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Atlantic Mackerel Update for October 10, 2018: The Commercial fishery closed as of 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Commercial landings have reached the TAC of 10,000 tonnes. Given this closure, personal use bait licenses will be valid through to Nov.30, 2018. The licenses will allow harvesters to land up to 1,000 pounds/day using hook and line (hand lines). The gear would be limited to 3 rods/line With No Limit On The Number Of Hooks Per Line. Revised mackerel bait license conditions can be obtained through NOLS.
Atlantic Mackerel Fisheries Closure: Please be advised that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has issued a Variation Order to close the commercial mackerel fishery in all mackerel fishing areas as of 12:00 noon Atlantic Time on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 for conservation purposes as commercial landings are near or have reached the Total Allowable Catch of 10,000 tonnes.
The Department will review all landings data early next week and if sufficient quota remains, the fishery may be re-opened. Given this commercial closure for 2018, DFO will allow harvesters that do not have access to handline for bait to ask for a new license condition to allow the use of hand line (instead of gillnets) for this year only. The amended personal use bait licenses will be valid through to November 30, 2018. The licenses will allow harvesters to land up to 1,000 pounds per day using hook and line (hand lines). The gear would be limited 3 rods/lines with the maximum of six hooks per line. Regular bait catch reporting through logbooks will apply. Harvesters wishing to make this change can obtain revised mackerel bait license conditions through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS) by early next week. Atlantic Mackerel Update for October 4th, 2018: Based on preliminary data, commercial landings for Atlantic Mackerel are currently 8,608 tonnes. The Department will continue to closely monitor Atlantic mackerel harvests and announce a closure of the commercial fishery when landings approach the 10,000 tonne commercial total allowable catch.
GNS Summer Halibut Fishery Update for October 4th, 2018: The preliminary landings from the last opening (September 30 to October 2) are 1.151 t. There is approximately 5.344 t remaining of the GNS Summer Halibut fishery quota. The next Sunday to Tuesday opening (October 7 to October 9) will be proceeding as usual. DFO will continue to monitor landings and provide us with an update.
Commercial Atlantic Mackerel landings for October 3rd, 2018: Based on preliminary data, commercial landings for Atlantic Mackerel are currently 8,005 tonnes. The Department will continue to closely monitor Atlantic mackerel harvests and announce a closure of the commercial fishery when landings approach the 10,000 tonne commercial total allowable catch.
Grid Reopening: DFO Gulf Region is providing a notice to reopen grids HB42 and HB43 on October 2, 2018 at 5 p.m. (Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT) .
Please note that grids GV39, GV40, GV41 (portion), GW39, GW40, GW41, GW 42, GW43 (portion), GX39, GX40, GX41, GX42, GX43, GX44, GX45, GY42, GY43 GY44, GY45, GZ42, GZ43, GZ44, GZ45, HA42 and HA43 remain closed. The closures will remain in effect until further notice. Commercial Landings for Atlantic Mackerel for October 1st, 2018: based on preliminary data, commercial landings for Atlantic Mackerel are 7265 tonnes.
GNS Summer Halibut Fishery Update for September 26, 2018: The preliminary landings from the last opening (September 23 to September 25) are 1.481 t. There is approximately 6.495 t remaining of the GNS Summer Halibut fishery quota. The next Sunday to Tuesday opening (September 30 to October 2) will be proceeding as usual. DFO will continue to monitor landings and provide us with an update.
Commercial Landings for Atlantic Mackerel for September 26, 2018: based on preliminary data, commercial landings for Atlantic Mackerel are 5908 tonnes.
Commercial Landings for Atlantic Mackerel: DFO would like to inform everyone that based on preliminary data, commercial landings for Atlantic Mackerel are 5735 tonnes. As we have now surpassed 50% of this 10,000 tonne TAC, we will receive regular updates of commercial landing twice a week or more as needed.
Gulf NS Summer Halibut Fishery Update for September 20th: The preliminary landings from the last opening (September 16 to September 18) are 0.881 t. There is approximately 7.976 t remaining of the GNS Summer Halibut fishery quota. The next Sunday to Tuesday opening (September 23 to September 25) will be proceeding as usual. DFO will continue to monitor landings and provide us with an update.
