Welcome to the Inverness South Fishermen's Association Homepage
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2019 Minister's Conference: For anyone interested in attending, this is a very informative conference coming up in February:
Escape Size Vote: Thank you to everyone who returned their ballot. Vote results are in:
19 voted No Change 9 voted to increase to 46mm 31 voted to increase to 47mm Therefore, we will be submitting a request to DFO to have the increase to 47mm put in our conditions. Important: We will be requesting that the change take place for the 2020 season, not for the upcoming 2019 season, in order to give everyone more time. Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board Meeting: Jordan MacDougall attended the Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board meeting in Stellarton on December 13, 2018. Some notes from the meeting:
Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board Meeting Stellarton, NS December 13, 2018 Notes: The morning session discussed the scientific fishery for Atlantic Halibut, the 2018 temperature data, and a professor from St. FX discussed a science project. The 2018 science data for lobster is available on the Fleet Planning Board website at www.fleetplanningboard.ca. There were 5 guest speakers during the afternoon session: 1. Tom LeBlanc – Department of Labour a. There have been 17 fishing related deaths in Canada this year. He announced there are going to be more inspections and charges for non-compliance. b. The Department of Labour did 44 compliance checks in South West Nova and charged 4 fishers for not wearing PFDs. The first fine is $100.00 for the helper and $500.00 for the Captain; the fines double for second offenses. c. One Captain had a crew member drown; he is facing a $100,000 fine and community service time. 2. Rob Freake – Transport Canada a. He discussed all aspects of boat compliance, from life rafts to PFDs to flares. b. He stressed that if anything happens, you want to be compliant. c. It is necessary for fishers to meet both federal and provincial regulations. 3. Ralph Heighton – Provincial Representative a. He talked about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. Nova Scotia is behind the other provinces when it comes to projects. He encourages any fisher or organization to apply for funding. You can go to https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2017/08/the_atlantic_fisheriesfundopenforbusinesscanadaandtheatlanticpro.html to find out about qualifications and how to apply. b. The Loan Board can lend more funds without going to the Ministry, up to 5 million dollars. The Province is open to refinancing bank loans. Check out their website at https://novascotia.ca/fish/funding-programs/how-to-apply/. Contact Nicole Sampson, Coastal Resource Coordinator, for help at 902-631-1476. 4. / 5. Allan Dwyer and Ron Pumphrey – Department of Fisheries and Oceans a. Ron talked about learning the new job. b. Both men stressed that they would prefer to hear from the fishing organizations, rather than individual fishers. With so many fishers with different opinions, they find it better to have the organizations present the ideas or plans of individual fishers. Articles Worth Reading: www.seafoodnews.com has several very interesting articles:
Nova Scotia looks to keep redfish quota as other provinces want in: https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1126326/Nova-Scotia-looks-to-keep-redfish-quota-as-other-provinces-want-in Concern Mounts for Winter Season as Nova Scotia Lobster Landings Down Considerably https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1126086/Concern-Mounts-for-Winter-Season-as-Nova-Scotia-Lobster-Landings-Down-Considerably Lobster Exporters Extend Claws Toward New Markets https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1126190/Lobster-Exporters-Extend-Claws-Toward-New-Markets Atlantic Fisheries Fund: In August of 2017, the Government of Canada announced the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF). The AFF will focus on growing opportunities and increasing market value for sustainably sourced, high quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada. For more information, please click the links below:
Trawl Surveys for Snow Crab: Please be advised that the contract : ``Vessel charter to carry out trawl surveys for snow crab`` is now published at the following site: https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/tender-notice/PW-18-00853951. This contract is for 2019 with options to renew for 2020 and 2021.
