON JULY 5, 2011 AT 04:00 HOURS TO JULY 07, 2011 AT 04:00 HOURS.
THE VESSEL CLASSES ARE IDENTIFIED ON A LICENCE OR VESSEL REGISTRATION CARD.

FAITH G. SCATTOLON
REGIONAL DIRECTOR-GENERAL FOR THE
MARITIMES REGION

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Opening of 4VN Halibut Fish July 5 at 4am until July 7, 4am.

The variation order (VAR-2011-076 & 077) that opens a 48 hour groundfish fishery in 4Vn for vessel class A1100 starting 04:00 hours July 5, 2011 until 04:00 hours July 7, 2011 is now signed and attached. The Notice will be broadcast from Sydney, Dartmouth and Fundy.

<> <>

R.W. (Rick) Young
Chief Regulations /Chef, Réglementation,
Maritimes Region/Région des Maritimes
Department of Fisheries and Oceans/Ministère des Pêches et des Océans
176 Portland Street
P.O. Box 1035
Dartmouth, NS
B2Y 4T3
Office/Bureau - (902) 426-2473
Fax - (902) 426-8003
E-mail Address - Richard.Young@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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4TFISHERY OPENING FOR 4VN BASED VESSELS

NOS-ISFA WISHES TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF THE 4T REGION TO 4VN BASED VESSELS JUNE 17, 2011 AT 4AM FOR 10 DAYS AND CLOSING ON SUNDAY JUNE 26 AT MIDNIGHT. THERE WILL BE A 1600LB CATCH LIMIT PER LICENSE.
HAPPY FISHING!

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2011 TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES FOR COD ANDATLANTIC HALIBUT IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

2011 TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES FOR COD AND
ATLANTIC HALIBUT IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

Corner Brook, Dartmouth, Moncton, Québec City – June 10,
2011 - The Department of Fisheries
and Oceans (DFO) today announced the total allowable catches (TACs) levels for northern Gulf
of St. Lawrence (4RS3Pn) and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (4TVn) cod as well as an increase to the
Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST) Atlantic Halibut quota.
For northern Gulf (NAFO Divisions 4RS3Pn), there continues to be serious concerns with the health
of the cod stock. The most recent assessment of this stock indicates that recent harvest levels are
unsustainable and have not allowed for stock rebuilding. The abundance of the spawning stock is well
below the limit reference point, and deemed within the critical area. A stock in this area is considered
to be heavily depleted. Because of these concerns, the TAC has been set at 2,000 t for the 2011
season.

As was the case in 2010, there will be no directed commercial fishery for southern Gulf cod
(NAFO Divisions 4TVn) in 2011. A 300 t Total Allowable Catch (TAC) has been set to cover
scientific and sentinel surveys, negotiated aboriginal food, social and ceremonial agreements, and a
limited recreational fishery. This will also include quota to ensure by-catch provisions for non-Cod
directed groundfish fisheries.
The Department will be engaging provinces and industry on a strategy and action plan for proof of
concept options for reducing grey seal cod predation in the Gulf.

For both cod stocks, the Department will undertake consultations with industry over the coming year
to establish a rebuilding plan for these stocks which will include harvest decision rules to inform
future decisions on harvest levels for these stocks.
For 4RST Atlantic Halibut, the TAC will be increased from the previously announced 680 t to 720 t
for this year’s fishery. For 2011 only, this additional 40 t increase in Atlantic Halibut will be shared
among the eight eligible fixed gear fleets based on geographical fleet shares. As previously announced
the Department will undertake a review of the inshore fixed gear geographical shares for Atlantic
Halibut in advance of the 2012 season.


For more information, please contact:
Luc Légère
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-2382

Dario Lemelin
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Québec, QC
(418) 648-4946

Donald Ball
Area Manager, Resources Management
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Corner Brook, NL
(709) 637-4310

Verna Docherty
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Halifax, NS
(902) 426-4669

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2011 AND 2012 TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES FOR NON-COD GROUNDFISH SPECIES IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

2011 AND 2012 TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCHES


FOR NON-COD GROUNDFISH SPECIES IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
Moncton, Québec City, Dartmouth, Corner Brook – May 13, 2011 - The Department of Fisheries
and Oceans (DFO) today announced the total allowable catches (TAC) for non-cod groundfish species
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Divisions 3Pn, 4RST).
For the following fisheries, the TAC remains unchanged: 4T American Plaice, 4RST Greenland
Halibut, Redfish (Unit 1), 4T Winter Flounder, 4RST Witch Flounder and 4T Yellowtail Flounder.
The 4T White Hake fishery remains under moratorium.
The 4RST Atlantic Halibut TAC will be increased from 600 t to 680 t. As in 2010, 85% of the mobile
gear Atlantic halibut by-catch quota will be re-allocated and equally shared amongst the eight eligible
fixed gear fleets. For 2011 only, the 80 t increase in Atlantic halibut will be shared equally amongst
the eight eligible fixed gear fleets and the Department will undertake a review of geographical fleet
shares in Atlantic halibut before the 2012 season.
With the exception of Unit 1 Redfish and 4T American Plaice, which are both being considered for
listing on Canada’s Species at Risk Act, all other TAC will be set for a period of two years, until
May 14, 2013. However, if after the first year important changes are noted in stock status, the TAC
may be re-evaluated.
The following table is a summary of the 2011 and 2012 TAC.
Stocks TAC
4T American Plaice* 500 t
4RST Atlantic Halibut 680 t
4RST Greenland Halibut 4,500 t
Redfish – Unit 1* 2,000 t
(index fishery)
4T White Hake moratorium
4T Winter Flounder 1,000 t
4RST Witch Flounder 1,000 t
4T Yellowtail Flounder
(directed fishery in Magdalen Islands)
300 t
*One-year TAC (2011 only)
All other quota sharing decisions and groundfish access will remain the same as in 2010.
.../2
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gulf, Québec, Maritimes and Newfoundland & Labrador Regions
Gouvernement Government
du Canada of Canada
- 2 -
The Department is proceeding with the implementation of the Quota Reconciliation program as
announced last year. As such, any quota overruns incurred during the last season will be deducted, by a
factor of one-to-one, on this season's quotas. This measure applies to individual quotas as well as fleet
quotas.
Attached is a summary table of the Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHP) outlining the main
management measures for certain groundfish fisheries.
Copies of the Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHP) which include detailed and specific measures for
each species of groundfish are available from DFO offices. 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
new conditions of licence from their local DFO Licensing Service Centre.
The northern and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Cod TACs and management measures will be
announced at a later date.


