Notice to Atlantic Halibut Fish Harvesters
Fixed Gear less than 19.8 meters, PEI Fleet

DFO is announcing the opening of the PEI Atlantic Halibut fishery from 8 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday, August 28th, 2012.  Depending on the level of interest, this season may be adjusted.  The maximum number of hooks per harvester has been set at 400, with the hook size remaining the same at 15.4mm. 

Fish harvesters will be required to register for at-sea Observer coverage (Biorex) prior to obtaining license conditions from DFO.  Registration for this coverage can be arranged through the PEIFA office located at the Farm Centre, 420 University Ave., Charlottetown or by faxing 368-3748.  The fee for this coverage is $50.00 (fifty dollars) including GST for members and $200 (two-hundred dollars) including GST for non-members with payment to be made to the PEI Fishermen’s Association.  Information required includes harvester and vessel name, CFV/VRN no., telephone and cell no. and homeport.  Harvesters must also complete and sign a Vessel Safety form for Biorex.

 Registration and vessel safety forms must be submitted to the PEIFA before Friday, August 17th, 2012.  Following the registration deadline (Aug 17th), and depending on the level of interest, DFO, in consultation with the Groundfish Advisory Committee, may need to adopt further effort controls. 

For further information please contact the PEIFA at (902) 566-4050 

Vessel Safety Forms can be printed via the following link: 

ALSO NOTE:  The Groundfish Advisory Committee will be participating in a conference call with DFO on Monday, Aug 27th at 8AM regarding weather conditions for the Aug 28th opening.  Any changes to the date will be relayed to fishers ASAP.