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Fisher Meetings: DFO Fisheries Officers will be holding their annual meetings with fishers this week. These meetings are to review license conditions and changes for the upcoming season, as well as to address any questions anyone has before the season starts.
April 20th: Port Hood, 10:00am, Fire Hall.
April 21st: Inverness, 10:00am, Fire Hall.
April 20th: Port Hood, 10:00am, Fire Hall.
April 21st: Inverness, 10:00am, Fire Hall.
New Ship Safety Bulletin: Transport Canada has issued a new ship safety bulletin regarding INTERIM MEASURES FOR SMALL MARINE DIESEL ENGINES - 2017:
Man Overboard Drills in Mabou: The Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia will be conducting man overboard drills in Mabou on Wednesday, October 11th at 2:30pm.
2017 Crab Tender Meeting: The 2017 Crab Tender Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 27th at 6:30pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. Due to the time constraint this year, please spread the word regarding this meeting. For anyone who cannot print the form at home, the hall will be open 1/2 hour early and printed forms will be available to be completed.
Tender forms and information is available to print by clicking the links below:
Tender forms and information is available to print by clicking the links below:
2017 Snow Crab Quota: The Snow Crab Quota for Inverness South for 2017 is 86.486mt (190,668.992 lbs).
Crab Tender Results: The Crab Tender results for 2017 are as follows:
7 tenders were offered ranging in price from 59 cents to $1.25.
The three lowest bidders all agreed to fish the quota at 59 cents.
The three winners are:
John L. MacKinnon
Grant Cameron
Eugene Beaton
Congratulations to the winners!
7 tenders were offered ranging in price from 59 cents to $1.25.
The three lowest bidders all agreed to fish the quota at 59 cents.
The three winners are:
John L. MacKinnon
Grant Cameron
Eugene Beaton
Congratulations to the winners!
Mackerel Advisory Committee Meeting: The Mackerel Advisory Committee Meeting was held in Halifax on March 30th. John L. MacKinnon attended for Inverness South. Click the links below to read his update from the meeting and view the mackerel science report:
Reminder of AGM: Reminder that the 2017 AGM is being held today, Saturday, April 8th, at 2pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. Andrea Flynn will present the science results from last season.
A few notes about the Lobster Handling Course: Please note the following:
1. The course is 3 hours long.
2. As with any other course, there is a test at the end which everyone must complete to receive their certificate.
3. Tests may be completed in groups in order to address any concerns with literacy or testing in general.
4. This course is being offered free of charge for our organizations members by Minister Coldwell.
The course will be held at the Mabou Parish Hall from 1 - 4pm.
We strongly encourage all Inverness South Members to attend! And again, please note that unfortunately this course is not for crew or fishers from other organizations.
1. The course is 3 hours long.
2. As with any other course, there is a test at the end which everyone must complete to receive their certificate.
3. Tests may be completed in groups in order to address any concerns with literacy or testing in general.
4. This course is being offered free of charge for our organizations members by Minister Coldwell.
The course will be held at the Mabou Parish Hall from 1 - 4pm.
We strongly encourage all Inverness South Members to attend! And again, please note that unfortunately this course is not for crew or fishers from other organizations.
Halibut Survey Meeting: This meeting was held in Mont-Joli, Quebec on February 20th, 2017. John L. MacKinnon took part via telephone. A brief overview of the meeting is available by clicking the link below. If anyone has any questions, please contact John L.
Gulf Groundfish Advisory Committee Meeting: The Gulf Groundfish Advisory Committee Meeting was held in Moncton on March 22nd and 23rd. Trevor MacInnis attended for Inverness South. Some notes from the Meeting are below:
March 22 Gulf Groundfish Advisory meeting
- validity of the cosewic process was questioned
-since the moratorium the seal problem still hasn't been properly addressed
-Quota reports may not be shared other than for the larger fisheries
-need to assess the impact recovering fish stocks have on other species
-any rebuilding plans for fish stocks must include a plan for seals
- there is a need for a national conference on the state of the fishery in Canada
-USA is going to regulate fish products that are taken in a way that causes harm to marine mammals
- the Integrated Fish Management plan will be online shortly
recruitment for many of the ground fish stocks is somewhat strong except for southern gulf cod, the problem lies in the mortality rates of juvenile fishes due in large part to predation(SEALS)
March 23
Halibut----
Indicators are good for next few years
-no reliable way to measure the reproductive biomass
-the best way to determine the biomass would be with a longline survey for the whole gulf
-$450,000 needed for 150 stations across the gulf, 30 to 50 tonne of quota, of the Tac would cover it
-general support for this idea
-Redfish biomass for both species is growing but many of the fish are still small so there was debate on whether the quota should stay the same or raise it, most thought we should proceed with caution
Marine Protected Areas
-there was a much concern with the process and the so called consultation
-supposedly they are looking for very minimal impacts on fishermen
-some areas in the gulf have been identified as potential areas to protect
March 22 Gulf Groundfish Advisory meeting
- validity of the cosewic process was questioned
-since the moratorium the seal problem still hasn't been properly addressed
-Quota reports may not be shared other than for the larger fisheries
-need to assess the impact recovering fish stocks have on other species
-any rebuilding plans for fish stocks must include a plan for seals
- there is a need for a national conference on the state of the fishery in Canada
-USA is going to regulate fish products that are taken in a way that causes harm to marine mammals
- the Integrated Fish Management plan will be online shortly
recruitment for many of the ground fish stocks is somewhat strong except for southern gulf cod, the problem lies in the mortality rates of juvenile fishes due in large part to predation(SEALS)
March 23
Halibut----
Indicators are good for next few years
-no reliable way to measure the reproductive biomass
-the best way to determine the biomass would be with a longline survey for the whole gulf
-$450,000 needed for 150 stations across the gulf, 30 to 50 tonne of quota, of the Tac would cover it
-general support for this idea
-Redfish biomass for both species is growing but many of the fish are still small so there was debate on whether the quota should stay the same or raise it, most thought we should proceed with caution
Marine Protected Areas
-there was a much concern with the process and the so called consultation
-supposedly they are looking for very minimal impacts on fishermen
-some areas in the gulf have been identified as potential areas to protect
SGSL Lobster Advisory Committee Meeting: Was held in Moncton, NB on January 11 & 12th. Wayne MacLellan attended for Inverness South. Notes from the meeting can be read by clicking the link below:
2017 Enforcement Meeting: The meeting was held February 1st, 2017 in Antigonish, NS. Jessica Hinkley attended for Inverness South. Some notes from the meeting:
- Wayne Gallant is the new Director of Conservation and Protection. He is a retired RCMP and took on this new role in September of 2016.- C&P will be utilizing a National Fisheries Intelligence Service (NFIS) more in the future. This approach will allow them to collect data coming in and compare the information they receive. This approach will allow officers to use their time more efficient and have better outcomes. With this approach you may see less of the officers on the wharf but if they are there they have a reason.
- Department of Labour is pleased with the fishermen’s use of PFD’s. The use of PFDs will still be monitored and fines/warnings will be issued for not using them. D of L will be on the wharfs more this year. D of L is still offering complimentary vessel compliance inspections if requested.
- Resource Management will assess the openings of every season. They monitor the weather conditions closely when a season opening is approaching to make sure of everyone’s safety. If winds are over 20 knots or more the season may be delayed.
- Two new Jet Boats have been obtained to allow for more at sea checks.
- Logbooks are mandatory. They need to be completed. You can be fined for failure to do so.
- Wayne Gallant is the new Director of Conservation and Protection. He is a retired RCMP and took on this new role in September of 2016.- C&P will be utilizing a National Fisheries Intelligence Service (NFIS) more in the future. This approach will allow them to collect data coming in and compare the information they receive. This approach will allow officers to use their time more efficient and have better outcomes. With this approach you may see less of the officers on the wharf but if they are there they have a reason.
- Department of Labour is pleased with the fishermen’s use of PFD’s. The use of PFDs will still be monitored and fines/warnings will be issued for not using them. D of L will be on the wharfs more this year. D of L is still offering complimentary vessel compliance inspections if requested.
- Resource Management will assess the openings of every season. They monitor the weather conditions closely when a season opening is approaching to make sure of everyone’s safety. If winds are over 20 knots or more the season may be delayed.
- Two new Jet Boats have been obtained to allow for more at sea checks.
- Logbooks are mandatory. They need to be completed. You can be fined for failure to do so.
Carapace size increase delay: On Tuesday, March 21st, we received a confirmation from DFO that our request to delay the carapace size increase 1 year has been APPROVED. As such, the minimum size in LFA 26 B South will remain at 81 mm for the 2017 season and increase to 82.5 mm in the 2018 season. As identified last year, in 2017, the lobster trap escape mechanism will be required to be a minimum size of 44 mm in height by 127 mm in length.
Lobster Protein and Moult Report 2016: The results of the data gathered during the 2016 lobster season are available. Click the link below to read the entire report:
News Archives - a record of all items of news/information that are relevant to fishers will be kept here. All information that is posted in the information section at the beginning of our homepage will also be posted and saved here, even after it has been removed from the homepage.
January 2017.
Eastern Canadian Fisheries Exposition:
Takes place February 3-4, 2017 at the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth.
Registration for the event is now taking place. Convenient online registration is available at https://secure.masterpromotions.ca/ECFE2017/.(Click the link below). Pre-registration is just $10.00 per person (registration will be $20.00 at the door) and is good for both show days.
Show visitors who pre-register by January 20, 2017 will receive a ballot to participate in an exclusive Passport Program. Visitors who bring their ballot to the show, visit the booths of each of the four participating sponsors to request a stamp, then deposit the stamped ballot into one of the ballot boxes on the show floor will be entered to win a prize showcase valued at over $2,000! Prizes include:
· 2 Mustang Auto Inflatable PFDs and a 48 qt Ultra Cooler courtesy of Dixon’s Marine Group
· Kannad SportPro + GPS EPIRB courtesy of DSS Marine
· $500 gift certificate to be used for parts or service courtesy of H. Gibbs Marine
· G2F LP250 Filtration System, courtesy of Unique-Diesel-Solutions
The 2017 edition of the show will once again feature an educational seminar series. Topics will include:
“Financing an Enterprise”
Neil Pardy, Senior Loans Officer, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board
· “Why Bother with Design?”