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

Verna Docherty
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dartmouth, NS
(902) 426-4669

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Opening of 4T Halibut Fixed Gear

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announces that fishing will be authorized for Gulf Nova Scotia fixed gear licence holders fishing Atlantic Halibut in NAFO Division 4T with vessels less than 19.812 metres (65 feet) in overall length. This fishery is scheduled to take place from May 3, 2011 at 5:00 a.m. until May 4, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. This period may be modified due to inclement weather or other uncontrollable circumstances.

The remaining 2010 Atlantic Halibut quota for the Gulf Nova Scotia fixed gear fleet is 14.50 metric tonnes. This quota is valid until May 14th, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. Any quota overruns incurred during the 2010-2011 season will be deducted by a factor of one-to-one on the following season's quota.

If conditions do not allow for an May 3, 2011 opening, industry will be consulted before a new date is announced

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LOBSTER MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR 2011 AND BEYOND


LOBSTER MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR
LOBSTER FISHING AREAS 23, 24, 25, 26A AND 26B FOR 2011 AND BEYOND

Moncton – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, today provided the details of management measures that will be in place in southern Gulf Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) and sub-LFAs 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 24, 25, 26A and 26B starting in 2011 and beyond. Unless indicated otherwise, existing management measures remain in place.

Height and Length of Escape Mechanisms
Beginning with the 2013 fishing seasons, in sub-LFAs and LFAs 23D, 24, 25, and 26A-1 the height of the escape mechanism will be a minimum of 42 mm for escapes between 127 mm and less than 254 mm in length or a minimum of 41 mm in height for escapes that are equal to or greater than 254 mm in length. In areas with larger carapace sizes, DFO will undertake discussions with fishing organizations where needed to identify a calendar for implementation of necessary adjustments. Further to a Notice to Fish Harvesters of December 11, 2008, below is updated information about the minimum heights and lengths of escape mechanisms.

Length of Escape Opening between 127 mm and less than 254 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 81 mm 44 mm
>81 mm to 82 mm 46 mm
>82 mm to 83 mm 47 mm
Length of Escape Opening equal to or greater than 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
For minimum carapace sizes greater than 80 mm and for escape mechanisms with a length equal to or greater than 254 mm, no information is available about the minimum heights.


Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures
In the context of the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Measures (ALSM) program, the Department has approved sustainability plans for LFAs and sub-LFAs 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 24, 25, 26A and 26B. The following management measures apply to the above listed LFAs: the minimum carapace size will be 71 mm for the 2011 seasons and 72 mm for the 2013 fishing seasons; a reliable electronic catch and effort data collection system including information about by-catches and species at risk will be implemented for the 2012 fishing seasons; an effective biodegradable panel will be implemented for the 2012 fishing seasons.

In addition, several funding proposals have been approved in 2011 for the following: LFAs 23, 24, 25 (N.B.), 26A-1, 26A-3 and 26B. Many of these approved proposals affect the maximum number of traps in 2011. Please refer to the table further on of the major management measures in place or being introduced in the Gulf Region LFAs. With respect to licence fees, refunds if applicable, will be prepared after the 2011 fishing season.

Additional information about some management measures

LFA 23
A separate Notice to Fish Harvesters will be provided regarding additional management measures.

LFA 24
The definition of LFA 24 has been changed in the regulations and harvesters no longer need to request a separate licence condition to have access to McLeod’s Ledge. Licences in LFA 24 are segregated into two administrative areas for the following purposes: 1) identifying ports for the loading and landing of lobster traps and the off-loading of the catch and 2) restricting the re-issuance of licences between these two administrative areas. The two areas are: 1) ports west of Malpeque Harbour and 2) ports including Malpeque Harbour and east. Harvesters are permitted to fish anywhere within LFA 24. Beginning in the 2012 fishing season, the maximum number of traps will be 290.

LFA 25
Possession of lobster and lobster fishing gear is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and one hour before sunrise. The Department remains open to introducing additional management measures if harvesters are interested.

LFA 26A-1
Lobster harvesters from Gulf Nova Scotia fishing within management area LFA 26 A-1 (east of port of Malagash and west of port of Little Harbour) must have a minimum of five traps per line. Lobster harvesters from Prince Edward Island (PEI) must have a minimum of six traps per line within a defined area.

LFA 26A-3
As mentioned in previous Notices to Fish Harvesters, and further to recent discussions with the fishing organization, an adjustment to the length/height of the escape mechanism will be required for the 2012 fishing season. In addition, beginning in 2012, harvesters fishing in this area must have a minimum of two traps per line.



LFA 26B Southern portion (approximate location between ports of Auld’s Cove and Broad Cove Marsh)
Beginning in the 2012 fishing season, for those harvesters who use an escape mechanism with a length equal to or greater than 254 mm, the height must be 43 mm.

LFA 26B Northern portion (approximate location between ports of Margaree Harbour and Pleasant Bay)
Beginning in the 2012 fishing season, the minimum carapace size will be 81 mm and one day will be removed at the close of season.

References to communities, ports or other reference points in this document are used for information purposes only; precise coordinates defining where various management measures apply are provided in licence conditions and/or variation orders.

See summary table at the end of this notice for an overview of management measures.

Other
The Department is continuing to work on implementing an electronic data collection system in southern Gulf LFAs and fishing organizations will be kept apprised as this project evolves. Work is also being completed on biodegradable panels and discussions with industry will take place in the coming months to identify an appropriate panel.

