Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Assoc.

Notice to Atlantic Halibut Fish Harvesters
Fixed Gear less than 19.8 meters, PEI Fleet

DFO is announcing the opening of the PEI Atlantic Halibut fishery from 6 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday, August 31st, 2010. Depending on the level of interest, this season may be adjusted. The 2010 allocation for the PEI fleet is set at 23.2 MT. The maximum number of hooks per harvester has been set at 1000. DFO has also announced an increase to the minimum size of halibut to 85 cm for the 2010 fishery.

Fish harvesters will be required to register for at-sea Observer coverage (Biorex) prior to obtaining license conditions from DFO. Registration for this coverage can be arranged through the PEIFA office located at the Farm Centre, 420 University Ave., Charlottetown or by faxing 368-3748. The fee for this coverage is $150 (one hundred and fifty dollars) including GST with payment to be made to the PEI Fishermen’s Association. Information required includes harvester and vessel name, CFV/VRN no., telephone and cell no. Harvesters must also complete and sign a Vessel Safety form for Biorex.

Registration and vessel safety forms must be submitted to the PEIFA before Noon, August 6th, 2010. Following the registration deadline (August 6th), and depending on the level of interest, DFO, in consultation with the Groundfish Advisory Committee, may need to adopt further effort controls. Following this decision on effort controls, if fish harvesters decide not to participate, they will be given the opportunity to request a refund of the registration fee no later than August 20th, 2010.

For further information please contact the PEIFA at (902) 566-4050 or www.peifa.org