Tim Edwards, Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association
· “Safety Procedures and Documentation on Your Fishing Boat”
Amanda Dedrick & Stewart Franck, Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia
Roy Alemao, Transport Canada
The next group of inductions into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame will also take place during the show.
Show Hours:
Friday, February 3 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Show Location:
Mariners Centre
45 Jody Shelley Drive
Yarmouth, NS
Additional details are available on the show website:
Takes place February 3-4, 2017 at the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth.
Registration for the event is now taking place. Convenient online registration is available at https://secure.masterpromotions.ca/ECFE2017/.(Click the link below). Pre-registration is just $10.00 per person (registration will be $20.00 at the door) and is good for both show days.
Show visitors who pre-register by January 20, 2017 will receive a ballot to participate in an exclusive Passport Program. Visitors who bring their ballot to the show, visit the booths of each of the four participating sponsors to request a stamp, then deposit the stamped ballot into one of the ballot boxes on the show floor will be entered to win a prize showcase valued at over $2,000! Prizes include:
· 2 Mustang Auto Inflatable PFDs and a 48 qt Ultra Cooler courtesy of Dixon’s Marine Group
· Kannad SportPro + GPS EPIRB courtesy of DSS Marine
· $500 gift certificate to be used for parts or service courtesy of H. Gibbs Marine
· G2F LP250 Filtration System, courtesy of Unique-Diesel-Solutions
The 2017 edition of the show will once again feature an educational seminar series. Topics will include:
“Financing an Enterprise”
Neil Pardy, Senior Loans Officer, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board
· “Why Bother with Design?”
Tim Edwards, Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association
· “Safety Procedures and Documentation on Your Fishing Boat”
Amanda Dedrick & Stewart Franck, Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia
Roy Alemao, Transport Canada
The next group of inductions into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame will also take place during the show.
Show Hours:
Friday, February 3 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Show Location:
Mariners Centre
45 Jody Shelley Drive
Yarmouth, NS
Additional details are available on the show website:
December 2016.
Results of Vote are in: The results of the carapace size increase delay vote are in and the results are the following -
60 votes in favour of requesting the delay from DFO
16 votes against requesting the delay from DFO
Therefore, we will be submitting a request to DFO requesting a one year delay of the last carapace size increase. The response from DFO to this request will be posted as soon as we receive it.
60 votes in favour of requesting the delay from DFO
16 votes against requesting the delay from DFO
Therefore, we will be submitting a request to DFO requesting a one year delay of the last carapace size increase. The response from DFO to this request will be posted as soon as we receive it.
September 2016.
Coming Soon:
Fishermen’s Forum 2016:
"Future Fisheries: Challenges and Changes"
When: November 21st - 22nd, 2016
Where: The Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre, St. Francis Xavier University - Antigonish, NS
The Gulf Aquarium and Marine Station is lining up some great topics of discussion for this year's forum.
Some of the tentative discussion topics include:
Registration will soon be open.
Just a reminder, that in order to attend the Forum, you must be registered.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, you can email the event organizer, Amanda Gallant, at: [email protected]
For updates, keep an eye on our website, and Facebook page:
Website: http://cmag-gams.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gamscooperative
Fishermen’s Forum 2016:
"Future Fisheries: Challenges and Changes"
When: November 21st - 22nd, 2016
Where: The Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre, St. Francis Xavier University - Antigonish, NS
The Gulf Aquarium and Marine Station is lining up some great topics of discussion for this year's forum.
Some of the tentative discussion topics include:
- Lobster, changing water temperatures, and acidification
- Groundfish in the Gulf
- Emerging fisheries - Green crab, sea cucumber, 3D-Farming
- Fishermen Science
- Snow Crab and changing temperatures
- Bait Challenges - status, and alternatives
- Aquaculture challenges and changes
Registration will soon be open.
Just a reminder, that in order to attend the Forum, you must be registered.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, you can email the event organizer, Amanda Gallant, at: [email protected]
For updates, keep an eye on our website, and Facebook page:
Website: http://cmag-gams.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gamscooperative
Halibut Third Opening: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans 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 2016-2017 GNS Atlantic halibut remaining available quota is 2.2 t.
Only those fish harvesters who did not participate in the GNS spring halibut fishery are eligible
to participate in the summer halibut fishery.
This fishery is scheduled to take place from 06:00 hrs on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 to 18:00
hrs on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. This period may be modified due to inclement weather or
other circumstances.
The maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or on board a vessel at any time will be
1000.
Please refer to the Conservation Harvesting Plan for additional management measures:
The 2016-2017 GNS Atlantic halibut remaining available quota is 2.2 t.
Only those fish harvesters who did not participate in the GNS spring halibut fishery are eligible
to participate in the summer halibut fishery.
This fishery is scheduled to take place from 06:00 hrs on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 to 18:00
hrs on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. This period may be modified due to inclement weather or
other circumstances.
The maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or on board a vessel at any time will be
1000.
Please refer to the Conservation Harvesting Plan for additional management measures:
Upcoming Meeting: There will be a meeting for all members on Sunday, September 11th at the Mabou Fire Hall at 7pm. This meeting will be to discuss 2 very important issues that have been raised by many members in recent months.
1. A delay on increasing the carapace size the last 1.5mm to 82.5mm. Many members have expressed concern that this last increase scheduled for the 2017 season will result in hardship for many fishers. While our goal is still to reach the carapace size of 82.5mm, as an organization we do not wish to see our fishers suffer unnecessary hardship. We are proposing to request a 1 year delay from DFO before increasing the carapace size one last time. This would see the increase take place in the 2018 season with NO increase for the 2017 season. It is hoped that this would allow for a window of time for catches to recover from the increases of the last 2 seasons.
2. A pilot project to try moving the lobster season forward 1 week. This trial would see everyone try moving the lobster season forward by 1 week with a start date of May 7th instead of our traditional April 30th. We are proposing to try this for a period of 2 years, at which time everyone would vote on whether or not to make this change permanent.
Both of these issues will be discussed at the meeting on September 11th.
If there is enough interest in going forward with either of these issues, a vote will be mailed to every member after this meeting. These ballots will have to be returned to a designated person by a specified date. We will hold a meeting in early October to reveal the results of the votes.
It is important that everyone express their opinion and concerns regarding these issues in order for us to best meet the needs of our fishers. Everyone's attendance at this meeting would be greatly appreciated.
1. A delay on increasing the carapace size the last 1.5mm to 82.5mm. Many members have expressed concern that this last increase scheduled for the 2017 season will result in hardship for many fishers. While our goal is still to reach the carapace size of 82.5mm, as an organization we do not wish to see our fishers suffer unnecessary hardship. We are proposing to request a 1 year delay from DFO before increasing the carapace size one last time. This would see the increase take place in the 2018 season with NO increase for the 2017 season. It is hoped that this would allow for a window of time for catches to recover from the increases of the last 2 seasons.
2. A pilot project to try moving the lobster season forward 1 week. This trial would see everyone try moving the lobster season forward by 1 week with a start date of May 7th instead of our traditional April 30th. We are proposing to try this for a period of 2 years, at which time everyone would vote on whether or not to make this change permanent.
Both of these issues will be discussed at the meeting on September 11th.
If there is enough interest in going forward with either of these issues, a vote will be mailed to every member after this meeting. These ballots will have to be returned to a designated person by a specified date. We will hold a meeting in early October to reveal the results of the votes.
It is important that everyone express their opinion and concerns regarding these issues in order for us to best meet the needs of our fishers. Everyone's attendance at this meeting would be greatly appreciated.
Halibut Opening Update for September 6, 2016: A conference call was held this morning and it was decided that there will be an opening at 6am tomorrow, September 7, 2016 until 6pm,Thursday, September 8th. DFO will proceed with the Variation Order request to open the fishery from 06:00 hrs September 7, 2016 until 18:00 hrs September 8, 2016. Please note the fishery will close September 8 instead of September 9 as was initially planned.
Halibut Update for Aug. 31, 2016: DFO has sent the following Notice to Fishers regarding the second summer opening - click the links to the Notice and the Conservation Harvesting Plan:
Halibut Decision for August 30th, 2016: Due to an unfavourable forecast for this week, DFO has delayed opening the season. They will hold another conference call on Tuesday, September 6th, with a planned opening from 6am Wednesday, September 7th to 6 pm Friday, September 9th, weather permitting. If the remaining quota is not caught during this opening, they will consider another opening for the following week.
Halibut: A conference call is being held this morning, Tuesday, August 30th to review the weather. Updates will be posted as received.
Halibut: A conference call is being held this morning, Tuesday, August 30th to review the weather. Updates will be posted as received.
Marine Conservation Targets Update: Please find below the first edition of the Marine Conservation Targets newsletter. At the meetings held last winter, DFO committed to ensuring continued communication throughout the year and to this end, they offer this report of updates and actions that have occurred since that time. This newsletter will be published twice a year and they hope to receive feedback from our organizations regarding content and format. Please let us know what you think and what you would like to see more or less of in future editions and we will pass the information on.
Snow Crab Transferability in 2016: Below is a letter addressed to Members of the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (SGSL) Snow Crab Advisory Committee on the elimination of 100% temporary transferability in the snow crab fishery effective in 2016 and beyond. Click the link to read it:
Tuna Fishery: The following proposals are being brought forward, click the links to read:
Halibut Opening Update for August 9, 2016: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans 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 2016-2017 GNS Atlantic halibut remaining available quota is 14.357 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 is scheduled to take place from 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 16, 2016 to 6:00 p.m.
on Thursday, August 18, 2016. This period may be modified due to inclement weather or other circumstances.
The maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or on board a vessel at any time will be 1000 per licence holder.
Please refer to the Conservation Harvesting Plan for additional management measures:
Halibut Opening Update for July 29: DFO plans to open the summer Halibut fishery Aug. 16th to Aug. 18th, weather depending. It is expected that management measures will be mostly rolled over from 2015 - ie. 1000 hooks, Areas open 4T1, 4T8, and 4T2b.
in overall length (vessel class A146).
The 2016-2017 GNS Atlantic halibut remaining available quota is 14.357 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 is scheduled to take place from 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 16, 2016 to 6:00 p.m.
on Thursday, August 18, 2016. This period may be modified due to inclement weather or other circumstances.
The maximum number of hooks permitted to be fished or on board a vessel at any time will be 1000 per licence holder.