DFO Grid Openings and Closures for September 17, 2018: The following grids will be opening: GU36 (portion), GU37 (portion), GU38 (portion), GV36, GV37, GV38, GW36, GW37 and GW38 on September 17, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
The following new grids will be closed: GX44, GX45, GY44, GY45, GZ44 and GZ45 on September 21, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). All gear must be removed from the closed area before the time of closure. Please note that grids GV39, GV40 (portion), GV41 (portion), GW39, GW40, GW41, GW42, GW43 (portion), GX39, GX40, GX41, GX42, GX43, GY42, GY43, GZ42, GZ43, HA42, HA43, HB42 and HB43 remain closed. The closures will remain in effect until further notice. In the event that areas are reopened, DFO will inform industry prior to their reopening. The closures will be in effect for the following fisheries where the fishing seasons are currently opened: snow crab, toad crab, rock crab, lobster, whelk, Greenland halibut (fixed gear) and winter flounder (fixed gear). Closures will also be in effect for Atlantic halibut (fixed gear), mackerel (gillnet) and herring (gillnet) when gear is left unattended. Notice of Fisheries Closures and Reopenings due to the presence of NARW for September 14, 2018:
The following grids will be opening: GX37 and GX38 on September 14, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). The following new grids will be closed: GW42 and GW43 (portion) on September 16, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). All gear must be removed from the closed area before the time of closure. Please note that grids GU36 (portion), GU37 (portion), GU38 (portion), GV36, GV37, GV38, GV39, GV40, GV41, GW36, GW37, GW38, GW39, GW40, GW41, GX39, GX40, GX41, GX42, GX43, GY42, GY43, GZ42, GZ43, HA42, HA43, HB42 and HB43 remain closed. The closures will remain in effect until further notice. In the event that areas are reopened, DFO will inform industry prior to their reopening. The closures will be in effect for the following fisheries where the fishing seasons are currently opened: snow crab, toad crab, rock crab, lobster, whelk, Greenland halibut (fixed gear) and winter flounder (fixed gear). Closures will also be in effect for Atlantic halibut (fixed gear), mackerel (gillnet) and herring (gillnet) when gear is left unattended. GNS Summer Halibut Fishery Update for September 13th: The preliminary landings from the last opening (September 9 to September 11) are 2.246 t. There is approximately 9.368 t remaining of the GNS Summer Halibut fishery quota. The next Sunday to Tuesday opening (September 16 to September 18) will be proceeding as usual. DFO will continue to monitor landings and provide us with an update.
New from DFO - Shellfish Harvesting Map: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans now has a real-time map of openings and closures of Canadian harvesting areas for bivalve shellfish (mussels, oysters, clams and scallops). Just zoom into a specific area on the map to see current openings/closures. Follow the link below:
Advanced Notice of Grid Closures: Please note the CLOSURE of grids GX41 GX42 and GX43 for September 9 at 18:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
GNS 2018 Summer Halibut Fishery Update: The preliminary landings from the last opening (September 2 to September 4) are 2.466 t. There is approximately 11.614 t remaining of the GNS Summer Halibut fishery quota.
2018 Halibut Longline Survey: The Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board is gearing up for the 2018 DFO Halibut Longline Science Survey. We are seeking names and contact info of interested harvesters by Friday August 7th at 3pm (This has been extended, please reply ASAP if interested). Some of the details of the survey include:
16F Fall Herring Fishery Opening: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wishes to advise 16 F herring
licence holders that the 16 F fall quota is 3,100 t. The fall fishery will open at 18:00 hours on Sunday, September 9 until 12:00 hours on October 5, 2018 or until the quota is harvested, whichever comes first. In 2018, daily closures will again be implemented for the fall fishery each day the fishery is open from 12:00 hours to 18:00 hours in addition to weekend closures for all weekends while the fishery is open. Fall weekend closures: 1. 12:00 hours Friday, September 14 to 18:00 hours Sunday, September 16 2. 12:00 hours Friday, September 21 to 18:00 hours Sunday, September 23 3. 12:00 hours Friday, September 28 to 18:00 hours Sunday, September 30 The fishing depth restriction of 50 feet in a portion of 16F will again be implemented by condition of licence in 2018. Click below to read the entire Notice to Fishers and the Conservation Harvesting Plan: Halibut Fishery Landings for August 30th: The preliminary landings from the first opening (August 26 to August 28) are 7.81 t. There is approximately 14.08 t remaining of the GNS Summer Halibut fishery quota.
Upcoming Courses: Heidi Connors will be holding the following Marine Basic First Aid courses this fall:
Herring Landings: Please find below a link giving you access to herring landings in HFA 16B, 16C&E and 16F:
GNS Summer Halibut Fishery Opening: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announces that fishing will be authorized for Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS) fixed-gear licence holders fishing Atlantic halibut in Groundfish Fishing Areas 4T1, 4T8, and 4T2b with vessels less than 19.812 metres (65 feet) in overall length (vessel class A146).
The 2018-2019 GNS Atlantic halibut remaining available quota is 21.893 t. Only those harvesters who did not participate in the GNS spring halibut fishery are eligible to participate in the summer halibut fishery. This fishery will take place from 6:00 hrs Sunday to 20:00 hrs Tuesday beginning August 26, 2018 until further advised. There will be no consideration of delaying the fishery due to inclement weather or other uncontrollable circumstances. The maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or on board a vessel at any time will be 1500 per licence holder. Read the Notice to Fishers and the Conservation Harvesting Plan below: Fall 2018 16F Herring Notice: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announces the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 25,000 tons for the commercial fall herring fishery in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence for Herring Fishing Areas (HFA) 16A to 16G and 17.
The management measures will remain relatively the same as during the 2017 fishing season with the exception of new license conditions related to the protection of Marine Mammals. Below, you will find the Notice to Fishers with the table with the management measures for various HFAs. NOTICE OF FISHERIES CLOSURES: PRESENCE OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE: DFO Gulf Region is providing a notice of new temporary fisheries closures of a fishing area due to the presence of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW).