Further to the Department’s policy on implementing the Precautionary Approach, work is underway on identifying the biological reference points for lobster. Over the next several months, discussions will take place between lobster biologists throughout Atlantic Canada. Once proposed biological reference points have been identified, they will be subject to a peer review process which includes participation from industry stakeholders. As a next step, the Department anticipates having a series of discussions with industry stakeholders to identify how best to ensure management measures and decisions can be taken in the context of the Precautionary Approach. In the interim, industry stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Department’s policy on the Precautionary Approach by visiting the following website: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/peches-fisheries/fish-ren-peche/sff-cpd/precaution-eng.htm

Opening/Closing Dates
The expected opening date for spring fisheries is 6:00 a.m. April 30, 2011, weather and ice permitting and closure is on July 1, 2011. For a portion of LFA 26A between Point Prim to Victoria, PEI, the fishery will open until further notice at 6:00 a.m. on May 7 and will close July 8. The opening date of LFA 25 is 6:00 a.m. August 9, 2011, weather permitting and will close at 9:00 p.m. on October 10; an early opening date and extensions to the season will not be considered.


For information:
Ernest Ferguson
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

…../4

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OPENING DATE OF SNOW CRAB AREA 12 FISHERY

OPENING DATE OF SNOW CRAB AREA 12 FISHERY

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the opening date om ADT Monday, April 25, 2011.

A reminder that the fishery closes on July 17, 2011; all traps must be removed from the water before the end of the day July 16. Requests for extensions to the fishing season will not be considered.

With the introduction in 2011 of quota reconciliation, and further to members’ comments during the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab Advisory Committee meeting, the Department has taken the necessary measures to ensure control of the fishery and compliance with the established total allowable catch. All licence conditions will be valid for an initial period up to May 18, 2011, inclusive. At that time, licence holders who have remaining quota will be able to renew their licence conditions.


For information:
Alain Hébert
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-851-7790 Marcel Boudreau
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec, QC
418-648-7679

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OPENING DATE OF SNOW CRAB AREA 12 FISHERY

OPENING DATE OF SNOW CRAB AREA 12 FISHERY

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the opening date of the snow crab fishery in Area 12 (12, 18, 25, 26).

The Area 12 fishery will open at 6:00 am ADT Monday, April 25, 2011.

A reminder that the fishery closes on July 17, 2011; all traps must be removed from the water before the end of the day July 16. Requests for extensions to the fishing season will not be considered.

With the introduction in 2011 of quota reconciliation, and further to members’ comments during the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab Advisory Committee meeting, the Department has taken the necessary measures to ensure control of the fishery and compliance with the established total allowable catch. All licence conditions will be valid for an initial period up to May 18, 2011, inclusive. At that time, licence holders who have remaining quota will be able to renew their licence conditions.


For information:
Alain Hébert
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-851-7790 Marcel Boudreau
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec, QC
418-648-7679

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Opening of Gulf NS Fixed Gear Fishery < 65 feet

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announces that fishing will be authorized for Gulf Nova Scotia fixed gear licence holders fishing Atlantic Halibut in NAFO Division 4T with vessels less than 19.812 metres (65 feet) in overall length. This fishery is scheduled to take place from April 19, 2011 at 5:00 a.m. until April 20, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. This period may be modified due to inclement weather or other uncontrollable circumstances.

The remaining 2010 Atlantic Halibut quota for the Gulf Nova Scotia fixed gear fleet is 14.50 metric tonnes. This quota is valid until May 14th, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. Any quota overruns incurred during the 2010-2011 season will be deducted by a factor of one-to-one on the following season's quota.

If conditions do not allow for an April 19, 2011 opening, industry will be consulted before a new date is announced.

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NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR SNOW CRAB IN 2011

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR SNOW CRAB IN 2011
IN CRAB FISHING AREAS (CFAs) 12, 18, 25, 26, 12E & F

Moncton (NB), Quebec (Qc) – April 12, 2011 – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Conservation and Protection (C&P) division, Gulf and Quebec Regions, wishes to advise the industry of the following new requirements in the snow crab licence conditions for CFAs 12, 18, 25, 26, 12E & F starting in 2011:

• Hail-in: The captain/operator/licence holder will be required to provide the estimated quantities of fish in rounded weight that will be offloaded, as well as the sequential number from the logbook used for the fishing trip.

• Hail-out: To cancel or delay a previously confirmed departure time for a fishing trip, the captain/operator/licence holder will be required to cancel the hail-out or confirm a new departure time prior to the original departure time.

In addition, when cancelling a previously confirmed departure time and indicating a new departure time for a fishing trip, the captain/operator/licence holder from the Gulf Region will be required to call at least ten (10) hours prior to the new departure time. In the Quebec Region, the captain/operator/licence holder will be required to call at least twelve (12) hours prior to the new departure time.

When delaying a previously confirmed departure time for a fishing trip, the captain/operator/ licence holder will be required to confirm a new departure time at least four (4) hours prior to the new departure time.

Note: A delayed departure is a departure made after the original departure time.

• Vessel Monitoring System (VMS): In the event that the VMS transponder becomes inoperative, is turned off or malfunctions in any way, the captain/operator/licence holder of the vessel will only be authorized to resume fishing once the VMS transponder is turned on and fully operational or when receiving an approval by DFO.

C&P encourage licence holders to send their completed VMS forms to the VMS Operations Centre a few weeks prior to the beginning of the snow crab fishery to allow proper time for DFO to process these forms.

C&P would also remind industry that completing the VMS forms and activating the VMS transponders are two distinct procedures and that licence holders are not obligated to activate their VMS transponders at the same time as sending the forms. However, C&P would like to encourage licence holders to activate their VMS units at least a few days prior to the beginning of the fishery to avoid any technical difficulties with these transponders on the first day of the fishing season.

Please refer to your snow crab licence conditions for more details on the new requirements, and contact your local C&P area office for any questions or clarifications.

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2011 SNOW CRAB MANAGEMENT PLAN

2011 SNOW CRAB MANAGEMENT PLAN
CRAB FISHING AREAS 12, 18, 25, AND 26 (AREA 12)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has released the details of the 2011 Area 12, 18, 25, 26 (Area 12) management plan. The total allowable catch (TAC) in Area 12 is 8,584 t which represents a targeted exploitation rate of 35%.

