FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS

nf.18.290

8/7/2018

 

3LNO Sea Cucumber Emerging Fishery - DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST PROCESS

The deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest will now close at noon, August 10, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans, Newfoundland and Labrador Region is seeking Expressions of Interest for a potential Emerging Fishery for Sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) in NAFO Divisions 3LNO.

Fish harvesters wishing to participate in the experimental, exploratory, and commercial (if any) portions of this potential fishery in NAFO Divisions 3LNO will be required to contribute to all elements of the stock assessment process.

This includes gearing up vessels appropriately, with costs being covered by the enterprise; fishing within a defined science survey grid pattern; contributing to comprehensive and enhanced reporting of all multi-year exploratory fishing activity, including Post Season Review discussions; and other requirements, as dictated by the New Emerging Fisheries Policy.

Fish harvesters who have previously submitted an Emerging Fisheries Application form must still submit an Expression of Interest.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Enterprises must have a homeport based in NAFO Divisions 2J, 3K, 3L, or sub-Division 3Ps.

2. Independent Core fish harvesters must have vessel eligibility 40' and greater.

3. Fish harvesters who currently hold a Sea cucumber licence/permit will not be eligible

4. Fish harvesters must not be "under review" for Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada's Atlantic Fishery (PIIFCAF) policy at the time of the issuance of an exploratory permit.

 

Additionally, leasing, buddy up, and/or enterprise combining are not permitted. There will be a gear up requirement, as well as a participation requirement (i.e. active harvesting) to continue eligibility in future years (if applicable).

Depending on the level of interest, fish harvesters who submit an Expression of Interest are not guaranteed an opportunity to participate in this fishery. If necessary, an Eligibility Priority List will be developed based on a random draw of all Expressions of Interest received.

The list will remain valid for three years from the date of the draw. If selected enterprises cannot gear-up within one month from the date of the letter of offer, they may not be eligible to participate in the 2018-2019 fishery. Harvesters requesting exceptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Full information on the New Emerging Fisheries Policy can be found online at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/policies-politiques/efp-pnp-eng.htm

 

Contact:

Robyn Morris
Regional FAM Officer
Tel: (709)772-8859
Email: robyn.morris@dfo-mpo.gc.ca