Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

Notice to Atlantic Halibut Fish Harvesters

Fixed Gear less than 13.1716 (45 feet), PEI Fleet

The Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the details of the 2016 commercial PEI Atlantic Halibut fishery.

This new halibut management plan will be based on individual catch limits for each PEI groundfish harvester who registers for the fishery. Not registering or participating in the 2016 halibut fishery will not prevent an eligible harvester from participating in this fishery in future years. The fishing season will open every Wednesday and Thursday with an anticipated starting date of July 20 and ending on August 25, 2016. There will be no weather calls to determine opening and closing. Limits include nightly closures from 6PM to 6AM, hook limit of 300, hook size is 15.4mm. Fishers are required to register for the 2016 PEI Commercial Halibut fishery with the PEI Fishermen’s Association during the two-day registration period.

~ REGISTRATION DETAILS ~

Registration Dates: 8:30AM-4:30PM on July 12^th and July 13^th, 2016

Location: Farm Centre, 420 University Avenue, Charlottetown

Fee: $250.00 including HST. The fee covers fleet observer coverage and contribution towards groundfish fleet improvement activities.

Payment Method: Cash, Cheque, Credit or Debit Card

How to Register: Fishers can register in person or by phone, or send a representative with written permission authorizing registration on the fishers’ behalf. Arrangements can also be made with the buyers/coops with proper authorization.

Required Information: Fishers name, phone #, FIN #, vessel name, and fishers will be required to sign a vessel safety form for Biorex observer coverage.

Registrations after 4:30PM, July 13^th, 2016 will NOT be accepted

There will be NO REFUNDS on Registration Fees

The list of registered fishers will be submitted to DFO and the fishery will open via variation order for those fishers. The number of registered fishers is important to determine the individual catch limit per fisher for the 2016 PEI Commercial halibut fishery only. If over 400 fishers register, an emergency meeting of those registered will be called to vote on further controls for the fishery.

For further information on the registration please contact the PEIFA at 902-566-4050. A copy of the 2016 Halibut Conservation Harvesting Plan will be posted on the website at www.peifa.orgwhen it is available. For more information on details of the management plan, please contact Chris Mills, DFO Chief Resource Manager at 902-566-7807.