TAC distribution* (metric tons)
• The quota for First Nations is 1,358 t (15.816%) and distributed as follows:
o New Brunswick (NB): 747 t (8.7%)
o Quebec (QC): 536 t (6.239%)
o Prince Edward Island (PE): 75 t (0.877%)
• The quota for the traditional fleets is 5,939 t (69.184%) and distributed as follows:
o New Brunswick : 3,383 t (39.408%)
o Quebec : 1,817 t (21.169%)
o Nova Scotia : 100 t (1.169%)
o Prince Edward Island : 295 t (3.436%)
o Harvesters from Crab Fishing Area 18: 344 t (4.002%)
• The quota for new access is 1,288 t (15%) and distributed as follows:

Distribution of 1,288t (15%) for New Access
NB 612 t (7.129%) distributed as follows :
MFU 529 t (6.161%)
Identified groundfish specialists ITQ fleet 61 t (0.713%)
Identified groundfish specialists competitive fleet 22 t (0.255%)
QC 415 t (4.837%) details as to distribution of quota will be provided by Quebec Region.
NS 78 t (0.913%) details as to distribution of quota will be provided by Gulf Region.
PEI 182 t (2.122%) distributed as follows :
PEIFA 160 t (1.867%)
PEI Groundfishermen’s Association 22 t (0.255%)
*numbers are rounded



2011 Management measures

The Department is introducing quota reconciliation in this fishery. Quota overruns during the 2011 season by a licence holder will be deducted in 2012 on a one-for-one basis. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to respect the allocation granted while taking into consideration transfers and landings and to make the necessary arrangements before departing for a fishing expedition to have quota to cover expected catches for the expedition. Further information will be provided at a later date.

The management measures from 2010 are rolled over in 2011 which include amongst others:
• The soft-shell crab protocol with 25% at sea observer coverage.
• Temporary flexibility options (quota transfer, partnerships, trios).
• Only one valid tag per trap.
• 100% dockside monitoring.
• Landings weighed in kilograms on an electronic scale with a memory.
• The use of a vessel monitoring system (VMS). Harvesters are asked to register their VMS with DFO as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving their licence conditions.
• Maximum mesh size of 75 mm.
• Authorized release of commercial-sized male crab with small claws back in the water.
• A delayed season opening to June 1 applies to an area in CFA 12 for one nautical mile bordering on CFA 19 as does the buffer zone between CFAs 18 and 19.
• The Irving Whale Exclusion Zone is maintained.
• For proper management and control purposes, the targeted total number of vessels for all fleets on the water at any time is 150 for the Gulf Region and 75 for the Quebec Region.
• For proper management and control purposes, traps will be issued on the same basis as in the past except for those who are involved in the temporary flexibilities:
o 150 for midshore vessels
o 75 for the traditional inshore Prince Edward Island fleet
o 75 for Crab Fishing Area 18
o New access and First Nations: those receiving quotas of up to 50 t will be entitled to 75 traps, while fish harvesters receiving over 50 t will be able to use 150 traps.

• The targeted opening date for the fishery is Friday, April 15 at 18:00 Atlantic Daylight Time weather permitting and subject to DFO operational requirements.

• The fishery will close on July 17; all gear must be removed from the water by the end of the day July 16. Extensions to the fishing season will not be considered.


For information:
Alain Hébert
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-851-7790 Marcel Boudreau
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec, QC
418-648-7679

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Fixed Gear <45 CHP 2011

Conservation Harvesting Plan
Fixed Gear <45’ 4TVWX+5
April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012


This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies to all fixed gear (FG) vessels less than 45’ who hold a fixed gear groundfish licence in the Maritimes Region. The CHP applies to all vessels, regardless of homeport, fishing in NAFO divisions 4TVWX + 5.

Please note that there is a separate Conservation Harvesting Plan for fishing in 5Z.

The quotas assigned in the Groundfish Management Plan for FG < 45’ will be allocated into community quota groups based on the operational guidelines for community management for the seven 4X5Y geographic groups. As well, the operational guidelines also apply to NAFO divisions 4VW. CHPs are to be submitted by each management board within each community, noting that Shelburne has two separate management boards and Eastern Nova Scotia (ENS) has a minimum of three separate management boards. The CHP developed by each management board will outline the manner in which the allocated quotas are to be fished. The CHP submitted by the management board is subject to approval by DFO; licence conditions will not be issued to members of a management board until the CHP has been approved. The management board CHP should include, at a minimum, the following information:
• breakdowns of any seasonal quota;
• any industry weekly/trip limits;
• provisions/requirements for the licence holder to cover any overrun of the limit (e.g. lost days at sea, arrange for quota transfer from another group or payment to the management board);
• breakdowns of any group quotas (e.g. through sub-allocation to associations or to groups based on gear-types) and how these sub-allocations are determined; and
• expected active fishing season.
The CHP should also be accompanied by a copy of the management board’s current certificate of registration under the relevant Societies Act and a list of individuals who are eligible to make requests for transactions on behalf of the board (i.e. quota transfers, vessel class closures and requests for licence conditions). For 2011/12, the certificates of registration of all sub-associations are acceptable.

Those not choosing to fish under a community plan will be able to fish under a plan designed and administered by DFO known as Group X. This fishing plan limits the number of days that can be fished (one three-day trip per week or three one-day trips per week) and fishing starts June 15 each year.

A licence condition for all less than 45’ vessels will authorize the licence holder to direct their fishing only for the quota species that are under a TAC and for which community quotas have been allocated. Fishing for the non-quota species will be limited to recent total catches for this fleet to prevent any increased effort or redirection of effort. Directed fisheries for cusk and white hake will not be permitted in 4VWX+5. Two species of wolffish (northern and spotted wolffish) have been listed as endangered and must be returned to the water. The more common species in 4VWX+5 is known as the Atlantic or striped wolffish which is listed as species of special concern and landings will be kept to a minimum.

Directed fishing for any other species will require a separate licence condition and harvesting plan, however, there are very few species remaining that can sustain any additional effort. In 4X5Y and 4VW flounder is an alternate quota species but the available quota for the FG <45’ sector is low which will only allow for bycatch. While there was interest by some to consider community quotas, the majority did not support any change from a bycatch fishery.

