Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

Notice to Atlantic HalibutFish Harvesters

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

The Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) will be announcing the details of the 2018 commercial PEI Atlantic Halibut fishery soon and have advised that 55.745 tonne of halibut will be available to PEI. The anticipated 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 2018 halibut fishery will not prevent an eligible harvester from participating in this fishery in future years. The fishing season is expected to open every Wednesday and Thursday for approximately a 6-week period. The season could potentially start as early as July 18^th, 2018. Confirmation by DFO on season dates is anticipated soon. Limits to include nightly closures from 6PM to 6AM, hook limit of 300, hook size is 15.4mm. Additional management measures may be added by DFO to mitigate North Atlantic Right Whale interactions. Fishers are required to register for the 2018 PEI Commercial Halibut fishery with the PEI Fishermen’s Association during the three-day registration period.

~ REGISTRATION DETAILS ~

Registration Dates: 9AM-4:30PM on July 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th, 2018

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, Thursday, July 12^th, 2018 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 2018 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 contact the PEIFA at 902-566-4050. A copy of the 2018 Halibut Conservation Harvesting Plan will be posted on the website at www.peifa.org when DFO makes this information available. For information on the management plan, contact Ben Moore, DFO Chief Resource Manager at 902-370-7094.