Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

Notice to PEI Harvesters

Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) Atlantic Mackerel Sampling 2024

CAPTAINS/VESSELS FOR HIRE

For the link to the registration, please click here.

On March 30th, 2022, DFO announced that there would be no directed commercial and bait fisheries for Atlantic Mackerel. In the event of possible continued closure in 2024, DFO Science is requesting harvester participation in sample collection.

The goal of the 2024 sampling project is to characterize the population (rather than the catch, as prior to the fishery closure) through the implementation of an index fishery. Samples can be used for a variety of goals: an index of the population age- and length structure, weight-at-age, maturity-at-age, analyses of the spawning season (essential in the calculation of the Total Egg Production index) as well as to support other potential research projects (ie. genetics, fecundity, etc.)

PEI Harvesters in all three lobster fishing areas (LFAs 24, 25, 26A) are eligible for this project.

The PEIFA is seeking up to 2 Captains for the HANDLINE portion of this project:

Hired Captains (2 maximum) will handline to collect the required samples (total number yet to be determined). Each scientific sample would include a length frequency of at least 150 fish. There will be no size limit for mackerel caught. The weight of the entire catch in pursuit of each sample must be reported. The PEI Fishermen’s Association will supply science technicians for sampling.

The following are a list of details/requirements for the participants interested in the HANDLINE portion of the project (details are listed on the PEIFA website):

Payment: $1230/sample + 300kg of mackerel
A minimum of 150 fish must be caught to be considered a successful sample
Payment will only be made for successful trips
The PEIFA will supply a technician to sample mackerel
Captain is required to have proven activity in at least one of the past 5 years (hailed in with fish) of the commercial mackerel fishery
Vessel is required to meet all standard Transport Canada requirements
The Captain may require third-party liability insurance on his vessel (in the amount of $2,000,000.00 per occurrence on his vessel); dependent on DFO contracts.
The Captain may require crew liability insurance if not covered by workers compensation, dependent on DFO contracts.
The Captain will be required to sign a contract with the DFO (agreeing on protocol, rate of pay and insurance)
Captains must be willing to work closely with project staff
A draw of qualified applicants will be made if more than 2 persons apply

The PEIFA is seeking up to 2 Captains for the DRIFTNET portion of this project:

The hired Captain(s) (2 maximum) will set 10 nets, having one sample/trip per week. Number of samples and distribution are yet to be determined. Each scientific sample would include a length frequency of at least 150 fish. There will be no size limit for mackerel caught. The weight of the entire catch in pursuit of each sample must be reported. The PEI Fishermen’s Association will supply technicians for sampling.

The following is a list of details/requirements for the participants interested in the DRIFTNETTING portion of the project (details are listed on the PEIFA website):

Payment: $2130/sample + 300kg of mackerel
A minimum of 150 fish must be caught to be considered a successful sample
Payment will only be made for successful trips
The PEIFA will supply a science technician to sample mackerel
Captain is required to have proven activity in at least one of the past 5 years (hauled in with fish) of the commercial mackerel fishery
Vessel is required to meet all standard Transport Canada requirements
The Captain may require third-party liability insurance on his vessel (in the amount of $2,000,000.00 per occurrence on his vessel); dependent on DFO contracts.
The Captain may require crew liability insurance if not covered by workers compensation, dependent on DFO contracts.
The Captain will be required to sign a contract with the DFO (agreeing on protocol, rate of pay and insurance)
Captains must be willing to work closely with project staff
A draw of qualified applicants will be made if more than 2 persons apply

A registration and draw will be administered by the PEIFA to determine the participants for both the handline and driftnet portions of the project.

Registration Dates: 8:30AM April 12th, 2024, until 2:00PM, April 19th, 2024

Fee: No fee for registration

How to Register: Fishers can register online using the form below, or contact the PEIFA office to register by phone or in person.

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

The Draw will be held immediately after the completion of the Registration at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 19th, 2024.

Any questions on the project details, please contact Melanie Giffin, Marine Biologist with the PEIFA @ 902-330-4466 or melanie@peifa.org