Specific quotas will be allocated to each management board and any overage will be subtracted from the assigned quota in the following year. There is a 60-day reconciliation period where transfers from previous year quota is allowed to cover overruns.

The guidelines for quota transfers between management boards are outlined in the attached Schedule 1.

All fishing will be closed for all vessel classes fishing under a specific community management board when any one of the main quota species (cod, haddock, pollock or halibut) in a stock area has been reached. Any closure of an individual group within a community as set out in a harvesting plan by a community management board will only occur if requested by the board. There will also be a review of closure options for other species such as white hake and cusk. Generally, if the community quota for hake has been depleted a closure will apply only to that species. In instances where groups direct for hake, or if the hake quota is caught early in the season, it may not be prudent to continue fishing while discarding hake.

Fishing Gear and By-catch Provisions:

1. Minimum hook size will be changed to reflect gape size where the gape is defined as the distance from tip to shank. The minimum gape will be 12 mm in 4VWX+5 and 15.4 mm in 4T.

2. Minimum mesh size for gillnets will be 5 1/2" or larger in 4WX + 5Y and 6" in 5Z for all species. Gillnets will be tended at all times outside 12 miles from any land where only trip fishing will be permitted. There will be seasonal variations that will allow nets to be set inside 30 miles during the summer period. Nets set inside 12 miles, or within the area allowed, during the summer period cannot be left unattended for more than 48 hours. Gillnets cannot be left unattended at any time when fishing in 5Z. In addition to these tending requirements anyone fishing with gillnets in areas outside of their homeport zone, as defined in their licence condition, will not be permitted to leave their gear unattended at any time.

3. The total bycatch of all species under moratorium will be restricted to a maximum cap of 10% when directing for other groundfish such as pollock or Atlantic halibut in 4VW. Flexibility of landings greater than 10% will be permitted on individual trips provided the overall fleet total does not exceed 10%. The individual landing amounts is to be monitored by the various management boards but areas will be closed for vessel classes if bycatch limits are reached or exceeded. The maximum total bycatch of cod in 4T in 2010/11 was 30% per trip with an overall cap for the season, however, a decision has not yet been reached for the 2011/12 season.

4. A maximum cap of 10% bycatch of all other species not mentioned above will be monitored to ensure that landings do not exceed quantities from previous years or the 10% limit, whichever is less. Any time the prescribed bycatch limits are exceeded, a test fishery as described below will be implemented. The cost of any test fishery with the use of an at-sea observer will be borne by the industry and an area may be closed for longer periods if consecutive tests indicate high bycatch levels.

Small Fish Protocol

5. Cod, haddock, pollock and white hake 43 cm in all areas.
6. Atlantic halibut 81 cm in all areas
7. Flatfish (except witch in 4VWX) 30 cm in all areas
8. Witch flounder 33 cm in 4VWX

Areas will be closed when the number of undersized fish reaches or exceeds 15% of the catch of any of the above species.

Catch Monitoring and Test Fishing

9. Dockside monitoring levels for the fleet are outlined in the attached Schedule 2.

The minimum level of weighouts can be increased to 100% for individual licence holders if hails are not deemed accurate. The Fixed Gear Committee has agreed that moving to mandatory DMP will occur for individuals if the hail and landing differ by more than 40% on one occasion. Mandatory DMP will also occur when hails and landings differ by more than 20% but less than 40% on three separate occasions, provided each of the landings are above 500 pounds.

10. All licence holders are required to obtain a call reference number from the Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) “Just Talk” hail-out system prior to departure for any fishing trip. The licence holder/operator will be issued a confirmation number confirming that the hail has been received. This number is to be entered on the groundfish logbook in the appropriate space provided. Licence holders will be notified at this time if an at-sea observer is required and provided directions on contacting the at-sea observer company. Licence holders are strongly encouraged to hail-out through the Just Talk system a minimum of six hours prior to departure to prevent delays if an at-sea observer is required; when notified that an at-sea observer is required, no person shall depart from port without the at-sea observer on board the vessel.

11. Licence holders are required to hail to the Dockside Monitoring Company (DMC) prior to returning to port as directed by licence conditions. All hail and landing data are to be entered by the DMC into the DFO data system with all entry costs borne by the licence holders.

12. Logbooks are to be completed in accordance with licence conditions and the instructions in the fixed gear monitoring document. Only the Fixed Gear Groundfish Monitoring Document 2011 is permitted to be used (old versions are not accepted).

13. Small fish and bycatch closures will be a minimum duration of 10 days. The cost of any test fishery with the use of an observer will be borne by the industry. Closure of areas due to small fish or bycatch concerns may be more than 30 days if consecutive tests reveal fish beyond the level as set out in the protocol.

14. Arrangements will be made in 4VW to carry observers on a routine basis to ensure that bycatch or small fish is within acceptable levels.

15. White hake should not be 51% by species to ensure that this is not the directed species. As well hake should not be more than the sum of the directed species. In 4X+5 the directed species are cod, haddock, pollock and Atlantic halibut. As well the maximum amount of white hake should not exceed 10,000 lbs round weight on any trip. In 4VsW, the licence holder’s weekly landings of white hake should not exceed 5,000lbs round weight; percentage limits do not apply.

16. Cusk should not exceed 25% of the round weight of the directed species and the landings should not exceed 4,000 lbs round at any time.

17. High landings of either cusk or hake could result in additional observer coverage for individuals at their own expense or in some circumstances high landings could result in closure for the vessel class associated with the group for that individual.

18. Landings may be compared for species ratios and size to determine if any anomalies exist when compared to average fleet landings or observed landing in an effort to deal with alleged discarding or dumping. Where significant variation exists additional observer coverage may be considered or possible closure to the gear type involved. When a closure is implemented a test fishery will be implemented and the area will be opened provided the species ratios or fish size continues to be comparable to the test fishery result.

Spawning and Juvenile Closures

Fisheries are subject to closures identified in the applicable regulations, variation orders and licence conditions. Coordinates for the closures are provided in those documents.

19. 4Vn and 4Vsb closed each year from November 1 to April 30 (cod closure).

20. 4VW juvenile area closed to all groundfish sectors.