Gulf NS Lobster Advisory Committee: The Gulf NS Lobster Advisory Committee Meeting was held in Moncton Dec. 4 - 5. Wayne MacLellan attended for Inverness South. Some notes from the meeting:
Right Whales - Enter the Gulf late April and leave in December - 190 Right Whales were observed in the Gulf in 2018 - Only 1 Right Whale was observed inside 50 metres. Electronic Log Books - Voluntary in 2019 - Mandatory in 2020 Lobster Rope - Lift lines to be marked in the future, no date or year set yet. - All lobster fishing areas are on the up swing Bait - NO modified lobster traps allowed for Rock Crab (will be charged) US MMPA and Market Accessibility: A meeting was held in Moncton, NB last week regarding the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Market Accessibility. The meeting presentation is available to be read on the link below:
Reminder of Mackerel Survey: DFO would like to remind everyone of this researchers informal Mackerel survey. Her email follows:
Hello, I am a post-doctoral researcher from Belgium working in Canada on northwest Atlantic mackerel, together with scientists at the Maurice-Lamontagne Institute (DFO). In order to better estimate the size of the Canadian mackerel stock, I would like to have first-hand experiences of commercial, recreational and bait mackerel fishers on their activities. With better estimates of the mackerel stock size and its productivity I hope to be able to provide better management advice and stock predictions. The survey consists of 6 small parts and for most of the questions (about 12) there is space to write an explanation if you wish (and appreciated!). Unless specified otherwise, all questions concern the 2018 fishing season. This survey is completely anonymous and personal identifying information is not even collected by me. I would like to thank you in advance for filling in this survey (https://goo.gl/forms/HVQwcojkIrrI3HhU2). Please feel free to contact me by email or phone in addition to the survey. Elisabeth Van Beveren elisabeth.vanbeveren@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 418 509-3480 Important Notice of Maritime Link Submarine Cables from Emera Newfoundland & Labrador (Emera NL): Emera Newfoundland & Labrador (Emera NL) has installed two submarine High voltage electricity cables across the Cabot Strait to interconnect the electrical grids of Nova Scotia and
Newfoundland. The cables run parallel from Cape Ray, NL and make landfall at Point Aconi, NS. The attached map shows the location of the cable routes and the coordinates for the cable exit locations near Cape Ray, NL and Point Aconi, NS. The locations of the cables were published on the hydrographic chart update with Canadian Hydrographic Services (CHS) in December 2017. The following CHS charts were updated: 4002, 4003, 4015, 4022, 4045, 4277, 4363, 4367 and 4823. For the protection of all marine vessels equipment, as well as the personal safety of marine crews, it is imperative that interactions with these high‐voltage electrical cables are avoided. For more information, call Emera NL 1‐855‐722‐3373 Email: info_MaritimeLink@emera.com Visit our website at: www.EmeraNL.com Overview of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Import Provisions: In 2016, the U.S. published new regulations (81 FR 54390) implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) import provisions pertaining to the reduction of marine mammal bycatch in foreign commercial fishing operations. Under the import provisions, which take effect on January 1, 2022, harvesting nations intending to export fish and fish products to the U.S. must apply for and receive a comparability finding from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for each of its commercial fisheries. Detailed information from the U.S. government on the MMPA import provisions can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/foreign/marine-mammal-protection/noaa-fisheriesestablishes-international-marine-mammal-bycatch-criteria-us-imports
An overview of the import provisions can be read at the link below: 
The Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition:
Yarmouth to Host Major Commercial Fishing Expo in January For Immediate Release Issued: November 27, 2018 Yarmouth, NS – One of Canada’s longest-running, most successful commercial fishing shows returns to the Yarmouth Mariners Centre in two short months. The Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition, held every two years in southwestern Nova Scotia, offers a comprehensive showcase of commercial marine products and services. The show is presented in partnership with the Navigator Magazine, the Voice of Atlantic Canada's Fishing Industry. “2018 has been an exceptionally successful year across our portfolio of commercial marine shows, and we’re looking forward for this trend to continue in Yarmouth,” said Show Manager, Shawn Murphy. “For the first time in nearly a decade, every square inch of the Mariners Centre is completely sold out. With ramped-up exhibit sales along with strong visitor pre-registration, we’re prepared for a record-setting event.” This edition of the show will offer visitors a chance to see even more innovative products for the fisheries and marine industry and chat with companies from across the Maritimes, Canada, and abroad. At its last edition in 2017, attendance numbers soared to 4,726 – the highest in more than a decade. Attendees include fish harvesters, fish processors, those involved in the workboat industry, search & rescue organizations, and other professions in, on, or around the water. