Gulf Region DFO NOTICE TO FISHERS 

#peifa.org/members/docs/MECTS-#4175099-v1-PEI_HALIBUT_Notice_to_Fish_Harvesters_2020.pdf

2020 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – ATLANTIC HALIBUT FISHERY
EKME: 4175099

Charlottetown, PEI– July 09, 2020 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the management measures for the Prince Edward Island (PEI) groundfish fixed-gear licence holders, with vessels less than 13.1716 metres (45 feet) in overall length that have registered to fish Atlantic Halibut in 2020.

Individual Allocation: The Atlantic Halibut allocation for the PEI fixed gear fleet in 2020 will be 65.657 metric tonnes. Based on the number of registered participants, an individual catch limit of 261 kg round weight will be implemented. To convert dressed (head on, gutted) weight to round weight, multiply dressed weight by 1.14.

Season: In 2020, the PEI Atlantic halibut fishery will be open for thirty-six consecutive hours, during four separate openings or until the quota is caught. The openings will occur on July15 /16 , July 29 /30 , August 26 /27 and September 9 /10 . During open periods, the fishery will occur from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. the following day. Licences holders are not permitted to leave port until 2 a.m. on the day of an opening and must return to port by 6 p.m. the following day.

If more than 10% of the quota remains after the fourth opening, a list of eligible licence holders will be created and the quota redistributed based on the individual catch limit.

Management measures similar to 2019 include:

• -  The maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or onboard a vessel at any time is 300.

• -  Maximum individual by-catch limit of 50kg of cod. All fishing activities must cease once this bycatch limit is reached

• -  100% Dockside 

  NEW management measures in place for the 2020 fishing season:

  Gear Marking

  Gear marking is in place in this fishery. Specific requirements are explained in the Notice to Fish Harvesters issued January 31, 2020 and details of these requirements can also be found in the licence conditions.

  For PEI longline, the gear marking colours will be blue and pink

  Management measures to minimize interactions with North Atlantic Right Whales

  The management measures to protect the right whales are available at the following Internet address: http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/commercial-commerciale/atl-arc/narw- bnan/management-gestion-eng.html

  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry

  Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.

  Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments.

  Visit our website to find out more:

  http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-industrie/index-eng.html

  FOR MORE INFORMATION:

  Ben Moore
  A/Area Chief, Resource Management Gulf Region
  Fisheries and Oceans Canada Charlottetown, PEI
  (902) 370-7094Benjamin.Moore@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

  Daniel Lapierre
  A/Regional Senior FAM Officer Gulf Region
  Fisheries and Oceans Canada Moncton, N.B.
  506-851-3846Daniel.Lapierre@dfo-mpo.gc.ca