The following new grid will be closed: GU36 (portion), GU37 (portion) and GU38 (portion) on August 18, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). DFO is providing a 96 hours advanced notice of a fishery closure. All gear must be removed from the closed area before the time of closure. Please note that grids GV36, GV37, GV38, GV39, GV40 (portion), GW36, GW37, GW38, GW39, GW40, GX36, GX37, GX38, GX39, GX40, HA33 (portion), HA34 (portion), HA43, HA44, HA45, HB34 (portion), HB43, HB44, HB45, HC35 (portion), HC43 (portion), HC44 (portion) and HC45 (portion) remain closed. The closures will remain in effect until further notice. In the event that areas are reopened, DFO will inform industry prior to their reopening. The closures will be in effect for the following fisheries where the fishing seasons are currently opened: snow crab, toad crab, rock crab, lobster, whelk, Greenland halibut (fixed gear) and winter flounder (fixed gear). Closures will also be in effect for Atlantic halibut (fixed gear), mackerel (gillnet) and herring (gillnet) when gear is left unattended. Grid Reopening: DFO has announced the reopening of Grids HC36 (portion), HC37, HD36 (portion) and HD37 (portion) on August 8, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
Grid Reopening: DFO has announced the reopening of Grids HC36 (portion), HC37, HD36 (portion) and HD37 (portion) on August 8, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
Grid Reopening: DFO has announced the reopening of Grids GZ33 (portion) and GZ34 on August 3, 2018 at 17:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
Redfish Fishery Opening: Please see attached Notice to Fish Harvesters regarding the opening of the redfish fishery in a portion of Unit 1 in the NAFO division 4T for the vessel class D5.
Halibut Fishery: As per conference call on August 1st, Quota for the halibut fishery is 21.8 ton. Starting August 26th, every sunday from 6am to Tuesday at 8pm, 1500 hooks, no night closures.
Experimental Redfish Proposals: A reminder that the experimental redfish fishery proposals are due on August 6th 2018.
Redfish Fishery: CLOSING REDFISH FISHERY TO THE LESS THAN 19.81 METRES FLEET IN UNIT 1
Moncton, NB - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises that a portion of the Unit 1 redfish fishery is closing to the less than 19.81 metres (65 feet) inshore using mobile gear for vessel classes C1 to C3460. All of North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) divisions 4R and 4T are closed while a portion of division 4S is closed. The portion of division 4S, that is closing at 12:00 (noon) EDT on July 27, is defined as the waters enclosed by rhumb lines (similar to a straight line plotted on a nautical chart) joining the following points, in the order in which they are listed: Points Latitude – North Longitude - West 1 50°10’24”N 61°11’06”W 2 49°25’00”N 60°00’00”W 3 47°50’00”N 60°00’00”W 4 47°56’00”N 60°17’00”W 5 50°10’24”N 61°11’06”W This closure is a result of a number of small fish exceeding the small fish protocol limit. According to the small fish protocol, the fishery will be closed for a minimum duration of 10 days and may reopen following a successful, industry funded, test fishery. If any particular fishery is closed twice during the year because of small fish, the fishery may remain closed for the remainder of the year. Rock Crab Fishery in LFA 26A: The opening date will be 6:00 a.m., Monday August 6, 2018. The last day of fishing will be Saturday, November 24, 2018 (inclusively). Read the Notice to Fishers with the Conservation Harvesting Plan affecting the 2018 season below:
Grid Closures for July 18, 2018:
Reopening of Grids for July 16, 2018: Please find below a Notice to Fish Harvesters for the reopening of Grids GU40 (portion), GV40 (portion) and GV41 (portion) on July 16, 2018 at 16:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT).
Regular updates and maps indicating sightings will be posted at the following address: July 17th, 2018 Closures: NARW Fisheries Closures for July 17, 2018:
Advance Notice of Fisheries Closures (Presence of NARW): Whale closures for July 12, 2018:
Redfish: On June 29, 2018, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced a two year management plan (2018-19) for Redfish Unit 1 and Unit 2.
For Unit 1, the index fishery program will be maintained with a 2,000t quota. An additional 2,500t experimental quota will be made available under an Experimental Redfish Fishing Plan notably for the purpose of testing gear to minimize capture of undersized redfish (<22 cm) and bycatch, and to collect data on redfish species identification and reproduction. Details on the Experimental Redfish Fishing Plan for Unit 1 and application form can be found on the following link http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/peches-fisheries/comm/atl-arc/management-plan-gestion/redfish-sebaste-eng.html. Proposals for the 2018/19 season must be submitted to DFO.Redfishexperimental-sebasteexperimental.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca by August 6, 2018. If you have any questions, please contact Carole LeBlanc Regional Manager, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Gestionnaire régionale, Gestion des pêches et aquaculture 343 Université Ave. Moncton, NB E1C 9B6 Telephone | Téléphone: 506-851-2147 Faxsimile | Télécopieur: 506-851-2620 Internet: Carole.LeBlanc@dfo-m or Sandra Courchesne (Sandra.courchesne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) Pipeline Rally Note of Thanks: From Linda Townsend - Just wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who made it from PEI and NB to join us at the #NOPIPE Land & Sea Rally on Friday and give a quick snap shot for those of you who couldn’t attend.