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register to receive a show badge in advance, skip lines, and save 50% on admission. Visitor registration can be found here. The Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition is part of an array of marine trade events in Atlantic Canada produced by Master Promotions Ltd. in partnership with The Navigator. Other related events include the North Atlantic Fish & Workboat Show and Fish Canada Workboat Canada, held in Saint John’s, NL and Moncton, NB respectively. Again in 2019, deserving individuals who have made valuable contributions to the marine industry will be inducted into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame. Additionally, a networking reception will take place in conjunction with the show. For more information on the event, stay tuned to the website as well as the show’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Show Hours: Friday, January 25 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday, January 26 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Show Location: Mariners Centre 45 Jody Shelley Drive Yarmouth, NS Show Website: www.ECFX.ca Media Inquiries: Shawn Murphy, Show Manager Master Promotions Ltd. smurphy@mpltd.ca 1-888-454-7469 Aurora Boudreau, Marketing Coordinator Master Promotions Ltd. aboudreau@mpltd.ca 1-888-454-7469 ELOGS: DFO approved electronic logbook (ELOG) applications are now available and fish harvesters can register on the DFO web site to get their ELOG key to begin working with these new tools.
At this time the use of ELOGs in the Gulf Region is optional. There is a qualified client application for Gulf Snow crab – Area 12, traditional midshore fleet. More applications will follow as they are developed by the private sector. |
Important Upcoming Dates and Events:2019 AGM: Our 2019 AGM will be held at the Mabou Parish Hall on Feb. 5th at 2pm.
Can/Us Exchange Rate:Weekly Price Report:Weekly Fish Price Report for the Weekly Period Ending September 29, 2018:
Agriculture & Fisheries LOBSTER (CANNERS): PEI ...................................................................... $4.25 NB ........................................................... $4.25-$4.50 NOTE: Minimum carapace size for canners is 77.0 mm unless otherwise noted. Minimum carapace size for markets is 81.0 mm unless otherwise noted. LOBSTER (MARKETS): PEI ...................................................................... $4.75 NB ........................................................... $4.75-$5.00 ROCK CRAB: PE ....................................................................... $0.70 OYSTERS: PEI Choice. .................................. $25.00-$28.00/peck Standard .................................. $8.00-$10.00/peck BAR CLAMS: PEI ............................................................ $0.40/piece MACKEREL: PEI ...................................................................... $0.50 EELS: PEI ...................................................................... $3.00 HERRING: PEI ...................................................................... $0.40 QUAHAUGS: PEI Small .................................... $0.17-$0.21/piece Medium. ......................................... $0.17/piece Large .............................................. $0.17/piece SOFTSHELL CLAMS: PEI ...................................................................... $1.75 MUSSELS: PEI ............................................................ $0.65-$0.70 NOTE: The above prices were effective for period ending June 30, 2018 and were paid to inshore fishers at dockside on a per pound basis unless otherwise stated. Prices do not include rebates or adjustments. Prices are compiled based upon surveying a representative number of buyers and may not reflect all prices paid to fishers or aquaculturists. This price report is available online: www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ agriculture-and-fisheries/weekly-fish-price-reports Shortcuts to Links and Information:
Safety Forms: It is strongly recommended that all Captains print and use the following forms regarding safety onboard their vessel. In case of an accident, having completed these forms and completed the checklists will simplify the investigation and show due diligence on your part:
Notice a defective or hazardous navigation aid in or near your harbour?
