Gulf Region

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS 

2020 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY
EKME: 4176685

Charlottetown, PEI– July 14, 2020 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) today announces that fishing will be authorized for the 2020 Prince Edward Island (PEI) Bluefin Tuna season.

SEASON DATES: In 2020, fishery will open on July 15th and end on December 31st or until the quota nears 0 mt.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:

•   Each licence holder will be issued one tag at the beginning of the season.

•   Licence holders with no fishing effort by September 30, 2020 will not be eligible to

  participate in the second opening of the fishery in October, unless they hold a Mexican

  tag distributed by the PEIFA.

•   Licence holders eligible for a reallocation tag must use one tag by September 30, 2020.

  A reallocation tag can be picked up at any time prior to September 30, 2020 once the first

  fish has been landed.

•   Licence holders eligible for a reallocation tag that having fishing effort but did not use

  their first tag by September 30, 2020, will be eligible to retain their first tag.

•   Licence holders in a partnership must land two tuna by September 30, 2020. A

  reallocation tag can be picked up at any time prior to September 30, 2020 once the first

  fish has been landed.

•   Partnerships will be valid for the whole season, unless DFO is notified otherwise.

•   The Prince Edward Island Bluefin Tuna fleet will have access to a portion of quota

  transferred from Mexico to Canada.

•   For licence holders to hail out, they must call the Vessel Hail-Out System at 1-800-561-

  2467, at least 3 hours prior to departure for any fishing trip. Licences holders must select an At Sea Observer Company in the IVR system, even though an observer will not be deployed.

•   Licence holders should note that having a Bluefin Tuna tag in your possession allows access to fish but does not guarantee your quota.

•   Licence holders that are requesting a temporary dart tag, must record the dart tag number in Annex II, prior to fishing. Dart tags are non-transferrable.

•   Licence Holders will have to print Licence Conditions for 4RST and 4WD separately.

NEW management measures in place for the 2020 fishing season:
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

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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

Mario Gaudet
Regional Senior FAM Officer Gulf Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Moncton, N.B.
506-851-3526Mario.Gaudet@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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