Please refer to the Conservation Harvesting Plan for additional management measures:
Halibut Opening Update for July 29: DFO plans to open the summer Halibut fishery Aug. 16th to Aug. 18th, weather depending. It is expected that management measures will be mostly rolled over from 2015 - ie. 1000 hooks, Areas open 4T1, 4T8, and 4T2b.
Gulf NS Tuna opening: August 2nd at 6:00. Full details available by clicking the links below:
Rock Crab Season Opening - The fishery for rock crab in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 26A will open at 06:00 a.m. on August 1, 2016,
and will close at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on November 26, 2016. The Notice to Fishers for the 2016 Rock Crab season in LFA 26A can be read by clicking the link:
and will close at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on November 26, 2016. The Notice to Fishers for the 2016 Rock Crab season in LFA 26A can be read by clicking the link:
Area 16 F Fall Herring Committee Meeting Draft Minutes - The draft minutes from the July 11, 2016 meeting in Stellarton, NS are available to read by clicking the link below:
Tuna Management Plan 2016: Find a link below to the 2016 Management Plan for Bluefin Tuna....
E-Logs: There was a teleconference held on January 21st, 2016 of the E-logs Technical Committee meeting. The minutes from this meeting can be read below:
Fall Herring Advisory Committee Meeting: DFO Antigonish has confirmed that a meeting of the 16 F Fall Herring Advisory Committee will be held on July 11th at the Holiday Inn Express in Stellarton, NS beginning at 1:00 pm. DFO has agreed to accommodate the Federation's request to meet after the committee meeting so that we can continue to work through the MSC Action Plan Conditions and discuss other business.
Redfish Notice to Fishers for 2016:
Important information for Snow Crab Fishers regarding Tagging Study: The link below lets you read the Notice to Fishers that says what to do if you catch a tagged snow crab.
Update from the Spring GNS Halibut Fishery: DFO has provided an update from the GNS Spring halibut fishery last Thursday, May 19.
The numbers are still preliminary, but showing in the system as of Thursday, May 26th are landings of 34.7 t from the 16 hour fishery May 19.
The plan will be to carry the remaining Spring quota (approximately 5.8 t ) forward to next year.
After further discussions, DFO will send out notice when the GNS Summer Halibut fishery will open, presumably sometime mid- August.
As agreed, those fishers who participated in the Spring fishery, will not be eligible to participate in the Summer fishery.
The numbers are still preliminary, but showing in the system as of Thursday, May 26th are landings of 34.7 t from the 16 hour fishery May 19.
The plan will be to carry the remaining Spring quota (approximately 5.8 t ) forward to next year.
After further discussions, DFO will send out notice when the GNS Summer Halibut fishery will open, presumably sometime mid- August.
As agreed, those fishers who participated in the Spring fishery, will not be eligible to participate in the Summer fishery.
For anyone looking for Herring: Kevin Thompson will be selling Herring during July, August, and September.
Contact info: (902) 926-2337 or (902) 759-2293
Contact info: (902) 926-2337 or (902) 759-2293
Minimum Lobster Carapace Size increase for LFA 25 which opens in August: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announces that the minimum lobster carapace size will be increased to 73 millimetres in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 for the 2016 fishing season, with further increases to 75 millimetres in 2017 and 77 millimetres in 2018.
Halibut Season Opening Update for May 18th: Upon review of the forecast, the season will open tomorrow, Thursday, May 19th from 5am to 9pm in 4T9a and 4T9b. Click the links to read the notices:
Halibut Season Opening Update for May 17th: Upon review of the forecast this morning, DFO will not open the GNS halibut fishery tomorrow as planned.
DFO will review again tomorrow (Wednesday) morning for the possibility of an opening, the same hours, on Thursday, May 19. DFO will provide an update as soon as possible tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
Halibut Season Opening Update for May 16th: The opening date for the GNS Spring Halibut fishery is planned for Wednesday, May 18th but may change due to weather conditions. DFO will review the forecast early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning for the Wednesday opening before they request the Variation Order to open the fishery. If weather does not permit a Wednesday opening, they will use the same process and review the forecast on Wednesday or Thursday for a possible opening Thursday or Friday.
Halibut: Tentative: Season opening Wednesday, May 18th at 5am. Will confirm the opening tomorrow, Monday, May 16th. We need a fisher to volunteer to take conference calls for the Halibut fishery.... If you are willing, please contact Inverness South!
DFO will review again tomorrow (Wednesday) morning for the possibility of an opening, the same hours, on Thursday, May 19. DFO will provide an update as soon as possible tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
Halibut Season Opening Update for May 16th: The opening date for the GNS Spring Halibut fishery is planned for Wednesday, May 18th but may change due to weather conditions. DFO will review the forecast early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning for the Wednesday opening before they request the Variation Order to open the fishery. If weather does not permit a Wednesday opening, they will use the same process and review the forecast on Wednesday or Thursday for a possible opening Thursday or Friday.
Halibut: Tentative: Season opening Wednesday, May 18th at 5am. Will confirm the opening tomorrow, Monday, May 16th. We need a fisher to volunteer to take conference calls for the Halibut fishery.... If you are willing, please contact Inverness South!
Mackerel Fishery: Click the link below to read the Variation Order which opened the 2016 Mackerel Fishery on May 15th.
Redfish, Yellowtail Flounder, and American Plaice Notice to Fishers for 2016: Click the links below to read each:
Halibut Fishery Update: Click the link below to read the signed letter sent to Frederic Butruille:
Halibut Update From Montreal Meetings: Leonard LeBlanc attended the Halibut meetings in Montreal with the FPB. He sent the following brief about the meeting: The positions from all provinces did not change. Both Quebec at ( 63%) and Newfoundland at (32%) want to revert back to the pre Minister Shea decision. This allowed us to have a slightly higher quota which is still locked in until next year. The inshore harvesters associations from New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Gulf Nova Scotia all requested a 600 mt quota with 8 equal shares which was proper seeing that Minister Too Too was opening the door.
Notes from the Tuna AGM: Jordan attended the Tuna AGM on Sunday, April 21st. He requested to join the Board and his request was accepted. They will be approaching DFO with Transferability of 2 tags per season.
2016 Snow Crab Season Opening: To view the Notice to Fishers, click the link below:
Flounders Distribution Notice: Maritimes Region VARIATION ORDER - MAR-VAR-2016-044 ( CLOSURE of 4Vn to CLASS "C" vessels based in 4T from fishing flounder ) Please be advised that the following VARIATION ORDER: MAR-VAR-2016-044(CLOSES 4Vn to class “C” vessels based in 4T from fishing flounder) has been signed and posted online.
Dredging Issues for Harbour Authorities: Everyone please be aware of the current issues all Harbour Authorities face with regards to dredging. As outlined in the memo below, the Nova Scotia Department of Environment (NSE) Contaminated Sites Regulations will apply to dredge sediments (restrictions during this interim period, and fully in effect in 2018). This is causing Harbour Authorities to have difficulties obtaining environmental approval for dredging projects. Once fully in effect, these regulations will prohibit disposal of dredge sediments on private land. There are also restrictions with regards to how far these sediments can be trucked due to the environmental impact. More will be posted as it is known.
April 2016.
2016 Snow Crab Notice To Fishers:
Interesting Article Re: Water Temp Causing Lobster to Move North
The following article appeared in the Ellsworth American:
The following article appeared in the Ellsworth American:
Changes in the minimum legal size lobster and lobster trap escape mechanism in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 26 B South and sub-LFA 26A2
DFO has issued a Notice to Fishers regarding the changes to the minimum legal size lobster and lobster trap escape mechanism for the 2016 season. Click the link below to read the notice:
DFO has issued a Notice to Fishers regarding the changes to the minimum legal size lobster and lobster trap escape mechanism for the 2016 season. Click the link below to read the notice:
Lobster Season Opening: A conference call was held this morning, Thursday, April 28th regarding the opening of the lobster season. It was decided that the season will open at 6am on Saturday, April 30th.
PFDs have arrived -
They will be given out over the next few days.
Jordan will be distributing for the Inverness Area... all fishers from the Margaree, Inverness, and surrounding areas should watch for him to receive their PFDs.
Crystal will be distributing for the Mabou area... all fishers from the Mabou Harbour and Mabou Coal Mines area will receive their PFDs from her.
Contacts from other wharves are:
Teddy MacDonald - Murphy's Pond
Cameron MacDonald - Little Judique
Donald Gillis - Baxter's Cove and Pig Cove
Gordon Beaton - Mainland
Darren Keeping - Auld's Cove
They will be given out over the next few days.
Jordan will be distributing for the Inverness Area... all fishers from the Margaree, Inverness, and surrounding areas should watch for him to receive their PFDs.
Crystal will be distributing for the Mabou area... all fishers from the Mabou Harbour and Mabou Coal Mines area will receive their PFDs from her.
Contacts from other wharves are:
Teddy MacDonald - Murphy's Pond
Cameron MacDonald - Little Judique
Donald Gillis - Baxter's Cove and Pig Cove
Gordon Beaton - Mainland
Darren Keeping - Auld's Cove
Crab Tender Results: Congratulations to our winners...
Craig Cameron with the lowest bid of 45 cents per pound
and John L. MacKinnon who agreed to fish the second license for 45cents per pound.
We had 11 bids in total. Bids were for the following amounts:
45 cents
49 cents
49.5 cents
50 cents
64 cents
65 cents
69 cents
70 cents
74 cents
80 cents
90 cents
Thank you to all who participated and attended the meeting.
Craig Cameron with the lowest bid of 45 cents per pound
and John L. MacKinnon who agreed to fish the second license for 45cents per pound.
We had 11 bids in total. Bids were for the following amounts:
45 cents
49 cents
49.5 cents
50 cents
64 cents
65 cents
69 cents
70 cents
74 cents
80 cents
90 cents
Thank you to all who participated and attended the meeting.
2016 Fishers' Meetings with DFO/C&P - Cheticamp DFO, C&P (Fishery Officers) will be holding a general meeting with fish harvesters and crew members.
- Brief presentation from NS. Dept. of Labor on workplace safety.
- Review of license conditions and regulations related to the lobster, crab,
bait fisheries and more.
- Information regarding regulatory measures.
- Questions and Answers
Times And Locations:
Inverness: April 19th 2016 (Tuesday Morning) --- 10:00- 12:00 AM
Inverness Legion ( Lower Level )
Inverness N.S.