Call the Canadian Coast Guard at the number below: 1-800-686-8676 A reminder to all fishers: all crew members are required to WEAR a certified PFD while working. If there is an accident on board your vessel, you can be held liable and be charged and fined if your helpers are not wearing them. Keep everyone safe - comfortable, small PFDs are available, easy to wear, and ensure your crew is safe.
SIN numbers Required for all fishers who receive crab share:
Due to issues that have arisen in recent years, the Canada Revenue Agency is requiring that we have each fishers SIN on their T4a. In the past, if a fishers SIN was unknown, we could leave it off their T4a. This is no longer the case. We are asking for all fishers who receive crab share from Inverness South to please send us your SIN as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Thank you for your cooperation! Snow Crab Tagging Study: DFO wishes to advise that a tagging study is currently being conducted by DFO Science in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence to better understand the movement of snow crab. The Notice to Fishers below contains all the information regarding what to do if you capture a tagged crab:
The Northern Pulp Pipeline: The article below is an excellent read, with lots of information about Northern Pulp and the current fight against their intention to pipe effluent into the Strait. It was written by Linda Pannozzo and published in the Halifax Examiner on November 22, 2017. Click the link below:
Eastern Shore Fishermen worried about proposed Marine Protected Area:The proposed marine protected area, taking in the Eastern Shore Islands, would be the first marine protected area along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia.
Click the link below: Snow Crab Fishery has MSC certification suspended: The death of several whales in 2017 have lead to the Snow Crab fishery in certain areas to have its MSC certification suspended. To read the article from www.seafoodsource.com, click the link below:
EPIRB Registration: The registration of 406MHz beacons is mandatory, and crucial, for Search and Rescue operations. Unfortunately, too many beacon owners are not registering them and it is resulting in many lost hours of Search and Rescue resource time during false alarms, which there have been too many of lately. During an actual emergency, a correctly registered beacon can provide critical information, such as contact information and communication details, that prevent delays in emergency response. Registration is free. In each EPIRB box, there is a registration form for the Canadian Beacon Registry that should be completed and returned via fax (1-877-406-3298) or email to cbr@sarnet.dnd.ca . Users can also register online at www.cbr-rcb.ca .
406MHz beacons must be self-tested as per the manufacturer’s instructions and the registration of these beacons must be kept up to date. Also, when a beacon is disposed of the Canadian Beacon Registry must be advised and the batteries must be removed to prevent activation from a disposal site. When a vessel is sold, or retired from service, the Canadian Beacon Registry must be advised of the fate of the EPIRB that is installed on board. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns / N'Hésitez pas à communiquer avec moi si vous avez des questions, Angie Cornish Administrator / Administrateur Canadian Beacon Registry / Registre canadien des balises PO Box 1000 Stn Forces / CP 1000 Succ. Forces Astra, ON, K0K 3W0 Telephone:1-877-406-7671 Fax:1-877-406-3298 cbr@sarnet.dnd.ca www.cbr-rcb.ca National Defence / Défense nationale Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada Reporting Lost Traps within 72 hours: If you lose traps and need replacement tags, you must report the lost traps to DFO within 72 hours of losing them. This requirement is on page 2 of our lobster conditions. It states:
2.8 REPORTING OF LOST GEAR 2.8.1 While fishing under this licence, the licence holder/operator shall report lost gear to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The following information shall be declared by email: DFO.GLF.Gear- Engins.GLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca within 72 hours of noticing that the gear has been lost: a) sequence number of tag attached to the lobster trap that has been lost; b) VRN or VIN c) latitude and longitude of last known position of lost lobster trap; and d) date the lobster trap was last fished. |
For Members:Please check our site daily for the most recent updates regarding :
- DFO announcements - Meeting updates - Changes to licensing and conditions - All other information affecting fishers in our area |
If you wish to join:Click on the link below, fill out the blank registry form, and mark Inverness South as your association of choice!
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If you have any suggestions on how we may improve this site, or any information you would like to see added, simply contact us using one of the methods available under the Contacts tab at the top of the page. |
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