21. Brown's Bank spawning closure each year from February 1 to June 15. Please note that fishing will not open on Brown’s Bank until 0001 hours June 16 each year.

22. Fishing is not permitted in the waters of the Coral Conservation Zone in Division 4X at any time.

23. Fishing is not permitted in the waters of the Coral Conservation Zone in Division 4Vs at any time.

24. Fishing is not permitted in the waters known as Zone 1 of the Marine Protected Gully Area (MPA) as defined in licence conditions.

Other Measures

25. Directing for skate and monkfish is prohibited in 4VWX + 5.

26. A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required for anyone fishing in 5Z.

A VMS is required in 4X5Y and 4VsW if the following criteria are met:
• the licence is eligible to have a vessel 35’ or greater attached; and
• the licence has either longline or gillnet as an authorized gear type.

27. Mandatory release of all Atlantic halibut less than 81 cm (32”) when fishing in 4VWX+5 and less than 85 cm when fishing in 4T.

28. Industry funded observer coverage will be required at a rate to be decided jointly between DFO and the <45’ Fixed Gear Fleet, with the ultimate goal of reaching 5% to 10%. Each management board is required to fund a FG <45’ observer deployment plan based on one observer day for every 50 tonne of quota for cod, haddock and pollock combined in 4X5Y. Suitable observer coverage will be considered for 4VW. Arrangements are to be completed by each management board or be subject to closure.

29. A quota overrun policy will be applied to each FG Management Board that will involve quota subtracted from the quota in the following year. This will apply to all quota species where quotas have been divided into community quotas including white hake and dogfish.

30. Industry assigned trip limits in the CHP will be reviewed to ensure ratios and amounts reflect expected abundance.

31. All white hake caught and used for bait at sea must be recorded in the logbook and counted against the quota.

Community Groups for 4X5Y Stocks
1. Eastern Nova Scotia: All FG <45’ licence holders Sambro East to Cape North
2. Halifax West: All FG <45’ licence holders in Halifax County west of Sambro
3. Lunenburg & Queens County
4. Shelburne County: (2 separate management boards)
5. Yarmouth County
6. Digby & Counties North in Nova Scotia
7. Southwest New Brunswick

Community Groups for 4VW Stocks
Eastern Nova Scotia 4VsW Management Board consists of members from the Halifax West Commercial Fishermen’s Association (HWCFA), Eastern Shore Fisherman’s Protective Association (ESFPA), and Guysborough County Fishermen’s Association (GCFA), with input from the Cape Breton Fixed Gear Management Board and other 4X Boards that fish in 4VsW.

4Vn Cape Breton Fixed Gear Management Board has representatives from Maritimes Fishermen’s Union (MFU), The North of Smokey Fishermen’s Association (NSFA), Eastern Cape Breton Fishermen’s Association (ECBFA), and the Northside Fishermen’s Association (NFA), with input from the 4VsW Management Board.

SCHEDULE 1
2011/12 Fixed Gear <45’ Groundfish Quota Transfer Guidelines

WITHIN THE FG<45’ FLEET
Management Unit Original Group Transfer Group Eligibility

Cod 4X5Y, Had 4X5Y, Pol 4X5 Any 4X (or 5Z for pollock) Group Any 4X (or 5Z for pollock) Group When not overrun
Shelburne A Shelburne A Anytime
Shelburne B Shelburne B Anytime
Q/L Q/L Anytime

Dogfish (4VW or 4X5) Any Group Any Group When not overrun
Shelburne B Shelburne B Anytime
Shelburne A Shelburne A Anytime
Q/L Q/L Anytime

Cusk Not transferable

White Hake 4X5 4X5 These bycatch quotas must be accompanied by quota for cod, haddock, halibut or pollock (new this season)
4VW 4VW

Pollock 4VW Any 4VsW Group Any 4VsW Group When not overrun
4Vn Not transferable
Shelburne B Shelburne B Anytime
Shelburne A Shelburne A Anytime

Cod 5Z, Haddock 5Z Any 5Z Group Any 5Z Group When not overrun
Shelburne B Shelburne B Anytime
Shelburne A Shelburne A Anytime

Atlantic Halibut 4VsW Any 4VsW Group Any 4VsW Group When not overrun
Atlantic Halibut 4Vn 4Vn Not transferable
Atlantic Halibut 4X5 Any 4X5 Group Any 4X5 Group When not overrun
Shelburne A Shelburne A Anytime
Shelburne B Shelburne B Anytime

Atlantic Halibut 4VWX+5 Any 4VsW Group 4Vn Max 2 mt
ENS 4VsW Group Any 4X5 Group Max 10.8 mt *
Shelburne 4VsW Groups Any 4X5 Group Max 4.2 mt *
* based on the Shelburne shares for 4VsW Atlantic halibut

OUTSIDE THE FG<45’FLEET
• With the exception of 5Z haddock, there are no transfers of fixed gear quota outside the fleet.
• In 2010/11, 5Z haddock was traded with the ITQ/EA sector in exchange for 4X5 pollock and 5Z cod. This may be considered for the 2011/12 fishing season.
• The FG<45’ fleet is able to receive quota from the ITQ fleet sector at any time, with the exception of Atlantic halibut quota which is limited.
• For 2011/12, the fleet can receive through transfer up to 30 mt of 4VWX+5 Atlantic halibut from the FG 45-65 ITQ fleet per halibut fishing area. For the purpose of this guideline, the halibut fishing areas are: 4Vn, 4VsW and 4X5.
• For halibut fishing area 4X5, each management board can receive through transfer a maximum of 3.75 mt (equal share).
• For halibut fishing area 4VsW, the ENS 4VsW management board can receive through transfer a maximum of 21.6 mt (72%) while Shelburne can receive a maximum of 8.4 mt (28%).

