Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

The following Presentations were made in three locations on PEI by DFO's Mike Cherry (PEI Area Director) and Colin MacIsaac (Chief, Resource Manager) this past month on the changes to DFO service delivery in Canada and on PEI.

This presentations reflects the MAJOR changes in DFO Service Delivery. Please take time to read up on these changes.

An outline is provided below and a copy of the powerpoint presentation can be accessed by clicking the following link:

For more information please contact DFO at (902) 566-7814!

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Changes to Our Client Service Delivery Ecosystems and Fisheries Management Change Initiatives
The Face of Change: We’re transforming delivery of key programs and services to:

Respond to current and future industry environment
Strengthen program efficiency and effectiveness

Key changes for fishermen:
Expanding multi-year fisheries management planning using multi-year stock assessments and advice

New national online fisheries management licensing system

Revised requirements for gear tags, logbooks, and at-sea observers

Multi-Year Management Approach
A majority of fisheries will soon be managed with multi-year stock assessment advice and multi-year planning:

Status of fish stocks in most fisheries does not significantly vary year to year

More than 150 fisheries in Canada are managed today using multi-year stock assessment and advice

Multi-year planning provides predictable, stable access to the resource

Enables long-term business planning and optimum economic return

Multi-Year Management Approach

Annual stock assessment advice and management planning will continue:

Where stock biology requires this approach (e.g., Pacific salmon)

Where international agreement require this approach (e.g., Atlantic bluefin tuna)

Current monitoring and data collection schedules maintained:
Department continues to produce indicators of fish stock status

DFO interim management actions, including full science assessment, triggered if monitoring data indicates change in stock status beyond predetermined threshold
Multi-Year Management Approach
Multi-year planning will be evaluated throughout three-year cycle:

Ensure goals are met
Make readjustments, if necessary

Implementation Guidelines in development:

Describe components of multi-year approach (e.g., evergreen Integrated Fisheries Management Plans, harvest control rules, multi-year advice, etc.)

Will deal with quota carry forwards and quota reconciliation

New Online Licensing System

DFO’s licensing services will move to the Internet to enable:

Online request, issuance and renewal of commercial fishing licences, vessel registrations, and payment of licences using Interac or credit card

Online access to routine in-season licensing services:
Licence applications
Issuance of licence conditions
Licence payment

24/7 online access to licence information, such as licence transactions, payment status, and other information

New client service offering support to fishermen through tutorials and tiered assistance (e-mail, toll-free number, and in-person appointments, when needed)

New Online Licensing System
Web-based technologies replacing other traditional services:
Online licensing services consistent with systems and procedures used by other industries
Growing number of Canadians also use automated systems or Internet to bank and complete other business and financial transactions

New system will be phased in between January 1 and March 31, 2013, with full adoption by April 1, 2013:
Licence services will continue to be provided at the counter during three-month phase-in timeframe.
New Online Licensing System
Secure environment:
“Cyber authentication” provides secure user account access
Online payment through Receiver General Buy Button
Privacy of individuals and their enterprises protected

E-mail account and registration required to receive licensing and payment status

Alternative service delivery procedures also available:
Licensing transactions through a representative
Payment by cash or cheque via a national bank

Revised Requirements of Industry
Industry across Canada will be responsible for supply and distribution of gear tags/tabs and logbooks in 2013.

Industry also required to pay full cost of the at-sea observer program as of April 1, 2013.
Gear Tag / Validation Tab Changes
Gear tags/tabs not the only means available to provide for conservation, sustainability, and an orderly fishery.

DFO working with industry to determine where gear tags are required.
Discussions will continue through established consultative processes.
In Pacific Region, validation tabs will be issued for herring gillnet fishing operations, but no other vessels for the 2013 season.

Where tags continue to be used, DFO will enforce provisions of these tags as done in past.
DFO protocol ensures tag processes meet clear specifications, have integrity, and are enforceable.
Gear Tag / Validation Tab Changes
Requirement to obtain and purchase tags/tabs does not apply to:
Atlantic tuna fishery
Species regulated by Management of Contaminated Fishery Regs
Non-commercial fisheries, e.g., food, social and ceremonial, scientific or recreational fisheries.

DFO protocol to guide those who wish to obtain and distribute tags/tabs to fishermen
Tag suppliers required to submit tagging plan for DFO approval before they can distribute to industry
Logbook/Data Collection Form Changes
Industry continues using and remitting existing logbooks, sales slips, hails, and dockside monitoring forms in 2013
Instruction on how to obtain logbooks and other data collection forms to be provided to industry later in autumn 2012

New fisheries data collection forms for use in 2014 fishing season will be available next year:
Streamlined for greater consistency and efficiency
Designed to enable future electronic data transfer as a remitting option to DFO
At-Sea Observer Changes
Industry assumes all at-sea observer costs beginning April 1, 2013 and enters directly into contracts with DFO-certified service providers.
Greater control for industry over operational elements of the program.
Greater ability for industry to select at-sea observer service provider and negotiate fees for this service directly with the provider.

DFO focussed on monitoring and auditing the program to ensure data integrity and continued industry compliance.
Also responsible for standard setting and service provider certification.
Change Initiatives – Key Timelines
Ongoing:
Information sharing and orientation on all service delivery changes

October 2012:

Department web pages launch
Outline of service delivery changes and Frequently Asked Questions

Autumn 2012:
Industry engagement on gear tag requirements and consultations on regulatory changes
Instructions to industry, re: obtaining logbook and data collection forms for 2013 fishing season

Change Initiatives – Key Timelines
November and December 2012:
User testing of new system

January 1, 2013:
Phased adoption of new online licensing system begins
Licensing services at the counter still available
Industry responsible for supply and distribution of logbooks

April 1, 2013:
New licensing system adopted for use by all industry
Industry assumes costs of tags/tabs
Industry assumes full costs of At-Sea Observer Program

Messages to Take Away
Service delivery focus on continuous process improvement

Information sharing will occur throughout

Multi-year approach benefits fishermen:
Creates more stability and predictability in resource access
Enables long-term planning to maximize harvest potential and thus, economic prosperity

New online licensing system provides industry with secure online access to commercial licensing services including licence information, transactions, payments, and more

Messages to Take Away
New system aligned with industry direction:
Convenient, 24/7 access to licensing information
Self-directed environment, remote e-business capacity
Enhanced client support

Training and orientation to ensure smooth transition

Consistent approach to costs associated with gear tag, logbook, and at-sea observers:
Protocol developed for tag service providers
Instructions on how to obtain logbooks for 2013 fishing season available later this autumn

Thank-You!

If you have questions on Service Delivery Changes;
Visit our Website:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sdc-cps/index-eng.htm
Email us: SDC-CPS@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Call Toll Free: 1-877-535-7307