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 2019 commercial PEI Atlantic Halibut fishery soon and have advised that 59 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 2019 halibut fishery will not prevent an eligible harvester from participating in this fishery in future years. The season could potentially open as early as July 15^th, 2019 but confirmation by DFO on season dates is anticipated soon. Management measures, and season duration are expected to be similar to last year. Fishers are required to register for the 2019 PEI Commercial Halibut fishery with the PEI Fishermen’s Association during the two-day office registration period as well as online registration option this year.

~ REGISTRATION DETAILS ~

Registration Dates: 9AM-4:30PM on July 8^th and 9^th, 2019

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. NEW OPTION IN 2019: FISHERS CAN REGISTER/PAY ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK AT www.peifa.org

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

Registrations after 4:30PM, Tuesday, July 9^th, 2019 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 2019 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 2019 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.