Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: SFA 22 SCIENTIFIC SCALLOP SURVEY

REGISTRATION & DRAW FOR CAPTAIN/VESSEL/CREW

The PEI Fishermen’s Association are seeking 1 Captain, Vessel and two crew to participate in pre-season portion of the annual DFO led scallop survey in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 22 in 2022 and 2023. The April survey area may include up to 116 survey stations mainly in the West Point and Cape Tormentine beds of the Northumberland Strait (SFA 22). The survey is a continuation of the same protocols utilized by DFO science vessels in the past. The survey uses a scallop drag to sample predetermined stations over a maximum of 14-day period beginning on or around April 10^th, 2022. The anticipated number of at-sea working days is 7 for this portion of the project but could vary and is subject to ice/weather conditions. DFO scientists and technicians will be onboard the vessel during the survey and coordinate daily sampling activities. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate the abundance, size and age composition, condition and spatial distribution of scallops as well as data on the other species captured. Data obtained from the surveys are the source of fishery independent data for the scallop stock assessment and advice. There will be no landed catch in this project and all species brought up in the buckets/drag will be returned to the water in a manner that causes the least harm. More information on requirements and payment noted below.

A registration and draw will be administered by the PEIFA to determine the participant.

Registration Dates: March 4^th, 2022 until 4:30PM, March 9^th, 2022

Fee: No fee for registration

How to Register: Fishers can register online at www.peifa.org by clicking ‘Registrations & renewals’ tab then the ‘SFA 22 Scallop Science Survey Registration’ link or contact the PEIFA office to register by phone or in person.

Required Information: Fisher’s name, phone #, FIN #, homeport, vessel name, VRN#, Scallop license #.

The Draw will be held immediately after the completion of the Registration at 4:30PM March 9^th, 2022.

Interested individuals can find details about the Captain’s responsibilities, project protocol and required documentation via the website, www.peifa.org or contact Laura Ramsay @ 902-393-2281.

Requirements:

· The participating Captain must be a licensed SFA 22 fish harvester and active in the scallop fishery a minimum of 1 season (with optimum experience of 5 years or more considered an asset). A minimum of 1 year experience fishing in the Northumberland Strait is required (with optimum experience of 5 years or more considered an asset). Captain and/or crew experience in scientific sampling projects considered an asset as well.

· Captains will need to provide a copy of their vessel registration and photos of various safety equipment on board, as well as photos of deckspace, dumping station, winch and washroom facility. The vessel must have a stable 120 V AC power supply circuit or equivalent to operate scientific equipment.

· Captains will need to provide a copy of their MED-A1 (or DVS) certification, as will both crew members. Proof of insurance (and liability) for the Vessel is also required. Proof of crew liability insurance or Worker’s Compensation is also required. We have been informed that Worker’s Compensation PEI can provide project specific insurance for Captains.

· Click the following link to review the mandatory criteria and vessel requirements, and another link with survey protocol: Mandatory Criteria and Survey Protocol

Payment Information:

· Payment of $3,516.00 per completed (and DFO approved) full-day fishing trip. $1,758.00 per half-day fishing trip (less than 10 tows). This fishing trip payment includes all costs of running and operating the vessel (vessel maintenance, repair costs, fishing gear maintenance, fuel, insurance, payment of crew, etc). The survey drag will be provided by DFO.

· A lump sum payment can be expected to the Captain from the PEIFA following the completion of the project and approval/confirmation by DFO.

· The Captain agrees that he shall maintain third party liability insurance on his vessel (in the amount of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence on his vessel). A copy of the insurance plan will need to be provided to DFO.

· The Captain will be required to sign a contract with the PEIFA (copy of the contract can be provided for their info) agreeing to the protocol, rate of pay and insurance coverage.

· A T4A will be issued upon completion of the project thus the PEIFA will require the Captain’s Social Insurance Number (SIN)

DISCLAIMER: This project is scheduled to move ahead in April 2022 and as with each project is subject to the current Federal and Provincial Covid-19 requirements/protocols.