Gulf Region

2020 – Temporary changes to the Vessel Hail System before departing Moncton – April 22, 2020

Fisheries and Oceans Canada wants to inform all fish harvesters that are required by condition of licence to contact the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Vessel Hail System before departing for a fishing trip of the following temporary changes to their hail requirements.

For hails prior to departure, the licence holder/operator must contact the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Vessel Hail System at 1-800-561-2467 or, at 1-902-464-8103 (satellite phone only) at least three (3) hours before departing for each fishing trip.

a) If the licence holder/operator decides to cancel or delay a previously confirmed departure time for a fishing trip, he must cancel his hail-out or confirm a new departure time prior tohis original departure time by contacting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Vessel Hail System at 1-800-561-2467 (Gulf Region) or, at 1-902-464-8103 (satellite phone only).

b) If the licence holder/operator decides to cancel a previously confirmed departure time for a fishing trip, as defined in paragraph a), and indicates a new departure time for a fishing trip, the call must be made at least one (1) hour prior to the new departure time.

c) If the licence holder/operator decides to delay, as defined in paragraph a), a previously confirmed departure time for fishing trip, he must confirm a new departure time at least one (1) hour prior to the new departure time.

Note: A delayed departure is a departure made after the original departure time.

These changes are due to the temporary suspension of the At-sea observer program and will remain in effect until May 17th 2020. The time frames will revert to what is indicated in the conditions of licence on May 18th 2020