NEW TAG REQUIREMENT FOR COMMERCIAL & COMMUNAL COMMERCIAL INSHORE HERRING FISHING AREAS 16F AND 16G AND CHANGE IN TAG POSITION FOR COMMERCIAL, COMMUNAL COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL USE BAIT LICENCES
Moncton – March 31, 2010
Fisheries and Oceans Canada wants to notify all herring fish harvesters in the Gulf Region of a new requirement for inshore Herring Fishing Areas (HFA) 16F and 16G.
Effective in 2010, tags will become a requirement for inshore HFA 16F and 16G during the spring fishery only. While fishing under a commercial or a communal commercial licence in HFA 16F or HFA 16G, no person shall fish with or have on board a vessel any herring or mackerel gill nets that are not tagged with valid tags issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
During the spring season, tags are already a requirement in HFAs 16B and 16C&E as well as the herring/mackerel bait fishery, and remain mandatory. This new tag requirement for HFAs 16F and 16G is being implemented to ensure compliance on the maximum cumulative length of gill nets permitted to be used when fishing.
One tag is required for each 15.5 fathoms of gill net. The tag(s) must be securely attached to the buoy at one end of the gill net or fleet of nets (not on the headline). Fish Harvesters are reminded that they are still required to have the Vessel Registration Number (V.R.N.) displayed on the buoy at each end of the gear.
Tags will be provided by DFO and valid tag numbers will be listed in fish harvesters’ licence conditions.
Further consultations with industry and stakeholders will take place during the 2010 season regarding tagging requirements for Fall and Summer commercial and communal commercial fisheries in Herring Fishing Areas 16B, 16C, 16E, 16F, and 16G.
For more information please contact your local fishery officer.
Contact information:
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Ron Belliveau
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Conservation and Protection Branch
Gulf Region
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-2088
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