Schedule 2
2011/12 DMP Requirements

Total Groundfish > 5000 lbs 100%

5Z Groundfish Any Amount 100%

4T Groundfish Any Amount 100%

4Vn Groundfish Any Amount 100%

4VsW Atlantic Halibut > 500 lbs 100%

4X5Y Atlantic Halibut > 150 lbs 100%

All Other Landings 25%

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HERRING FISHERY 2011

Fisheries and Oceans Canada March 23, 2011
Notice to Fish Harvesters


2010-2011 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 – In 2010, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the 2010-2011 spring and
fall Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and the Harvesting Plan for the herring fishery in the southern
Gulf of St. Lawrence. The decision on the TAC levels was based on the results of the Regional
Advisory Process held by DFO Science on March 9-10, 2010, as well as on consultations with
industry representatives following this meeting.
As in 2010, licence holders who wish to fish under the authority of a bait licence will have to
request conditions of licence from the local licensing service center. As detailed in the conditions
of licence, bait licence holders will be required to maintain a log of catches and report these
catches. The failure to submit logs for licence holders who request conditions may disqualify the
licence holder from obtaining a herring/mackerel bait licence in the next fishing season. Spawning
beds which are closed to commercial fishing will also be closed by licence condition to bait
fishing.
For 2011, tags will be mandatory on gillnets in all areas for both the spring and fall commercial
fisheries.

Pilot project for a herring trap net fishery in Herring Fishing Area (HFA) 16F

A three year pilot fishery using trap nets is authorised in Herring Fishing Area 16F, as discussed at
the Gulf Small Pelagics Advisory Committee (GSPAC) meeting held in December 2010. The pilot
project will be accessible to a maximum of six mackerel or gaspereau trap net licence holders. In
order to be eligible and receive licence conditions, participants will have to be herring gillnet
licence holders, and they will have to turn in their gillnet licence conditions. The catches will be
limited to 2,000 lb per day of herring and 3,500 lb per day of winter flounder (for participants
holding a groundfish licence) between June 1 and June 30. Fishing with trap nets will not be
authorised between July 1st and July 31. For the fall fishery, participants will have to follow the
same daily limits and weekend closures as the gillnet fishery. Observer coverage will be required,
at the rate of one trap per day.
page 2



Pilot project for a purse seine herring fishery along the edge of 4T

As discussed at the December 2010 GSPAC meeting, a pilot fishery will also be allowed for the
large purse seiners along the edge of 4T. Purse seiners will be allowed to retain up to 5,000 t of
fall spawning herring caught along the edge (map below) during the spring season (March-June).
A small fish protocol which reduces the remaining available quota according to the percentage of
herring smaller than 23.5 cm (fork length) in the catch will be implemented. This fishery will
require 100% independent at-sea observer coverage, as well as dockside monitoring and a vessel
monitoring system. If at any time the amount of spring spawners in the catch reaches the spring
allocation, the purse seine fishery will be closed until July 1. This project also includes a catch
limitation of 5,000 t for the baie des Chaleurs during the fall fishery, rather than 50% of the fall
allocation.
Figure

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TAC FOR GROUNDFISH SPECIES FROM SCOTIAN SHELF AND BAY OF FUNDY 2011


Dartmouth, NS – March 21, 2011
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is announcing the total allowable catches (TACs) for groundfish species from the Scotian Shelf and the Bay of Fundy. A summary of the TACs is presented in the table below.

Stock TAC
Cod 4X5Y 1650 mt (interim)
Pollock 4VWX+5 6000t 4X+5
4VW - FG 200t; MG 700t
Haddock 4X5Y 6000t
Silver Hake 4VWX+5 15,000t
White Hake 4VW By-catch only
White hake 4X+5 By-catch only
Atlantic Halibut 3NOPs4VWX+5 1850t
Cod 4VsW Moratorium
Cod 4Vn (M-O) Moratorium
Haddock 4TVW Moratorium
Flounder 4VW 1000t
Atlantic Wolffish 4VWX By-catch only
Redfish Unit III 9000t
Argentine 4VWX 1000t
Flounder 4X 2000t
Skates 4VsW By-catch only
Cusk 4VWX By-catch only
Monkfish 4VWX By-catch only
Spiny Dogfish
(Atlantic Canada) 2500t FG<45’ in Maritimes; bycatch for other
gear and regions

For more information please contact:
Verna Docherty
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dartmouth, NS
(902) 426-4669

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QUOTA RECONCILIATION GUIDELINES

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Gulf, Québec, Maritimes and Newfoundland & Labrador Regions
QUOTA RECONCILIATION GUIDELINES
Preamble
The reconciliation of quota overruns will be applied to commercial quota fisheries administered
by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). It will apply to individual fish harvesters
who hold an allocation as part of a fishery managed by an Enterprise Allocation (EA), Individual
Quota (IQ), or Individual Transferrable Quota (ITQ) regime as well as fleets fishing under a
competitive regime.
Quota reconciliation provides that any overharvest of a quota in one year, on an IQ, EA or in a
competitive fishery, will be accounted for in advance of the following fishing season. The
accounting will result in a quantity of fish equal to the quantity of the overrun being taken off
the top of the allocation (i.e., not allocated) of the respective licence holder or fleet before the
next fishing season starts.
Quota reconciliation is not a penalty or sanction for over-fishing. Rather, it is simply an
accounting of overruns from one management cycle1 to the next to ensure conservation of the
resource and ensure that removals respect established quotas over time.
The quota reconciliation process and results will be managed under a consistent and transparent
process subject to the requirements of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Objectives
Quota reconciliation will facilitate the management of all fisheries and encourage harvest limits
to be respected. Quota reconciliation will help to achieve conservation objectives for the
resource, ensure that over-runs by one fleet/harvester do not affect another, and provides
industry with an increased responsibility in meeting conservation objectives.
Principles
· Harvesters have sufficient quota on their licence to cover for expected catches before
beginning a fishing trip.
· All catches2 accounted for against quotas/allocations approved for the fishing season.
· DFO minimizes the need for reconciliation by ensuring quota transfer mechanisms in place
to allow individuals or fleets to account for overruns during or at the end of a fishing season.
1 Management cycle is a 12 month period as identified in IFMPs
2 Catches are used, as opposed to landings, since quota reconciliation applies
to everything that is caught and recorded either be discarded or retained.
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada Page 2 of 3
· Fisheries closed where quotas are, or are projected to be, exceeded. Fishing during a close
time will continue to be subject to prosecution.
· Quota reconciliation respects Aboriginal and international agreements.
· Individuals or fleets have the right to have quota reconciliation decision reviewed.
GUIDELINES
1. The reconciliation of quota overruns will be applied to commercial quota
fisheries administered by DFO.
2. Quota reconciliation will be applied at either the individual licence holder
or fleet level. This will be dependant upon whether allocations are made
at the individual licence holder or fleet level.
3. Quota overruns will be reconciled on a one-for-one basis (normally
rounded to +/-10kg).
4. In the case of EA, IQ or ITQ, individual licence holders are responsible
for accounting and keeping track of their catches. However, EA, IQ or
ITQ individual licence holders and competitive fleets will be informed of
relevant catch data prior to applying reconciliation. Those licence
holders or fleets may ask to have catch data reviewed.
5. Quota reconciliation will be applied no later than a set number of days, as
established for each stock or fleet (not more than 60 days), after the end
of the fishing season or management cycle whichever is more
appropriate. The timeframe permitted to cover overruns before they are
deducted from the next season’s quota will be clearly identified in the
IFMP or CHP for that fishery.
6. Where quotas apply at the individual licence level and a licence is
reissued, reconciliation will be applied to the reissued licence for the
subsequent fishing season. The onus is on the individual/company who
will be receiving the licence to confirm quotas and landings with the
original licence holder.
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada Page 3 of 3
7. Licence fees will be based on the initial quotas provided to the licence
holder, notwithstanding any subsequent quota reconciliation.
8. Quota reconciliation will apply to directed and incidental catches that are
managed under a quota system. In cases where no by-catch quotas are set
aside, all catches (both directed and by-catch) are applied against a fleet's
allocation for quota monitoring purposes, and if there is an over-run
situation against a fleet's quota, then quota reconciliation will apply.
9. Individual licence holders are subject to be prosecuted for fishing
contrary to licence condition. Where individual quotas are no longer
condition of licences, exceeding the quota will no longer be subject of
prosecution. Nonetheless, where catches exceed allocated quotas fisheries
may be closed to individual licence holders or fleets. Any fishing after
closure will be subjected to prosecution.