Port Hood: April 21st, 2016 (Thursday Morning) --- 10:00- 12:00 AM
Port Hood Fire Hall
Port Hood, NS.
- Brief presentation from NS. Dept. of Labor on workplace safety.
- Review of license conditions and regulations related to the lobster, crab,
bait fisheries and more.
- Information regarding regulatory measures.
- Questions and Answers
Times And Locations:
Inverness: April 19th 2016 (Tuesday Morning) --- 10:00- 12:00 AM
Inverness Legion ( Lower Level )
Inverness N.S.
Port Hood: April 21st, 2016 (Thursday Morning) --- 10:00- 12:00 AM
Port Hood Fire Hall
Port Hood, NS.
Tuna Meeting Details: About a dozen fishers attended the Tuna meeting on Sunday, April 17th. The meeting was very productive with several ideas for change in the tuna fishery being brought forward. The state of the tuna fishery was also discussed as well as the changes that have occurred over the last 20 years. Thank you from Jordan to all tuna members who took the time to attend the meeting. Information from the Tuna AGM will be posted when available.
Reminder: Crab Tender Meeting is Today, April 20th at 2pm at the Mabou Parish Hall!
Crab Tender: Letters and tender information and forms were mailed out. If you wish to do so, a copy of all forms can be read and printed by clicking the links below:
Note: All tenders must be received by the beginning of the meeting at 2pm on April 20th at the Mabou Parish Hall.
Note: All tenders must be received by the beginning of the meeting at 2pm on April 20th at the Mabou Parish Hall.
Important Note Regarding the Crab Tender and Using Someone Else's Vessel: It has come to our attention that several fishers do not realize a few important details when it comes to using someone else's vessel to fish the crab quota. Because the license will be in your name if you win the tender, the VESSEL must also be in your name. Therefore, if you lease or borrow a vessel, it must be transferred to your name. DFO requires that any vessel transfer lasts for a minimum 30 days. So if you transfer a vessel in order to fish the crab share, it must remain in your name for 30 days before you can transfer it back to the original owner.
Crab Draw Meeting Results:
Thank you to all members who attended the meeting. The majority voted to change the way we conduct the crab draw.... going forward, beginning this year, the crab draw will be tendered. All members who are eligible for crab share can put in a tender. A letter will be sent to all members who are eligible with information on the quota for this year, the process to submit a tender, as well as a tender form. Lowest bid will win the right to fish the quota this year. If multiple bids of the same amount are submitted as the lowest, they will be placed in a hat and a draw will determine the winner. As there are 2 crab licenses that fish our quota, the lowest bid will win the 1st license. The second lowest bid will be offered the chance to fish the second license at the lowest bid price. If they choose not to, the person who placed the third highest bid will be offered the chance and so on until someone agrees to fish the second license at the lowest bid price.
Tenders can either be mailed in to Inverness South or taken to the meeting on April 20th. Mailed tenders will remain Sealed until the meeting. At the meeting, we will open all mailed tenders and combine them with any that are brought to the meeting. The winner of the tender will be determined at this meeting.
Thank you to all members who attended the meeting. The majority voted to change the way we conduct the crab draw.... going forward, beginning this year, the crab draw will be tendered. All members who are eligible for crab share can put in a tender. A letter will be sent to all members who are eligible with information on the quota for this year, the process to submit a tender, as well as a tender form. Lowest bid will win the right to fish the quota this year. If multiple bids of the same amount are submitted as the lowest, they will be placed in a hat and a draw will determine the winner. As there are 2 crab licenses that fish our quota, the lowest bid will win the 1st license. The second lowest bid will be offered the chance to fish the second license at the lowest bid price. If they choose not to, the person who placed the third highest bid will be offered the chance and so on until someone agrees to fish the second license at the lowest bid price.
Tenders can either be mailed in to Inverness South or taken to the meeting on April 20th. Mailed tenders will remain Sealed until the meeting. At the meeting, we will open all mailed tenders and combine them with any that are brought to the meeting. The winner of the tender will be determined at this meeting.
Reminder: Tuna Meeting: Today, Sunday April 17th: Jordan is joining the Tuna Board and wishes to meet with everyone before he attends the Tuna AGM on April 21st. We will hold a meeting on Sunday, April 17th at 7pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. All interested fishers are encouraged to attend.
Tuna Fleet AGM - will be held April 21st at the Auld's Cove Fire Hall, at 1pm.
Halibut Fishery: Halibut conference call was held April 8th for Gulf of Nova Scotia. The agenda for the call was:
Gulf Atlantic halibut shares review
2015 GNS fisheries summary
2016 4vn quota
2016 GNS management plan
There is a political push by Newfoundland to go back to 2007 sharing. This would reduce our shares from 5.154% back to 2.010% of the total 4t quota. We are asking for support from our Federal and Provincial politicians to remain at our present shares. There is a meeting at the Wandlyn in Amherest at 10am on Tuesday April 12th. We are going to meet with New Brunswick and PEI to come up with a common plan to fight our potential loss of quota shares.
Last year's halibut fishery consisted of a spring and summer opening. The summer fishery caught all of its quota and the spring fishery has 6t left which will be carried over to this years quota.
The share of 4vn quota that GNS has is 4.55t, it will be transferred from 4vn to 4t as it was last year.
2016 GNS management plan will stay the same as last year. There will be another conference call closer to May 15th, 2016, to discuss openings of the Spring fishery and in the summer opening will be discussed at a later date (probably early August).
There was a plan put in place by DFO to prevent overlapping openings between 4vn and 4t fisheries in 4t9 A and B. Example, 4t would have week of May 15th, 4vn the week of May 22, so forth, until the end of June. DFO wants to close 4t9 A and B June 30th so all spring halibut quota would have to be caught before then. DFO was also looking for certain times that halibut could be unloaded. There was opposition to this, fishers feeling that 100% dockside monitoring and licence conditions of 3 hour hail ins prior to getting to port were sufficient.
Gulf Atlantic halibut shares review
2015 GNS fisheries summary
2016 4vn quota
2016 GNS management plan
There is a political push by Newfoundland to go back to 2007 sharing. This would reduce our shares from 5.154% back to 2.010% of the total 4t quota. We are asking for support from our Federal and Provincial politicians to remain at our present shares. There is a meeting at the Wandlyn in Amherest at 10am on Tuesday April 12th. We are going to meet with New Brunswick and PEI to come up with a common plan to fight our potential loss of quota shares.
Last year's halibut fishery consisted of a spring and summer opening. The summer fishery caught all of its quota and the spring fishery has 6t left which will be carried over to this years quota.
The share of 4vn quota that GNS has is 4.55t, it will be transferred from 4vn to 4t as it was last year.
2016 GNS management plan will stay the same as last year. There will be another conference call closer to May 15th, 2016, to discuss openings of the Spring fishery and in the summer opening will be discussed at a later date (probably early August).
There was a plan put in place by DFO to prevent overlapping openings between 4vn and 4t fisheries in 4t9 A and B. Example, 4t would have week of May 15th, 4vn the week of May 22, so forth, until the end of June. DFO wants to close 4t9 A and B June 30th so all spring halibut quota would have to be caught before then. DFO was also looking for certain times that halibut could be unloaded. There was opposition to this, fishers feeling that 100% dockside monitoring and licence conditions of 3 hour hail ins prior to getting to port were sufficient.
Halibut Fishery Meeting: There will be an important meeting regarding the Halibut fishery Thursday, April 14th at 7pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. There was a meeting in Amherst on April 12th. This meeting is to share the information and decisions made in Amherst and find out what our membership wishes to do. Another conference call will be held Friday on this issue and we need to know the direction our membership wishes to take before the conference call.
Reminder: This meeting is today!!!
IMPORTANT - CRAB DRAW MEETING: A meeting will be held this Sunday to discuss how the crab draw is conducted. We are looking for the memberships opinion on whether to continue to hold the crab draw as it always has been done, or in some other fashion. All options should be brought forward at this meeting and will be discussed and voted on. The option that the majority present at this meeting votes for is how the crab draw will be conducted going forward. Everyone's attendance is extremely encouraged.
Date: Sunday, April 3rd
Time: 2pm
Location: Mabou Parish Hall
A mailout was sent out Tuesday to all members informing them of this meeting and also included a letter regarding a few items of importance we need input on from the membership. Watch your mail for this information. If you wish to read this information now, both letters are available by clicking the links below:
IMPORTANT - CRAB DRAW MEETING: A meeting will be held this Sunday to discuss how the crab draw is conducted. We are looking for the memberships opinion on whether to continue to hold the crab draw as it always has been done, or in some other fashion. All options should be brought forward at this meeting and will be discussed and voted on. The option that the majority present at this meeting votes for is how the crab draw will be conducted going forward. Everyone's attendance is extremely encouraged.
Date: Sunday, April 3rd
Time: 2pm
Location: Mabou Parish Hall
A mailout was sent out Tuesday to all members informing them of this meeting and also included a letter regarding a few items of importance we need input on from the membership. Watch your mail for this information. If you wish to read this information now, both letters are available by clicking the links below:
March 2016.
Safety Meeting - North of Smokey Fishermen's Association is hosting a safety meeting at the Havre Boucher Community Centre on Mar 28 th at 1 pm .All Inverness South members are welcome to attend .It is for captains and crews and anyone interested in safety at sea and on the wharfs .It is being held by the NS Fisheries Saftey Association .They will be inviting WCB,Transport Canada ,The Labour Board ,DFO and someone from a marine insurance company .There will be people there to explain the rules concerning safety at sea .There will be demonstrations of the different safety devices .Door prizes will be given out.
AGM Notes:
Our AGM was held Sunday, February 21st, at 2pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. Thank you to all who attended. For those who couldn't attend, here are several points that were discussed:
1. Financials - the financial statements for 2015 were reviewed.
2. PFD announcement - the Fleet Planning Board will be providing EVERY member of Inverness South (and all Fleet Planning Board members) with 2 Mustang PFDs for free. Fishers are reminded that all crew are REQUIRED to wear a PFD. The Labour Board will be conducting "soft" enforcement this season - warnings and possibly fines will be given out for not wearing PFDs.
3. Crab Draw - looking for the memberships opinion on how the crab draw is conducted. It was decided that we will hold a meeting set for April 4th (tentatively) to discuss and hold a vote on this issue.