Our rally committee clearly achieved what we had set out to do with well over 3500 supporters for no pipe in the Northumberland Strait. Marchers numbered just short of 1000, with a conservative estimate of another 1000 cheering boats on from Pictou Waterfront and all along the harbour’s shoreline. With over 200 boats, who were carrying as many as 15 passengers, we estimated another 1500 rallied by sea. A grand total of 3500+. My mother in-law watched from her cottage at the mouth of the harbour and said it was the most amazing site she has seen in her 79 years. As the fishing boats arrived, all of the captains announced on VHF where they were from and all shared the same message, “NO PIPE”. The boats filed into the harbour and circled in front of Northern Pulp with the 2000+ land ralliers cheering them on. I was stationed at the stage and I can tell you it was an overwhelmed site to see the line of marchers come down the hill and onto the pier. It was like watching a train and wondering when it was ever going to end. Equally as moving was watching the First Nations Chiefs and Council walk up the pier from their boats and onto the stage with the crowd cheering them on. The speeches were powerful and represented key sectors who have a stake in Northern Pulp’s proposal. Everyone kept their messages short and we were able to wrap up just before Mother Nature had the last word sending us a massive squall. With the wind at their backs, the fishing boats exited the harbour quickly and the crowds made a beeline for cover. For those of you on Facebook, you would have seen the event well documented with hundreds of photos and videos. For those of you who are not, I will have the rally website populated with event images, video, and media coverage by the end of the week. If you have any photos or video to share, please send them my way. The media coverage started four days prior and is still continuing with editorials in our provincial paper. Below are some links to a sampling of the coverage. We are still collecting. Duane, sorry to hear about your parking ticket. According to locals, you received the first parking ticket in Pictou history. Send me the ticket number and I’ll see if it can do anything to get it voided. Canada Press/Global News: Maritime fishing boats gathering in Pictou to protest pulp mill effluent https://globalnews.ca/news/4316364/northern-pulp-mill-protest/?utm_medium=Facebook&utm_source=GlobalHalifax Chronicle Herald: Protesters rally against Northern Pulp effluent pipe (includes links to series of stories) http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1582459-protesters-rally-against-northern-pulp-effluent-pipe Globe & Mail Thousands of Atlantic Canada residents from three provinces protest N.S. pulp mill’s effluent plan https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-thousands-of-atlantic-canada-residents-from-three-provinces-protest-n/ CTV News Atlantic Fishing boats converge on N.S. harbour as part of effluent pipe protest https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/fishing-boats-converge-on-n-s-harbour-as-part-of-effluent-pipe-protest-1.4002332 CTV NEW National Floating pulp mill pipeline protest underway in N.S. https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.4002707 CBC News Northern Pulp effluent pipe protest draws huge crowds on land and sea in Pictou http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/northern-pulp-effluent-pipe-protest-1.4736367 New Glasgow News (carried in other weeklies as well/good pics of boats) Protesters gather for the #NoPipe rally in Pictou http://www.ngnews.ca/news/local/protesters-gather-for-the-nopipe-rally-in-pictou-224249/ Linda Townsend 902-790-1490 linda@shiftcreativemarketing.com shiftcreativemarketing.com Spring Halibut Fishery Landings: The preliminary landings from the Gulf Nova Scotia Spring Halibut fishery are as follows:
Date of Spring Halibut Fishery Quota Landed June 21 to June 22, 2018: 32.212 t June 30, 2018: 13.757 t Total: 45.969 t The Spring Halibut Fishery Quota of 44.703 t was exceeded by 1.266 t. A call will be scheduled to discuss the 2018 summer halibut fishery. Summer Herring Fishery Opening: Notice to Fish Harvesters
16 F Herring 2018 Summer Fishery Antigonish – July 6, 2018: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wishes to advise 16 F herring licence holders that 50 t of the 2018 16 F Fall herring quota is available for the Summer fishery. The Summer fishery will open from 18:00 hours July 9 until 18:00 hours August 24. There will be weekend closures from 18:00 hours Friday to 18:00 hours the following Sunday for all weekends while the Summer fishery is open. All fish harvesters must hail out to a Dockside Monitoring Company prior to 19:00 each evening before fishing. DFO recovery documents for Blue Whale and Wolffish to be posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry: FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Fisheries and Oceans Canada will post the proposed versions of the following documents on the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry in the coming week: · Recovery Strategy for Northern Wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) and Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor), and Management Plan for Atlantic Wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) in Canada · Action Plan for the Northern Wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus) and Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor) in Canada · Action Plan for the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Northwest Atlantic population, in Canada These documents will be open for public consultation on the SAR Public Registry for a 60-day comment period. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will review comments and integrate them as appropriate, after which the final versions will be posted on the Public Registry. The documents can be found on the SAR Public Registry: Halibut Opening: 2018-2019 GULF NOVA SCOTIA – ATLANTIC HALIBUT (4T) FIXED GEAR FLEET, VESSEL CLASS A69 SPRING FISHERY OPENING DATE
Antigonish – June 27, 2018: Fisheries and Oceans Canada announces the opening of the Atlantic halibut fishery for the Gulf Nova Scotia fixed-gear licence holders, using vessel class A69, in the portions North Atlantic Fisheries Organization Division 4T known as 4T9a and 4T9b. The fishery will be opened from 5:00 am until 3:00 pm Saturday, June 30, 2018. If conditions do not allow for an opening, industry will be consulted before a new date is announced. The remaining quota for the 2018 spring fishery is 12.49 t. 
Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition
Returns to Yarmouth for 2019 Yarmouth, NS – Canada’s longest-running, most successful commercial fishing show will return to the Yarmouth Mariners Centre January 25-26, 2019. The Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition is held every two years in southwestern Nova Scotia and offers visitors a comprehensive showcase of products and services for the commercial fisheries industry. The show is presented in partnership with the Navigator Magazine, the Voice of Atlantic Canada's Fishing Industry. 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: Halibut Season Opening: Spring season opening Thursday, June 21st, 2018 from 5am to Friday, June 23rd, 2018 at 2pm.
Important Reminder: Check conditions for new information regarding whales. Looking for interest in upcoming MED Course: The Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board is in the process of securing a MED course in Cheticamp (or Belle Cote) during the week of October 22nd, 2018.
They need people to commit to the course, so you will have to pay in advance. If you take the course, you will be refunded. If you do not take the course, you will not be refunded. The one day course is $350 and the four day course is $625 dollars. THE GULF NOVA SCOTIA FLEET PLANNING BOARD WILL BE PAYING FOR THE COURSE FOR THE HARVESTERS AND ONE HELPER EVERY 5 YEARS. They need a minimum of 10 people and they need to know if you would like the one day course or the 4 day course. The one day SDV-BS (Small Domestic Vessel- Basic Safety) is good for fishing up to 25 NM from land and replaces the MED A3. The four day DVS (Domestic Vessel Safety) replaces the old MED A1 and A2. It allows them to go over the 25 NM and is good for fishing or working on a tour boat with passengers. PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This will be done on a first paid, first served basis. Season Opening For The Mackerel Fishery in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence: Moncton, NB – May 31, 2018 –The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced today the mackerel fishery in fishing area 16 will open on June 1st 2018 at 0:01 a.m. as specified under the Atlantic Fisheries Regulation, 1985.
In addition to the new management measures implemented last year to improve monitoring and reporting of catches in the mackerel fishery, fish harvesters will be required to comply with new management measures for marine mammals. Eligible harvesters wishing to participate in this fishery are now able to obtain their mackerel licence through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS). The Department wants to remind fishers that they are required to have entered into an agreement with a dockside monitoring company designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to the start of their mackerel fishing season. Discussions on the development of a rebuilding plan for mackerel will continue over the next year in collaboration with various stakeholders to identify options to improve the state of the stock which is currently in the critical zone of the precautionary approach framework. The Total Allowable Catch for Eastern Canada has been established at 10,000 tons for 2018. There are NEW management measures to be implemented for the 2018 fishing season. Read the Notice To Fishers below: Notice of Fisheries Closures (May 30, 2018): Gulf Region is providing a notice of new temporary fisheries closures of a fishing area due to the presence of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW).
The following new grids will be closed: GW41 and GX41. The closures will take effect on May 31, 2018 at 16:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). DFO is providing a 72 hours advanced notice and extending the delay of closure by 24 hours due to the predicted high winds. This will provide licence holders with additional time to retrieve gear from the areas that will be closing. All gear must be removed from the closed area before the time of closure. Refer to the crab variation order 2018-029. Please note that grids GU37 (portion), GU38 (portion), GU39 (portion), GU40 (portion), GV37, GV38, GV39, GV40 (portion), GW37, GW38, GW39, GW40, GX38, GX39 and GX40 also remain closed. The closures will remain in effect until further notice. In the event that areas are reopened, DFO will inform industry prior to their reopening. The closures will be in effect for the following fisheries where the fishing seasons are currently opened: snow crab, toad crab, rock crab, lobster and whelk. Closures will also be in effect for winter flounder (fixed gear), Atlantic halibut (fixed gear) and Greenland halibut (fixed gear) when gear is left unattended. 
New Management Measures in the Groundfish Fisheries in 4T: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region announces new management measures for the groundfish fixed gear and mobile gear fisheries in 4T for 2018/2019 season. Read the Notice to Fishers below:
Fisheries Closures Due to Right Whale Sightings (May 27, 2018): Gulf Region is providing a notice of new temporary fisheries closures of a fishing area due to the presence of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW).
The following new grids will be closed: GU37 (portion), GU38 (portion), GU39 (portion), GU40 (portion), GV37, GV38, GV39, GV40 (portion) and GW37. The closures will take effect on May 30, 2018 at 16:00 Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT). DFO is providing a 72 hours advanced notice and extending the delay of closure by 24 hours due to the predicted high winds. This will provide licence holders with additional time to retrieve gear from the areas that will be closing. All gear must be removed from the closed area before the time of closure. Refer to the crab variation order 2018-028. Please note that grids GW38, GW39, GW40, GX38, GX39 and GX40 also remain closed. The closures will remain in effect until further notice. In the event that areas are reopened, DFO will inform industry prior to their reopening. The closures will be in effect for the following fisheries where the fishing seasons are currently opened: snow crab, toad crab, rock crab, lobster and whelk. Closures will also be in effect for winter flounder (fixed gear), Atlantic halibut (fixed gear) and Greenland halibut (fixed gear) when gear is left unattended. 
