Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

Notice to PEI LFA 24 Fish Harvesters –

2023 PEI LFA 24 Post-Season Wide Scale Gear Retrieval Activity

CALL FOR CAPTAINS/VESSELS FOR HIRE

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: NOON, MONDAY, JULY 10^TH 2023

The PEIFA is seeking up to 9 Captains for the 2023 LFA 24 Post-Season Gear Retrieval Program. Duties include assisting in the gear retrieval activities in priority areas within LFA 24. Participants will use their own personal grapnelling equipment for the purpose of locating lost fishing gear. Captains will be provided with a section 52 permit, which will allow gear to be taken on board and moved to designated wharves and secure storage. Gear retrieval will take place between July 8^th and November 15^th, 2023. Captains will need to sign a contract with the PEIFA and provide proof of marine insurance. Two crew members will also be required per vessel. Remote Operative Vehicle (ROV) equipment may also be trialed on board participant vessels during gear retrieval activities. Captains will be required to fill out basic log sheet information for each trip and for gear retrieved.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Registration Dates: Monday, July 3^rd to 12PM, Monday, July 10^th, 2023

Fee: No fee to register.

How to register: Online or by phone. The online link is www.peifa.org and click the tab “LFA 24 Gear Retrieval Project” to enter registration information. To register by phone, call the PEIFA @ 902-566-4050.

DRAW: A draw of qualified applicants will be made if more than 9 Captains apply.

For more information on participant qualifications and details please visit www.peifa.org or by contacting Jennifer Dewland at 902-566-4060 Ext: #3 (jennifer@peifa.org) or Laura Ramsay at (902) 393-2281 (laura@peifa.org) .

The following are a list of details/qualifications for the participants in the gear spotting survey:

· The goal of the project is to perform a focused grapnel survey of priority areas for the purpose of retrieving lost, abandoned, and discarded fishing gear in PEI coastal environments after the spring lobster fishing season. Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) equipment may also be trialed during gear retrieval activities.

· Fisher must be reliable and experienced in grappling for gear.

· Fisher must have their own grappling equipment. There are a limited number of grappling units available from the PEIFA for use for the project.

· Fisher must be available for the 2 best weather days between July 10^th and November 15^th. Hopeful to secure timing during the month of July.

· The vessel needs to meet all standard Transport Canada requirements.

· The Captain requires third-party liability insurance on their vessel (in the amount of $2,000,000.00 per occurrence on their vessel).

· The vessel is attached to the license and must remain the same for the duration of the project – the fisher cannot be active in any fisheries during the retrieval dates.

· The Captain will be required to sign a contract with the PEIFA, agreeing to the a) protocol outlined by DFO’s Ghost Gear Fund and the DFO Section 52 permit, b) rate of pay, and c) insurance.

· Captains will need to provide at least 2 crew members, always ensuring the safety of all those on board.

· Captain must be willing to work closely with project staff including providing valuable feedback and troubleshooting throughout the project. A basic logsheet will need to be filled out for each trip.

· A draw of qualified applicants will be made if more than 9 persons apply.

· A rate of $300/hour will be paid for services under this project with the aim of 12-hours at sea per day. This would be an all-inclusive price to the Captain including 2 crew, fuel, docking fees, insurance, ect.

· Captains must be within a 1-hour sailing distance from the hotspot zones.