4. E-logging - electronic log books will be coming in the next few years.
5. Science Project - They are looking for volunteers again for the lobster science project. Those who participated last time will be contacted.
6. Tuna - complaints regarding problems with damage to herring nets. All fishers are strongly encouraged to report CFV#'s to DFO if they witness this.
7. Ministers Meeting in Halifax - Lobster handling course discussions. Focusing on buyers currently. Training will be mandatory for all buyers by 2017. Training for fishers and helpers strongly recommended to maintain the quality of the product. It was brought to everyone's attention that some places currently save money and reduce product loss by placing cull's in separate crates. Any damaged (cull) lobster are crated separately and these lobsters are sent for processing, while healthy lobsters are sent to the live market. This has greatly reduced loss for these processors and saved them millions.
8. Zones - the Fleet Planning Board and Inverness South participated in a meeting with Wendy Watson-Wright regarding zones and sub-zones. These sub-zones (such as 26B north and south) are up for renewal in March. There is a movement in place to have them made permanent.
9. WCB - it is strongly recommended that all Captains have Workers Compensation Board coverage for their crew. You are not legally obligated to have it unless you have a crew of 3 or more, but it eliminates your chances of being sued if someone on your crew has an accident. As well, rates for the industry have dropped 15% from last year.
10. Volunteers - it was requested that some fishers volunteer to attend meetings and be the contact person for their fishery. Several fishers agreed to be the contact person for various fisheries - the complete list will be posted soon.
11. FHOSA - John Bueglas was present to speak about FHOSA. He revealed that Inverness South is now the largest organization in the Gulf with 162 members. He reviewed the roles of the executive in an effort to have people step forward to be members of the executive.
12. Meeting Money - it was brought forward by Jordan that we should pay anyone who is good enough to attend a meeting for Inverness South an amount per day for their time, in addition to their expenses. A vote was held on an amount of $150.00 per day and passed with a majority.
Our AGM was held Sunday, February 21st, at 2pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. Thank you to all who attended. For those who couldn't attend, here are several points that were discussed:
1. Financials - the financial statements for 2015 were reviewed.
2. PFD announcement - the Fleet Planning Board will be providing EVERY member of Inverness South (and all Fleet Planning Board members) with 2 Mustang PFDs for free. Fishers are reminded that all crew are REQUIRED to wear a PFD. The Labour Board will be conducting "soft" enforcement this season - warnings and possibly fines will be given out for not wearing PFDs.
3. Crab Draw - looking for the memberships opinion on how the crab draw is conducted. It was decided that we will hold a meeting set for April 4th (tentatively) to discuss and hold a vote on this issue.
4. E-logging - electronic log books will be coming in the next few years.
5. Science Project - They are looking for volunteers again for the lobster science project. Those who participated last time will be contacted.
6. Tuna - complaints regarding problems with damage to herring nets. All fishers are strongly encouraged to report CFV#'s to DFO if they witness this.
7. Ministers Meeting in Halifax - Lobster handling course discussions. Focusing on buyers currently. Training will be mandatory for all buyers by 2017. Training for fishers and helpers strongly recommended to maintain the quality of the product. It was brought to everyone's attention that some places currently save money and reduce product loss by placing cull's in separate crates. Any damaged (cull) lobster are crated separately and these lobsters are sent for processing, while healthy lobsters are sent to the live market. This has greatly reduced loss for these processors and saved them millions.
8. Zones - the Fleet Planning Board and Inverness South participated in a meeting with Wendy Watson-Wright regarding zones and sub-zones. These sub-zones (such as 26B north and south) are up for renewal in March. There is a movement in place to have them made permanent.
9. WCB - it is strongly recommended that all Captains have Workers Compensation Board coverage for their crew. You are not legally obligated to have it unless you have a crew of 3 or more, but it eliminates your chances of being sued if someone on your crew has an accident. As well, rates for the industry have dropped 15% from last year.
10. Volunteers - it was requested that some fishers volunteer to attend meetings and be the contact person for their fishery. Several fishers agreed to be the contact person for various fisheries - the complete list will be posted soon.
11. FHOSA - John Bueglas was present to speak about FHOSA. He revealed that Inverness South is now the largest organization in the Gulf with 162 members. He reviewed the roles of the executive in an effort to have people step forward to be members of the executive.
12. Meeting Money - it was brought forward by Jordan that we should pay anyone who is good enough to attend a meeting for Inverness South an amount per day for their time, in addition to their expenses. A vote was held on an amount of $150.00 per day and passed with a majority.
February 2016.
Summer Student Funding Deadline Extended: The Prime Minister announced on February 12th that the government will support the hiring of nearly 70,000 students across the country this summer through the Canada Summer Jobs program doubling the over 34,000 positions funded in 2015. All eligible employers now have until March 11th, 2016 to apply.
Summer Student Reminder: For those HAs who apply for students, the deadline extension ends on Friday!
AGM TODAY!
Annual General Meeting 2016 - We will be holding our AGM on Sunday, February 21st at 2pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. All are encouraged to attend. The maps from the Marine Protected Area meeting will also be available for everyone to look at and make changes to if necessary.
Annual General Meeting 2016 - We will be holding our AGM on Sunday, February 21st at 2pm at the Mabou Parish Hall. All are encouraged to attend. The maps from the Marine Protected Area meeting will also be available for everyone to look at and make changes to if necessary.
Update regarding meeting:As of Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, we have representation attending the meeting from Inverness, Mabou, and Auld's Cove. Would like to see some from the Creignish, Judique, Port Hood, and Coal Mines areas as well. Please spread the word! The meeting will only be from 10 until 11:30.
Looking for Members to attend a Meeting with DFO in Port Hood on Feb. 4th:
Once DFO has presented the details of this initiative, they will present the maps they have created of each fishery (by species) to confirm that the location of the fishing activities is consistent with their understanding. It is important to have representation from each fishery attend in order to confirm and/or make changes to the information DFO currently has.
At a Department of Fisheries and Oceans Resource Management advisory meeting earlier this year, the Oceans Management Division presented the overall plan to develop a network of marine protected areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Bioregion. As a follow-up, they would now like to meet with members of Inverness South to present their progress on this initiative and obtain feedback on the fisheries data they have collected.
This data will be used in the creation of Marine Protected Area network design scenarios. These scenarios will identify various potential sites for future protection and will be the subject of further consultation in 2017.
We would like to see at least 1 representative from each Harbour attend this meeting if possible. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are willing to attend:
When: Feb. 4th
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Port Hood Fire Hall
Contact Inverness South:
[email protected]
(902)945-2459
or message on Facebook
Looking for Members to attend a Meeting with DFO in Port Hood on Feb. 4th:
Once DFO has presented the details of this initiative, they will present the maps they have created of each fishery (by species) to confirm that the location of the fishing activities is consistent with their understanding. It is important to have representation from each fishery attend in order to confirm and/or make changes to the information DFO currently has.
At a Department of Fisheries and Oceans Resource Management advisory meeting earlier this year, the Oceans Management Division presented the overall plan to develop a network of marine protected areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Bioregion. As a follow-up, they would now like to meet with members of Inverness South to present their progress on this initiative and obtain feedback on the fisheries data they have collected.
This data will be used in the creation of Marine Protected Area network design scenarios. These scenarios will identify various potential sites for future protection and will be the subject of further consultation in 2017.
We would like to see at least 1 representative from each Harbour attend this meeting if possible. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are willing to attend:
When: Feb. 4th
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Port Hood Fire Hall
Contact Inverness South:
[email protected]
(902)945-2459
or message on Facebook
January 2016.
Summer Student Application Deadlines: For any Harbour Authorities who apply for summer students, applications can be submitted for a Canada Summer Jobs grant from January 4th to February 26th. Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30.
A few notes of importance from the 2016 Enforcement Round Table Meeting in Antigonish on January 7th:
- PFDs - The Department of Labour will be conducting wharf inspections in 2016 to ensure that every crew member is WEARING a certified PFD. Fines and/or warnings will be issued for non-compliance.
- WCB - The Department of Labour is also recommending that all Captains have Workers Compensation Board coverage for their crew. If a crew member is injured on the job and you have WCB coverage, you cannot personally be sued. The WCB would be responsible for compensation for any injury.
- PFDs - The Department of Labour will be conducting wharf inspections in 2016 to ensure that every crew member is WEARING a certified PFD. Fines and/or warnings will be issued for non-compliance.
- WCB - The Department of Labour is also recommending that all Captains have Workers Compensation Board coverage for their crew. If a crew member is injured on the job and you have WCB coverage, you cannot personally be sued. The WCB would be responsible for compensation for any injury.
December 2015.
The Groundfish Advisory Committee Meeting was held on March 24 and 25th in Moncton, NB. The Record of Proceedings is now available for anyone who wishes to read it. Just click the link below:
The new Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and Coast Guard received the following mandate letter from our new Prime Minister. Click the link to read it:
Minutes from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence Snow Crab Advisory Committee Meeting held in Moncton on February 25, 2015 are available: Click the link below to read the entire document.
The closing date of the Scallop Fishery for Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 24 will be December 15, 2015 at 6:00pm.
Extension of GNS Tuna Fishery: The Tuna fishery has been extended until Friday, December 4th, 2015. Amended conditions are available on the Online Licensing System and are required for anyone taking part in the fishery after November 17th.
September 2015.
Scallop Fishery: DFO has issued the Notice to Fishers of the upcoming scallop fishery. Click the link below to read:
Tuna Fishers - Notice to Fishers October 2, 2015
– Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishes to advise Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS) tuna licence holders that upon review of the landings as scheduled today, 43 tuna have been landed up to and including September 30. This has resulted in approximately 11.38 t or 19% of the 2015 GNS Fleet’s quota being captured. Five additional tags will now be made available continuing with the 2015 GNS Tuna Tag Revolving List. Those eligible for one of these additional tags will be contacted by DFO.
Tags will be available for pick up at the Gulf Nova Scotia Area Office in Antigonish on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm or by appointment by calling 1-855-634-2355 or by emailing [email protected].
Landings will again be reviewed in the coming weeks.
For more information:
Alan Dwyer
A / Chief, Resource Management
Gulf Nova Scotia
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, NS
902-735-7114
– Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishes to advise Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS) tuna licence holders that upon review of the landings as scheduled today, 43 tuna have been landed up to and including September 30. This has resulted in approximately 11.38 t or 19% of the 2015 GNS Fleet’s quota being captured. Five additional tags will now be made available continuing with the 2015 GNS Tuna Tag Revolving List. Those eligible for one of these additional tags will be contacted by DFO.