Fisheries Closures due to Right Whale Sightings: find below a Notice to Fish Harvesters regarding fisheries closures in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence due to the presence of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW). A map and a document including the coordinates of all closed grids are also included:
2018 Halibut Fishery: Further to the Halibut conference call held May 11th, 2018, here is a brief summary of the 2017 GNS Halibut Fishery:
Spring Fishery
Summer Fishery Quota: 22.185 t; · Fishing area restricted to 4T1, 4T8, 4T2b. · Maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or on board a vessel at any time was 1000 per licence holder. ; September 19, 2017 – hook amount increased to 1500. · Daily Closures 18:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs. Scheduled Openings o 06:00 hrs August 15 to 18:00 hrs August 17, 2017. (14 fishers) o 06:00 hrs August 21 to 18:00 hrs August 23, 2017. (8 fishers) o 06:00 hrs August 28 to 18:00 hrs August 30, 2017. (10 fishers) o 06:00 hrs September 13 to 18:00 hrs September 16, 2017 (7 fishers) o 06:00 hrs September 19 to 18:00 hrs September 23, 2017. ( 8 fishers) o 06 :00 hrs September 27 to 18 :00 hrs October 7,2017 ( 4 fishers) o 06:00 hrs October 13 to 18:00 hrs October 28, 2017. (8 fishers) · Quota Caught: 19.921 t; · Summer Fishery Quota Remaining = 2.264 t 2018 Halibut: DFO has released the Notice to Fishers for the Greenland Halibut and the Atlantic Halibut with an interim TAC in NAFO Divisions 4RST. Click the link to read:
Important Email Correction: Please note that DFO has informed us that the email to report lost gear that is on our conditions is INCORRECT.... the correct email address to use to report lost gear is:
DFO.GLF.Gear-Engins.GLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 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: GLF.DFO.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. Floating Rope Problem: DFO enforcement officers have been in touch with Inverness South recently to inform us that floating rope is a problem. Our conditions state that there is to be no floating rope. Moncton has advised that they want "light enforcement" put in place (meaning warnings for now). Please ensure that any floating rope is corrected. If the problem continues, fines may be issued.
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 Atlantic Mackerel Management Plan 2018: The Minister has set the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the Atlantic Mackerel fishery for 2018.
The 2018 TAC for the commercial catch is set at 10,000 tonnes under a one-year management plan. Click the link below to read the entire Management plan: 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. Area 12 Snow Crab Fishery Opening: The first conference call was held April 25 regarding the opening of the Area 12 Crab Fishery. Based on ice and weather conditions, there is the possibility of an opening for Saturday, April 28th. A second conference call will be held Friday morning to evaluate the situation.
Reminder: Everyone is reminded to print your licenses and conditions and keep them on board your vessel.
Lobster Conservation Harvesting Plan: DFO has released the Lobster Conservation Harvesting Plan for 2018. Click the link below to read it:
Reminder - Man-Overboard Drills: The Fisheries Safety Association will be holding Man-Overboard drills today, Monday, April 23rd in Little Judique at 2pm and in Finlay Pt. at 4pm.
2018 Crab Quota: The 2018 crab quota was awarded to 2 boats. Eugene Beaton and John L. MacKinnon will be fishing the quota for $0.84/pound.
Bluefin Tuna: Click the link to read the final pre-ICCAT meeting position paper on MSE for Bluefin Tuna:
Groundfish Conference Call: A few notes from the Groundfish conference call held on Friday, April 6th. John L. MacKinnon took the call for Inverness South:
Ground Fish conference call held on Friday April 6 2018 The call started off with a short conversation on the science survey that was started last summer. Over the survey last summer there were fewer fish tagged they hoped. This was blamed on the number of hocks that fish were tagged from on the survey. It was felt that the number of hocks where fish would be tagged from should be changed to allow for more fish to be tagged. Halibut There were 2 recommendation made by industry for the 2018 TAC. Some groups were looking for a 25% increase of the quota for the upcoming season. Where others felt that the quota should remain the same as precautionary approach and await more information from science Greenland halibut It was reported that the landing have been lower than normal. And it was recommended a decrease in the TAC. Industry recommended a 25% decrease Reminder: Crab Tender Meeting is tonight, Tuesday, April 17th at 7pm at the Mabou Fire Hall.
Lobster Study Volunteer Needed: We are looking for a volunteer from Port Hood to take part in the lobster study that involves setting 3 extra closed traps and recording the catch from the 3 closed traps and 3 regular traps everyday. If anyone is interested in taking part, please contact us asap.
UPDATE: The Crab Tender Meeting will be held at the MABOU FIRE HALL.
