FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA


NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS


nf.21.305B

2021-270

Sep. 15, 2021


Atlantic Halibut Fishery for the Inshore Fixed-Gear Fleet in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps

DFO advises that in consultation with industry, a directed fishery for Atlantic halibut in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps will be permitted for the inshore fixed-gear fleet this season to harvest the remaining fleet quota. This fishery will open to this fleet (fixed-gear vessels less than 65 feet - Vessel Class A440) at 0600 hours on Monday, September 20, 2021.

Participants in this fishery will be authorized to fish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, including east of Boxey Point, and will have weekly catch limits for Atlantic halibut. Catch limitations, fishing restrictions, and other provisions for this fishery are outlined in the species-specific and Groundfish General Licence Conditions, which will be available after 9:00 PM on Wednesday, September 15 through the National Online Licencing System (NOLS).

Harvesters are reminded that as outlined in their conditions of licence, all cod caught, whether from directed catch or by-catch, will be charged against the harvester's Individual Quota (IQ) or harvesting cap for their licence in 3Ps. Once a harvester has caught their cod IQ or harvesting cap, whether it is from directed fishing or as by-catch, the harvester must cease fishing for all species of groundfish in 3Ps for the remainder of the year.

DFO will closely monitor catches from this fishery. Once the available fleet allocation of Atlantic halibut is reached, the fishery will close to the inshore fixed-gear fleet and further retention of Atlantic halibut, including as bycatch in other fisheries, will be prohibited.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2021-259 has been revoked and Variation Order 2021-270 comes into effect 0600 hours September 20, 2021.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are 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:

Shelley Dwyer
Resource Management
Tel: (709)728-8940
Email: shelley.dwyer@dfo-mpo.gc.ca