Tags will be available for pick up at the Gulf Nova Scotia Area Office in Antigonish on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm or by appointment by calling 1-855-634-2355 or by emailing [email protected].
Landings will again be reviewed in the coming weeks.
For more information:
Alan Dwyer
A / Chief, Resource Management
Gulf Nova Scotia
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, NS
902-735-7114
GNS Summer Halibut Fishery :
Upon review of the landings from the last GNS Summer Halibut Fishery opening, the GNS fleet landed approximately 4.9 t of the 5.2 t that was remaining for the 2015 GNS Summer Halibut fishery. Therefore, there will be no additional openings in 2015 for the GNS Summer Halibut fishery and we will request to carry forward the remaining 0.3 t to the 2016 season.
Of the 17.9 t set aside for the 2015 GNS Summer fishery, 17.6 t were landed.
Upon review of the landings from the last GNS Summer Halibut Fishery opening, the GNS fleet landed approximately 4.9 t of the 5.2 t that was remaining for the 2015 GNS Summer Halibut fishery. Therefore, there will be no additional openings in 2015 for the GNS Summer Halibut fishery and we will request to carry forward the remaining 0.3 t to the 2016 season.
Of the 17.9 t set aside for the 2015 GNS Summer fishery, 17.6 t were landed.
Halibut Fishery Update for September 21/15:
DFO has requested the Variation Order to open the GNS Summer Halibut fishery tomorrow Tuesday, September 22 at 06:30 am until 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday, September 25.
Halibut Fishery Update for September 16/15:
DFO has requested the Variation Order to open the GNS Summer Halibut fishery tomorrow Thursday, September 17 at 06:00 am until 12:00 pm (noon) on Saturday, September 19.
Halibut Update for Tuesday, September 15th: The halibut fishery WILL NOT be opening tomorrow due to an unfavourable weather forecast. DFO will reassess the weather again tomorrow with a possible opening for Thursday, September 17th.
Halibut Update for Monday, September 14th: DFO has postponed the proposed opening for tomorrow, September 15th. They will review the weather tomorrow, Tuesday, with a possible opening for Wednesday, September 16th or later in the week.
Summer Halibut Fishery Opening: DFO is considering another opening for Tuesday, September 15th, pending favourable weather.
DFO has requested the Variation Order to open the GNS Summer Halibut fishery tomorrow Tuesday, September 22 at 06:30 am until 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday, September 25.
Halibut Fishery Update for September 16/15:
DFO has requested the Variation Order to open the GNS Summer Halibut fishery tomorrow Thursday, September 17 at 06:00 am until 12:00 pm (noon) on Saturday, September 19.
Halibut Update for Tuesday, September 15th: The halibut fishery WILL NOT be opening tomorrow due to an unfavourable weather forecast. DFO will reassess the weather again tomorrow with a possible opening for Thursday, September 17th.
Halibut Update for Monday, September 14th: DFO has postponed the proposed opening for tomorrow, September 15th. They will review the weather tomorrow, Tuesday, with a possible opening for Wednesday, September 16th or later in the week.
Summer Halibut Fishery Opening: DFO is considering another opening for Tuesday, September 15th, pending favourable weather.
August 2015.
Tuna Condition Changes: DFO issued the following statement regarding the Tuna fishery on August 21, 2015:
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Gulf, Quebec, Maritimes, Newfoundland & Labrador Regions
Notice to Fish Harvesters
August 21, 2015
This notice is to inform you of a change to the licence condition for the 2015 Bluefin tuna commercial fishery. The notice issued on July 28, 2015 indicated that a new licence condition for the commercial fishery would be included this year to prohibit any cutting and or extraction of Bluefin tuna flesh. This condition has been revisited and will be removed for the remainder of the 2015 season.
For those harvesters that have already received Bluefin tuna licence conditions for the 2015 commercial fishery and wish to request the new ones, they can do so by requesting and printing off the new conditions of licence via the National Online Licensing System. The issuance of replacement conditions will cancel existing conditions and will not include the prohibition on tail cuts or removal of the tail.
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Gulf, Quebec, Maritimes, Newfoundland & Labrador Regions
Notice to Fish Harvesters
August 21, 2015
This notice is to inform you of a change to the licence condition for the 2015 Bluefin tuna commercial fishery. The notice issued on July 28, 2015 indicated that a new licence condition for the commercial fishery would be included this year to prohibit any cutting and or extraction of Bluefin tuna flesh. This condition has been revisited and will be removed for the remainder of the 2015 season.
For those harvesters that have already received Bluefin tuna licence conditions for the 2015 commercial fishery and wish to request the new ones, they can do so by requesting and printing off the new conditions of licence via the National Online Licensing System. The issuance of replacement conditions will cancel existing conditions and will not include the prohibition on tail cuts or removal of the tail.
July 2015.
There was a meeting July 14 - 16th of the Technical Committee for the Development of a DFO standard on Electronic Logbooks. To read the full draft from the meeting click the link below:
2015 Tuna Fishery: Season opening for areas 4T - 4Wd will be August 1, 2015 at 6am. The fishery will remain open until the quota is caught or November 17, 2015, whichever comes first. The total quota available is 59.423 t.
Snow Crab Season Extended Again: The Area 12 Snow Crab Season has been extended until July 21, 2015 at 23:59 following requests from industry. All gear must be removed from the water by 23:59 on July 21, 2015. Any fisher taking part in the extended fishery must print new conditions. They will automatically be made available to print on the Online Licensing System.
Important information: Due to the increased incidence of soft-shelled crab, fish harvesters who wish to continue their fishing activities between July 19 and July 21 will need to have at-sea observer coverage for each fishing trip.
Snow Crab Season Extended Again: The Area 12 Snow Crab Season has been extended until July 21, 2015 at 23:59 following requests from industry. All gear must be removed from the water by 23:59 on July 21, 2015. Any fisher taking part in the extended fishery must print new conditions. They will automatically be made available to print on the Online Licensing System.
Important information: Due to the increased incidence of soft-shelled crab, fish harvesters who wish to continue their fishing activities between July 19 and July 21 will need to have at-sea observer coverage for each fishing trip.
June 2015.
Lobster Seasons have been extended: The following is a complete list of lobster season extensions for all areas:
DELAY IN CLOSURE OF THE LOBSTER FISHERY
Moncton – June 25, 2015 EKME # 3490559
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, wishes to advise harvesters of delays in the closures of the following Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs)
LFA Date Time
23 July 4, 2015 23:59
24 July 4, 2015 23:59
26A1 Point Prim to Victoria July 9, 2015 23:59
26A1 July 4, 2015 23:59
26A2 July 4, 2015 23:59
26A3 July 4, 2015 23:59
26B North July 9, 2015 23:59
26B South July 4, 2015 23:59
2015 Halibut Season:
Update for June 11, 2015: The spring 4T Halibut season will open for 4T vessels tomorrow, Friday, June 12th from 5am to 9pm. Once landings are in and counted, DFO will decide if there will be a second opening.
Update for June 10, 2015: The season will NOT open Thursday, June 11th due to the wind forecast. DFO will reassess the weather again Thursday morning with a possible opening for Friday, June 12th.
Update for June 9, 2015: The Halibut season has been postponed again and will not open on Wednesday, June 10th. DFO will reassess the weather on Wednesday morning and consult with some harvester reps to look at a possible opening for Thursday, June 11th.
Update for June 8, 2015: Due to the strong wind forecast for Tuesday, DFO has postponed the Halibut opening set for Tuesday, June 9th. The weather will be reviewed again on Tuesday morning with the earliest possible opening set for 5am on Wednesday, June 10th.
Update for June 2, 2015: The weather forecast is unfavourable for an opening this week, so the Halibut opening is postponed. DFO will assess the weather again by Monday, June 8th, with plans to open on Tuesday, June 9th. If not they will try Wednesday, then Thursday. The fishery will be open during daylight hours of 5am to 9pm. Landings will then be totaled to see if a second opening is warranted.
Update for June 1, 2015: The weather looks unfavourable for a Wednesday, June 3rd opening. DFO will look at the weather again Tuesday, June 2nd with the possibility of a Thursday, June 4th opening.
Update for May 28th: As of noon Today, May 28th, after looking at last years participation and landings, DFO is reconsidering the length of the opening listed below. Until a final decision is made, the times below should be considered tentative.
This years quota will be broken up - approximately 37 ton for the spring and 17 ton for the summer season.
Spring season set to open Wednesday, June 3rd, at 5am. This will be a 36 hour opening.
Summer season set to open August 12th.
DELAY IN CLOSURE OF THE LOBSTER FISHERY
Moncton – June 25, 2015 EKME # 3490559
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, wishes to advise harvesters of delays in the closures of the following Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs)
LFA Date Time
23 July 4, 2015 23:59
24 July 4, 2015 23:59
26A1 Point Prim to Victoria July 9, 2015 23:59
26A1 July 4, 2015 23:59
26A2 July 4, 2015 23:59
26A3 July 4, 2015 23:59
26B North July 9, 2015 23:59
26B South July 4, 2015 23:59
2015 Halibut Season:
Update for June 11, 2015: The spring 4T Halibut season will open for 4T vessels tomorrow, Friday, June 12th from 5am to 9pm. Once landings are in and counted, DFO will decide if there will be a second opening.
Update for June 10, 2015: The season will NOT open Thursday, June 11th due to the wind forecast. DFO will reassess the weather again Thursday morning with a possible opening for Friday, June 12th.
Update for June 9, 2015: The Halibut season has been postponed again and will not open on Wednesday, June 10th. DFO will reassess the weather on Wednesday morning and consult with some harvester reps to look at a possible opening for Thursday, June 11th.
Update for June 8, 2015: Due to the strong wind forecast for Tuesday, DFO has postponed the Halibut opening set for Tuesday, June 9th. The weather will be reviewed again on Tuesday morning with the earliest possible opening set for 5am on Wednesday, June 10th.
Update for June 2, 2015: The weather forecast is unfavourable for an opening this week, so the Halibut opening is postponed. DFO will assess the weather again by Monday, June 8th, with plans to open on Tuesday, June 9th. If not they will try Wednesday, then Thursday. The fishery will be open during daylight hours of 5am to 9pm. Landings will then be totaled to see if a second opening is warranted.