2018 Crab Tender: Our 2018 Crab Tender Meeting will be held Tuesday, April 17th, at 7pm, Location TBA. Our allocation for this year is 43.445t (95,779.8299lbs). Note: this allocation will be divided over 3 boats (14.482t = 31,926.61lbs per boat). Please have your tender forms ready and bring them to the meeting, or mail them early enough to have them received before the meeting. All tenders will be opened at the meeting as in previous years. DFO C&P Meetings with Fishers: The annual meetings with DFO are coming up:
INVERNESS WHEN? April 17th 2018 (Tuesday Afternoon) 1:00pm – 3:00pm WHERE? Inverness Fire Hall Inverness N.S. WHO? Cheticamp DFO C&P (Fishery Officers) will be holding a general meeting with fish harvesters and crew members who fish out of Inverness Harbour. WHAT? - Review of license conditions and regulations related to the lobster, crab, bait fisheries and more. - Information regarding regulatory and new conservation measures - Questions and Answers PORT HOOD WHEN? April 16th 2018 (Monday Afternoon) 1 PM WHERE? Port Hood Fire Hall Port Hood, N.S. WHO? Cheticamp DFO C&P staff will be holding a general meeting with fish harvesters and crew members who fish out of Baxter’s Cove, Maryville Wharf, Lil Judique, Murphy’s Pond and Mabou/Coal Mines. WHAT? - Review of license conditions and regulations related to the lobster, crab, bait fisheries and more. - Information regarding regulatory and new conservation measures - Questions and Answers Town Hall Meeting: The Fisheries Safety Association of NS will be holding a FREE Town Hall meeting with a representative from Transport Canada. Everyone is welcome to attend and crew are also welcome!
Update: Safety Logbook Orientations will be held at the Port Hood Fire Hall.
Safety Logbook Orientation: The Fisheries Safety Association offers one-on-one logbook orientation for Captains and their crew. If their is enough interest, they will be conducting orientation sessions in our area on Friday, April 13th. We need numbers by Wednesday, April 11th.
2018 Snow Crab Conservation Harvesting Plan for Area 12 and 12E: DFO has released the 2018 Snow Crab Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHPs) for Snow Crab Fishing Areas 12 and 12E.
Bluefin Tuna MSE meeting March 27th: Dennis Cameron attended; some notes from this meeting:
This is very important to be involved with and to watch for all tuna “and non tuna fishers”… a MSE system could be coming in all fisherys as a management system !! This stuff is really hard to completely understand but it’s a new system for ICCAT to figure out TAC for bluefin tuna … it’s already , I believe , in place for redfish,albacore, and Greenland halibut … coming in swordfish and many other species! The meeting with stakeholders was to narrow down the objectives in this document ; DFO is going to meet to finalize a position for Canada in Portugal at the science meeting where all ICCAT members will do the same . Out of that they will be working toward a final MSE system to use in deciding a TAC and stock goals for the “long term” in the fishery. Green Crab Management in the Gulf Region: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the way forward for the management of the green crab in the Gulf Region. With the completion of the pilot project and the limited participation, the pilot commercial green crab fishery will no longer continue. In the Gulf Region, the Department will manage green crab by aquatic invasive species licences, under Section 52 of the Fishery (General) Regulations on an ongoing basis. To read the entire Notice to Fishers, click the link below:
Blank Member Forms: Blank membership forms for 2018 are now available under the Forms tab.
Crab Tender Bid Notice:
All fishers who are considering entering a bid to fish the 2018 Snow Crab Quota for Inverness South are asked to begin preparing their bids as the process will be done quickly once we are given our quota from DFO. The process will be the same as previous years; a meeting will be held at the Mabou Parish Hall where all bids will be opened and made public. Lowest bid will be awarded the quota for this year. The number of fishers who will be awarded quota will depend on the size of the quota. Please keep in mind that anyone who enters a bid this year will be expected to set their traps as soon as the license and conditions allow. This years’ season is expected to open in April. Due to the issues with the North Atlantic Right Whales, it will not be possible to wait until after lobster is over to fish our quota. Only those fishers who can set their crab traps immediately are asked to submit bids. As well, DFO has implemented new regulations with regards to rope and markings that will have to be followed. The full notice from DFO is available to be read below. The quota amount, and meeting time and location, will be posted as soon as possible. If anyone has any questions, please contact us. Volunteer To Attend Meeting Needed: We are looking for someone to attend the Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee meeting in Halifax on Thursday, March 22nd. All of our usual meeting volunteers are away or have previous commitments and we currently have no one to attend. If you are willing to attend on behalf of Inverness South, please let us know asap. All expenses are reimbursed and you are given $150/day for your time.
Safety Logbooks: We still have several members who did not receive their Safety Logbooks. If you did not attend the AGM, we still have your Logbook. If you live in the Port Hood/Judique area and didn't receive your logbook yet, you can pick it up at the Ceilidh Co-op in Port Hood. We will be posting where members from other areas can pick up their logbooks as soon as arrangements have been made for distribution.
