FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA


NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS


nf.18.038

2018-015

2018/3/23


Harp Seal Fishery Opening – Adult Seals ONLY

DFO advises that the Harp seal fishery in Areas 5 to 8 and 12 will open, for a limited harvest of adult Harp seals, at 0600 hours on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 to Friday, April 06, 2018 at 2000 hours. This harvest will only be open for those Sealers who have been issued valid 2018 licence conditions specific to this adult-only, Harp seal-only harvest.

Sealers are reminded that as per Section 30 of the Marine Mammal Regulations, "No person shall fish for adult harp or hooded seals in the whelping or breeding patches."

DFO will advise Seal harvesters regarding the opening date for the traditional April harvest for harp and hooded seals at a later date.

Seal harvesters are advised to check with their buyers to confirm a market for their Seals before going Sealing.

Additionally, all Commercial Sealers are reminded that all landings must be hailed in daily, as per licence conditions.

Sealers are reminded that licences and licence conditions are available through DFO's National Online Licencing System.

Finally, DFO reminds all Commercial Sealers that Humane Harvesting Training on the three-step process is mandatory for all Commercial Seal licence holders prior to participating in the 2018 season, and in any future Sealing seasons.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2018-010 has been revoked and Variation Order 2018-015 comes into effect on March 23, 2018.

"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: janet.warren@dfo-mpo.gc.ca


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