Update for June 1, 2015: The weather looks unfavourable for a Wednesday, June 3rd opening. DFO will look at the weather again Tuesday, June 2nd with the possibility of a Thursday, June 4th opening.
Update for May 28th: As of noon Today, May 28th, after looking at last years participation and landings, DFO is reconsidering the length of the opening listed below. Until a final decision is made, the times below should be considered tentative.
This years quota will be broken up - approximately 37 ton for the spring and 17 ton for the summer season.
Spring season set to open Wednesday, June 3rd, at 5am. This will be a 36 hour opening.
Summer season set to open August 12th.
May 2015.
May We will be holding the 2015 Crab Draw soon - anyone interested in putting their name in the draw this year is asked to let us know as soon as possible. Just send an email to [email protected], send a Facebook message, call, or just show up at the meeting and put your name in. Remember: you do not need to fish the permit yourself, so everyone is encouraged to enter. Please spread the word so everyone knows and has the opportunity to enter.
Update for May 13th:
Inverness Fishers have decided to set traps tomorrow, Thursday, May 14th.
LFA 26B North will open on Thursday, May 14th at 6am.
Update for May 11th:
Inverness fishers have decided amongst themselves NOT to set tomorrow, May 12th due to ice flows. They will look at the ice and decide on a day to day basis when they agree to set.
Season Opening Update for May 11th:
After speaking with DFO this morning, we have been told LFA 26B South will open tomorrow morning, Tuesday, May 12th at 6:00 am as scheduled by DFO with a "Go at your own risk" policy. Everyone please be careful.
Important Season Update for May 10th:
Due to the 3:30pm ice warning from Environment Canada, we will have to revisit the opening date of Tuesday, May 12th for 26B South. Jordan will be contacting Harbour representatives for guidance and will contact Leroy at DFO about this ice report and conditions first thing Monday morning. Any changes will be posted as soon as they are available.
Season updates for May 10th:
LFA 26A2 will open tomorrow MAY 11th at 12 noon.
LFA 26B South will open Tuesday May 12th at 6AM.
26B North reviewed tomorrow (Monday).
Season updates for May 9th:
26 A2 update:
Ice conditions have improved will have a call with industry tomorrow (sunday) and make a decision at that time.Industry is hopeful on Monday opening. Decision will be posted on Sunday.
LFA26B North
We will be reviewing 26B North again on Monday with earliest opening date for Wednesday.
LFA26B South
26B South will reviewed on Sunday with earliest opening date on Tuesday.
SEASON START UPDATE for May 8th
: Due to ice conditions, and a large strip of ice off Henry Island to Judique, DFO will be looking at conditions each day from now on. Tentative season opening has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th. Changes will be posted daily.
View Email from DFO below regarding all season opening decisions:
An update on openings for the lobster seasons in Gulf Nova Scotia.
26A1 & A3
Will be opening at 6:00 am Monday, May 11.
26A2
I received a request from the harvesting sector this morning to open the Lobster fishery in 26A2 at 12:00 (noon) on Monday, May 11th.
On Saturday morning I will touch base with various groups in 26A 2 and one of the following 3 options will be decided after reviewing the most recent weather information and ice conditions.
1) To open the fishery at noon on Monday May 11th.
2) To delay any opening to at the earliest on Tuesday at 6AM .
3) To delay any decision and have another call with industry on Sunday morning.
The accredited associations have agreed and developed a plan to insure all harvesters and buyers are notified as soon as a decision is made.
26B South and 26B North
I will be talking to harvester associations on Saturday morning and Sunday morning to review local ice conditions and latest weather forecast. The earliest possible opening in either 26B North or 26B South will be 6AM Tuesday.
A 2015 GNS lobster management map is attached for your reference.
Thanks,
Leroy
Leroy MacEachern
Chief, Resource Management / Chef, Gestion des ressources
Fisheries and Oceans / Pêches et Océans
Gulf Nova Scotia / Nouvelle Écosse – Golfe
2920, Highway 104 / 2920 route 104
Antigonish County, NS / Comté d’Antigonish (N.-É) B2G 2K6
Telephone / Téléphone: (902)735-7102
Fax / Télécopieur: (902) 863-5818
E-mail: [email protected]
Update for May 13th:
Inverness Fishers have decided to set traps tomorrow, Thursday, May 14th.
LFA 26B North will open on Thursday, May 14th at 6am.
Update for May 11th:
Inverness fishers have decided amongst themselves NOT to set tomorrow, May 12th due to ice flows. They will look at the ice and decide on a day to day basis when they agree to set.
Season Opening Update for May 11th:
After speaking with DFO this morning, we have been told LFA 26B South will open tomorrow morning, Tuesday, May 12th at 6:00 am as scheduled by DFO with a "Go at your own risk" policy. Everyone please be careful.
Important Season Update for May 10th:
Due to the 3:30pm ice warning from Environment Canada, we will have to revisit the opening date of Tuesday, May 12th for 26B South. Jordan will be contacting Harbour representatives for guidance and will contact Leroy at DFO about this ice report and conditions first thing Monday morning. Any changes will be posted as soon as they are available.
Season updates for May 10th:
LFA 26A2 will open tomorrow MAY 11th at 12 noon.
LFA 26B South will open Tuesday May 12th at 6AM.
26B North reviewed tomorrow (Monday).
Season updates for May 9th:
26 A2 update:
Ice conditions have improved will have a call with industry tomorrow (sunday) and make a decision at that time.Industry is hopeful on Monday opening. Decision will be posted on Sunday.
LFA26B North
We will be reviewing 26B North again on Monday with earliest opening date for Wednesday.
LFA26B South
26B South will reviewed on Sunday with earliest opening date on Tuesday.
SEASON START UPDATE for May 8th
: Due to ice conditions, and a large strip of ice off Henry Island to Judique, DFO will be looking at conditions each day from now on. Tentative season opening has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th. Changes will be posted daily.
View Email from DFO below regarding all season opening decisions:
An update on openings for the lobster seasons in Gulf Nova Scotia.
26A1 & A3
Will be opening at 6:00 am Monday, May 11.
26A2
I received a request from the harvesting sector this morning to open the Lobster fishery in 26A2 at 12:00 (noon) on Monday, May 11th.
On Saturday morning I will touch base with various groups in 26A 2 and one of the following 3 options will be decided after reviewing the most recent weather information and ice conditions.
1) To open the fishery at noon on Monday May 11th.
2) To delay any opening to at the earliest on Tuesday at 6AM .
3) To delay any decision and have another call with industry on Sunday morning.
The accredited associations have agreed and developed a plan to insure all harvesters and buyers are notified as soon as a decision is made.
26B South and 26B North
I will be talking to harvester associations on Saturday morning and Sunday morning to review local ice conditions and latest weather forecast. The earliest possible opening in either 26B North or 26B South will be 6AM Tuesday.
A 2015 GNS lobster management map is attached for your reference.
Thanks,
Leroy
Leroy MacEachern
Chief, Resource Management / Chef, Gestion des ressources
Fisheries and Oceans / Pêches et Océans
Gulf Nova Scotia / Nouvelle Écosse – Golfe
2920, Highway 104 / 2920 route 104
Antigonish County, NS / Comté d’Antigonish (N.-É) B2G 2K6
Telephone / Téléphone: (902)735-7102
Fax / Télécopieur: (902) 863-5818
E-mail: [email protected]
April 2015.
Information on some of the most popular PFDs from the meeting:
1. Mustang Elite
Binnacle
Toll free 1 800 224 3937
Or
902 423 6464
Contact to order is Lyle or Robert
2. PFDS
Float Tech. 239
Sold at Vernon Deons.
They have stores in North Sydney and Pictou.
SEASON START UPDATE for May 8th: Due to ice conditions, and a large strip of ice off Henry Island to Judique, DFO will be looking at conditions each day from now on. Tentative season opening has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th. Changes will be posted daily.
SEASON START UPDATE for April 29th: Lobster season start has been delayed until Tuesday, May 5th. This decision will be reviewed on Friday, May 1st to see if a further delay is required.
A note on Logbooks: They are designed to last 3 years... 1 page per week, so logbooks from last year can be used again for this year. If anyone lost or damaged their book and needs a new one, there are a few available to purchase at Ceilidh Co-op or contact Prescille at Cheticamp Monitoring and she will get you one.
Member Meeting/Information Session
On April 19th at 2:00pm, at the Mabou Parish Hall, Inverness South will be hosting a member meeting/information session. We have invited Jean Lavallee to present an educational seminar. Jean is an expert on proper lobster handling. The purpose of the meeting is to learn better handling techniques for
everyone involved with our lobster catch. The demonstration should
last 1.5 hours to 2 hours. We need you to attend the meeting . Please
bring your helper or helpers along. We have invited all parties that
handle our product to come and learn. Fishers ,helpers, DFO and fish
buyers have been invited. We have a world class food product. Lobsters
are being shipped live to markets as far away as China. Let's work on
getting the best product to market.
1. Mustang Elite
Binnacle
Toll free 1 800 224 3937
Or
902 423 6464
Contact to order is Lyle or Robert
2. PFDS
Float Tech. 239
Sold at Vernon Deons.
They have stores in North Sydney and Pictou.
SEASON START UPDATE for May 8th: Due to ice conditions, and a large strip of ice off Henry Island to Judique, DFO will be looking at conditions each day from now on. Tentative season opening has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th. Changes will be posted daily.
SEASON START UPDATE for April 29th: Lobster season start has been delayed until Tuesday, May 5th. This decision will be reviewed on Friday, May 1st to see if a further delay is required.
A note on Logbooks: They are designed to last 3 years... 1 page per week, so logbooks from last year can be used again for this year. If anyone lost or damaged their book and needs a new one, there are a few available to purchase at Ceilidh Co-op or contact Prescille at Cheticamp Monitoring and she will get you one.
Member Meeting/Information Session
On April 19th at 2:00pm, at the Mabou Parish Hall, Inverness South will be hosting a member meeting/information session. We have invited Jean Lavallee to present an educational seminar. Jean is an expert on proper lobster handling. The purpose of the meeting is to learn better handling techniques for
everyone involved with our lobster catch. The demonstration should
last 1.5 hours to 2 hours. We need you to attend the meeting . Please
bring your helper or helpers along. We have invited all parties that
handle our product to come and learn. Fishers ,helpers, DFO and fish
buyers have been invited. We have a world class food product. Lobsters
are being shipped live to markets as far away as China. Let's work on
getting the best product to market.