ALPAC Meeting Presentations: Presentations and slides from the ALPAC (Atlantic Large Pelagics Advisory Committee) meeting are available to be read by clicking the link below:
2018 Tag Delivery: Cheticamp Monitoring has announced its 2018 delivery schedule. Please spread the word to everyone:
2018 GEAR TAGS DELIVERY SOUTHERN INVERNESS CO. THURSDAY, MARCH 8TH, 2018 Judique Store 10 am Murphy’s pond Wharf 11 am Mabou Arena Parking lot 1 pm Inverness Wharf 2 pm For more information call: 902-224-1100 Official Notice to Fishers re: carapace increase: We received the official Notice to Fishers outlining the carapace increase for this year and next in 26B south. Click the link below to read the notice:
Important Update: We received word from Leroy MacEachern today, February 21st, 2018 that our proposal to DFO was APPROVED. An official announcement will be made soon. Based on this, carapace size increase in 26B South will be as follows:
For the 2018 season: 81.7mm For the 2019 season: 82.5mm Recreational Fisheries (Salmon and Striped Bass) Advisory Meeting: This meeting was held February 1st, 2018 in Margaree Forks. Jordan attended for Inverness South. Members from the science branch of DFO in Moncton were present as well. A few notes from the meeting:
- The indications of the salmon population are a downward trend on the Margaree river. - The striped bass population is growing fast and are expanding their range. They are also being found in Newfoundland and Labrador. DFO is trying to start a commercial fishing effort with native groups in N.B. This fishery would be on the Miramichi river. - The group in Margaree is suggesting an increase in the daily bag limit for Striped bass. Atlantic Large Pelagics Advisory Committee Meeting: The 2018 meeting has been scheduled for February 21-22 in the Nova Scotia Ballroom of the Halifax Marriot Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax, NS. The meeting will begin at 9:00am on February 21st and will be from 9:00am to 1:00pm on February 22nd.
News: Canada and European Union have brokered a deal that gets rid of tariffs on Canadian lobster exports. Click the link to read:
Snow Crab Industry Recommendations on NARW Mitigation Measures: During the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab Working Group meeting that occurred on November 15th in Moncton, New Brunswick, industry representatives were given until November 30th to submit their recommendations to DFO on possible mitigation measures that could be implemented in the snow crab fishery.
Please click below to read a summary of the various recommendations submitted to DFO by industry representatives. |
Important Upcoming Dates and Events: Can/Us Exchange Rate:Weekly Price Report:Weekly Fish Price Report for the Weekly Period Ending September 8, 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 ............................................................. $0.60-$0.65 OYSTERS: PEI Choice. .................................. $25.00-$28.00/peck Standard .................................. $8.00-$10.00/peck BAR CLAMS: PEI ............................................................ $0.40/piece MACKEREL: PEI ...................................................................... $0.50 HERRING: PEI ...................................................................... $0.32 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! Important Information Regarding Whales: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wishes to provide information to licence holders in the Gulf Region on the high number of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARWs) observed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Please read the Notice to Fishers below:
Gulf Region Marine Conservation Targets Update: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf region is pleased to present you the second edition of the Marine Conservation Targets updates for Summer 2017.
In this edition of the newsletter, you’ll find more information and updates on: · National marine conservation targets; · Marine Protected Areas Network Development for the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Bioregion; · Areas of Interest; · Sensitive Benthic Areas/Coral and Sponge; · Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OEABCM); · Legislative Changes to the Oceans Act. As always, DFO encourages everyone to provide feedback on content and format that could help them improve the newsletter. 
The North Atlantic Fish and Workboat Show: The North Atlantic Fish & Workboat Show returns to the Mile One Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland this fall. Taking place November 16-17, 2018, this year marks the 6th edition of this biennial event.
For complete show details, visit www.NAFISH.ca or find the show on Facebook and Twitter. SHOW HOURS: Friday, November 16, 2018 10:00am – 5:00pm Saturday, November 17, 2018 10:00am – 4:00pm LOCATION: Mile One Centre 50 New Gower Street St. John’s, NL Fleet Planning Board Website: The Fleet Planning Board now has a website up and running. You can check out the latest news from them at http://fleetplanningboard.ca/ or click the link below:
Retirement Announcement: Leroy MacEachern will retire on February 27th, 2018. Inverness South wishes him a very happy retirement!
Snow Crab TAC for 2018: DFO has released the TAC for Snow Crab for 2018:
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: Upcoming Courses: The following courses are being offered in the coming weeks at the NSCC campus in Port Hawkesbury:
MED-DVS: Apr. 3 - 6 SVOP: March 26 - 29 April 9 - 12 ROC-MC: April 18 - 20 April 25 - 27 Contact the Nautical School at: nautical@nscc.ca (902) 625-4228 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:
Whale Protection Measures: The Federal Government has implemented measures to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale. Some measures include:
- for vessels over 20 metres, a maximum speed of 10 knots from April 28 - Nov. 15 when travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence - all crab gear must be out of the water by June 30th, 2018, 2 weeks earlier than previous years. To read the entire press releases, click the links below: Upcoming First Aid Courses:
DFO's Role in the review of Northern Pulp: Find attached a brief summary of DFO's role in the review of Northern Pulp. Click the link to read it:
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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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We welcome your feedback!This site is intended to provide a central source of information relevant to our fishers. We have tried to make it as user-friendly and informative as possible.
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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