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

Verna Docherty
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dartmouth, NS
(902) 426-4669

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Approved VMS Units by Fisheries and Oceans

Approved VMS Unitts by Fiisheriies & Oceans,, Canada
The following units meet the new standards outlined in the DFO Hardware Approval
document:

Iridium - Internal & External ( SASCO)

iTrac - 101A (Joubeh Technologies)

BB1 Orbcomm Upgrade (SASCO)*
These units are currently under review and may be phased out as of January 01, 2011.

Thrane & Thrane- Capsat 3022D (Stratos)

Qualcomm IMCT/IGPS (Boatracs) **

Stellar ST-2500 (AEL/Romm Communications)

TAB-2500 Mettrac CAN 100 (MetOcean)

Quake Global QHE-2500 (SASCO)

Voyager M1500 (Blue Oceans)
* This is an upgrade unit for the Stellar ST-2500/Quake Global QHE-2500
** Units only to be used on vessels with VMS requirements operating solely in the NAFO Areas 3Ps, 3Pn, 4 and 5.
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Other VMS Units are currently under review.
Please check with DFO to inquire on the status of additional units being approved.
VMS Administrations Telephone: (709) 772-5789 (8am-4pm NST)
VMS Fax Line: (709) 772-5787
VMS Administrations Email: vms_support@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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2010-2011 INTERIM FISHERIES PLAN FOR NON-COD GROUNDFISH IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

2010-2011 INTERIM FISHERIES PLAN FOR
NON-COD GROUNDFISH IN THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
(Greenland Halibut – ITQ fleet, Yellowtail Flounder, American Plaice, Winter Flounder, Witch Flounder)

Moncton, Québec City, Corner Brook – May 12, 2010 -

Pending the announcement of the Total
Allowable Catch (TAC) and other conservation measures for groundfish, the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans (DFO) authorizes an interim fishery for certain species of groundfish in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence (3Pn, 4RST).Thus, the 4RST Greenland Halibut fishery for the fixed gear fleet under ITQ, 4T Yellowtail Flounder,4T American Plaice, 4RST Witch Flounder, and 4RST Winter Flounder fisheries will open onMa y 15, 2010 at 00:01 a.m. local time. Management measures for the above-listed species, quotas, remain essentially unchanged from 2009 until the approval of TAC and management
measures for 2010-2011. Please consult the 2009 Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHP) for your fleet
sector or the attached table to find the key management measures for specific fisheries. Licensed fish harvesters who want to participate in fishing activities for any of the above noted species should ensure that proper agreements with dockside monitoring and at-sea observer companies are in place, and obtain new conditions of licence from their local DFO Licensing Service Centre.
Once the TAC and management measures for the 2010-2011 Gulf groundfish fishery are announced, the updating of 2010-2011 CHPs will be completed in consultation with concerned fleets, and other fisheries will be authorized.

For more information please contact:

Luc Légère
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, N.B.
(506) 851-2382

Dario Lemelin
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Québec, Québec
(418) 648-4946

Donald Ball
Area Chief, Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Corner Brook, NL
(709) 637-4310

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SNOW CRAB RE-TAGGING AT SEA POLICY

SNOW CRAB RE-TAGGING AT SEA POLICY

Following consultations with the snow crab industry and stakeholders, a decision has been made to revoke the Conservation & Protection Directive on the Re-tagging of snow crab traps at sea.

The outcome of these consultations was supported by industry and stakeholders to abolish the Directive.

The interim Directive was established in 2003 as a temporary measure to allow fish harvesters that were new to the crab fishery the ability of re-tagging snow crab traps of an existing licence holder to a new licence holder without bringing the crab traps ashore. The transition period is now over and Conservation & Protection will no longer allow re-tagging of snow crab traps at sea.

Fish harvesters are hereby notified that DFO is revoking the Re-tagging of snow crab traps at sea interim directive effective immediately.

For further information:

Ron Belliveau
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Conservation and Protection Branch
Gulf Region
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-2088 John Chouinard
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Conservation and Protection Branch
Quebec Region
Québec, QC
(418) 648-5889

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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.

…../2
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

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