FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS

nf.20.092

May 15, 2020

North Atlantic Right Whale - Notice of grid closure - NAFO 4S

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is providing notice of new grid closures due to the confirmed presence of North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW). These closures are consistent with the 2020 NARW management measures previously announced by DFO.

As the Gulf and Quebec Regions previously conveyed information for grid closures in an area that may impact some of the fisheries conducted by the Newfoundland & Labrador Region fish harvesters, the information is therefore also being provided here.

Due to the confirmed presence of North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW), the following grids in NAFO Area 4S will be closing on May 16, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. Newfoundland Daylight Time (NDT):

- Full grids GV52, GV53, GV54, GW45, GW46, GW47, GW52, GW53, GW54, GX45, GX46, GX47, GX52, GX53, GX54, GY45, GY46, GY47

The related Notice to fish harvesters containing map and coordinates can be viewed here: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/commercial-commerciale/atl-arc/narw-bnan/index-eng.html.

The closures will be in effect for non-tended fixed gear fisheries, crab trap fisheries and lobster trap fisheries. Fishing gear should be removed from the above grids accordingly.

DFO reminds licence holders that it is the responsibility of the licence holder to take into account the marine safety notices issued, amongst others, by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Transport Canada, as well as the standards and best practices in marine safety, and to take all measures to ensure safe fishing operations.

“Notices to Fish Harvesters” for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/e0004341 

If you would like to have all “Notices to Fish Harvesters” for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: beverly.piccott@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 

Contact:

Jackie Kean
Resource Manager
Tel. (709) 772-2045
E-mail: jackie.kean@dfo-mpo.gc.ca