March 2015.
DFO Staff Changes Effective April 1, 2015:
Donald MacDonald will be assuming a two year regional assignment, as Project Manager, to work on all major projects, both within Gulf Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia East areas, but will remain located in the Antigonish Area office.
Peggy Thompson will assume the responsibilities of SCH Area Manager for Gulf Nova Scotia, until such time as the SCH Area Manager acting assignment competition is concluded, which should be in the next 2-3 months. Once this competition is completed, the successful candidate will then act in the SCH Area Manager position until March 31, 2017.
Peggy will inform everyone of who will be acting in her substantive Business Manager position, once it has been finalized. Ted continues in his current position in Cheticamp office and all of their contact information remains the same.
The Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia will be holding their Annual General Meeting in Halifax, NS on Thursday, March 26th. All members are welcome to attend.
Ceilidh Fishermen's Co-op Ltd. had their board meeting on March 2, 2015. It was decided to pay 10 cents per pound on lobster.
Donald MacDonald will be assuming a two year regional assignment, as Project Manager, to work on all major projects, both within Gulf Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia East areas, but will remain located in the Antigonish Area office.
Peggy Thompson will assume the responsibilities of SCH Area Manager for Gulf Nova Scotia, until such time as the SCH Area Manager acting assignment competition is concluded, which should be in the next 2-3 months. Once this competition is completed, the successful candidate will then act in the SCH Area Manager position until March 31, 2017.
Peggy will inform everyone of who will be acting in her substantive Business Manager position, once it has been finalized. Ted continues in his current position in Cheticamp office and all of their contact information remains the same.
The Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia will be holding their Annual General Meeting in Halifax, NS on Thursday, March 26th. All members are welcome to attend.
Ceilidh Fishermen's Co-op Ltd. had their board meeting on March 2, 2015. It was decided to pay 10 cents per pound on lobster.
February 2015.
Some notes from the Minister's Conference held in Halifax, NS on Feb. 20th:
There was much talk over new trade deals with Korea and Europe, and also the expansion into china. It's hoped these and more emerging markets will protect the lobster industry in the near future.
The grey seal population was addressed as it is every year, Gail Shea was on hand to assure fishers that the feds are listening and working on solutions.
Aquaculture --not wanting to compromise traditional fisheries is seen as a goal, those in the aquaculture industry now will have to :1. provide written reports of pesticides used in their operation 2.report any negative effects on other species that might be happening 3.provide evaluations to DFO yearly
The levy was supposed to be the big topic of the meeting but we left the meeting without a consensus on a way to move forward. Most fishers seem to be in favour of the levy except for the South Shore. Processors were saying that they support the idea but would rather it come in a different form such as a fee or a lump sum, they don't really like the idea of "penny per pound" or whatever. It looks like PEI and NB are moving ahead with the levy but are not yet at implementation phase.
Transport Canada was in the next room providing info on new PFD's available and the requirements for fishers for the upcoming season. They would be willing to come down and meet with fishermen if we would like. All fishermen are required to have a copy of the Occupational Health And Safety Act on board their vessel at all times.
Humane Seal Harvesting Course: Being offered at the Baddeck DNR Office Boardroom on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 from 9:30am - Noon. Cost is $25.00 and is payable at the door by cheque or cash.
Important for all Seal Harvesters: As of 2015, seal harvesting licenses will not be renewed unless the harvester takes the Humane Seal Harvesting Course. Click the link below to view the Notice to Fishers from DFO regarding this decision.
There was much talk over new trade deals with Korea and Europe, and also the expansion into china. It's hoped these and more emerging markets will protect the lobster industry in the near future.
The grey seal population was addressed as it is every year, Gail Shea was on hand to assure fishers that the feds are listening and working on solutions.
Aquaculture --not wanting to compromise traditional fisheries is seen as a goal, those in the aquaculture industry now will have to :1. provide written reports of pesticides used in their operation 2.report any negative effects on other species that might be happening 3.provide evaluations to DFO yearly
The levy was supposed to be the big topic of the meeting but we left the meeting without a consensus on a way to move forward. Most fishers seem to be in favour of the levy except for the South Shore. Processors were saying that they support the idea but would rather it come in a different form such as a fee or a lump sum, they don't really like the idea of "penny per pound" or whatever. It looks like PEI and NB are moving ahead with the levy but are not yet at implementation phase.
Transport Canada was in the next room providing info on new PFD's available and the requirements for fishers for the upcoming season. They would be willing to come down and meet with fishermen if we would like. All fishermen are required to have a copy of the Occupational Health And Safety Act on board their vessel at all times.
Humane Seal Harvesting Course: Being offered at the Baddeck DNR Office Boardroom on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 from 9:30am - Noon. Cost is $25.00 and is payable at the door by cheque or cash.
Important for all Seal Harvesters: As of 2015, seal harvesting licenses will not be renewed unless the harvester takes the Humane Seal Harvesting Course. Click the link below to view the Notice to Fishers from DFO regarding this decision.
January 2015.
DOT Meeting in Halifax: Jordan attended a meeting in Halifax on January 22, 2015 with the Department of Transportation representatives regarding untreated waste on board commercial vessels. DOT is pushing to begin enforcing the regulation that is currently in place which requires a holding tank system on board to store waste from marine toilets. As of now, they are not enforcing this, but it is recommended that all fishers who are building new vessels consider adding such a system as it looks as though this will soon be enforced.
January 15: News: DFO has approved our carapace size increase. Size will increase to 80mm for 2015, 81mm for 2016, and 82.5mm for the 2017 season.
January 12: Thank you to the nine members who attended the AGM on Sunday, January 11th. Several issues were discussed: an overview of the financials for 2014, Fleet Planning Board update, stability tests, the lobster levy, rationalization (stacking), lobster handling and quality, the Marine Stewardship Council, and others. The next member meeting will be on April 12th, 2015. An effort is being made to have someone in to give a lobster quality seminar and an update on the levy. We will also be looking at the idea of everyone going to 4 traps on a line.... if there is enough interest, we will hold a vote on the issue. Please make an effort to attend.
January 15: News: DFO has approved our carapace size increase. Size will increase to 80mm for 2015, 81mm for 2016, and 82.5mm for the 2017 season.
January 12: Thank you to the nine members who attended the AGM on Sunday, January 11th. Several issues were discussed: an overview of the financials for 2014, Fleet Planning Board update, stability tests, the lobster levy, rationalization (stacking), lobster handling and quality, the Marine Stewardship Council, and others. The next member meeting will be on April 12th, 2015. An effort is being made to have someone in to give a lobster quality seminar and an update on the levy. We will also be looking at the idea of everyone going to 4 traps on a line.... if there is enough interest, we will hold a vote on the issue. Please make an effort to attend.
November 2014.
November 28 - 29: This weekend in St.John's, Newfoundland: The North Atlantic Fish & Workboat Show. The show will feature boats, supplies, services and safety equipment for today’s commercial fishermen, supply vessels, and all those who make their living on the water. As part of the North Atlantic Fish & Workboat Show, deserving individuals will be inducted into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame. For full show details, visit: www.NAFISH.ca
Update from the Fleet Planning Board Meeting in Ottawa: Jordan MacDougall attended meetings in Ottawa as part of the Fleet Planning Board. The purpose
was to meet with the Department of Transport. The main issue facing our industry was the stability test the Department of Transportation wanted to implement.
The members of the board had been working for the last eight years on stability rules for our fleet. Consensus was reached between the Department of Transportation and industry. The existing fleet will have no testing . New boats will be required to pass a simplified stability test. The other subject of
importance was the issue of waste holding tanks for our fishing fleet. This issue is in the early stages of discussions.
November 6: Trevor MacInnis attended a Herring Meeting in New Glasgow at the Museum of Industry on Thursday, November 6th. This meeting was regarding MSC certification of the 16F Herring Fishery. The company doing the assessment is SAI GLOBAL assurance services.
As with any msc assessment they will be looking at certain criteria such as Stock Status,Reference Points, Harvest Strategy, Harvest Control Rules and Data Collection.
The Herring Federation feels confident that with minor adjustments the fishery will qualify for it's certification. There is still work to be done and a decision will be made in the near future.
Update from the Fleet Planning Board Meeting in Ottawa: Jordan MacDougall attended meetings in Ottawa as part of the Fleet Planning Board. The purpose
was to meet with the Department of Transport. The main issue facing our industry was the stability test the Department of Transportation wanted to implement.
The members of the board had been working for the last eight years on stability rules for our fleet. Consensus was reached between the Department of Transportation and industry. The existing fleet will have no testing . New boats will be required to pass a simplified stability test. The other subject of
importance was the issue of waste holding tanks for our fishing fleet. This issue is in the early stages of discussions.
November 6: Trevor MacInnis attended a Herring Meeting in New Glasgow at the Museum of Industry on Thursday, November 6th. This meeting was regarding MSC certification of the 16F Herring Fishery. The company doing the assessment is SAI GLOBAL assurance services.
As with any msc assessment they will be looking at certain criteria such as Stock Status,Reference Points, Harvest Strategy, Harvest Control Rules and Data Collection.
The Herring Federation feels confident that with minor adjustments the fishery will qualify for it's certification. There is still work to be done and a decision will be made in the near future.
October 2014.
Summer Halibut Fishery: opening from 6 am Thursday, October 30, until 6 pm Friday, October 31.
16F Quota information: As per the landings updated on October 10, 2014, there was 5,198 t (98.8%) of the 5,262 t 16 F fall quota landed in 2014.
Update: Inverness South, as well as Gulf Bonafide Fishermen's Association, have gone from interim members to full members of the Fleet Planning Board at a meeting held October 23rd in Stellarton, NS. Jordan MacDougall attended this meeting and will attend meetings in Ottawa with Transport Canada in November as part of the Fleet Planning Board. The November meetings will be held from the 3rd to the 6th and will focus on Vessel Stability. Updates from these meetings will be posted as soon as they are made available.
Message from President Jordan MacDougall regarding the results of our vote:
I would like to thank the 86 fishers who participated in the vote. The results were:
48 yes votes
37 no votes
1 spoiled ballot
I will be making a proposal to DFO very soon about our carapace increase. It was great to hear input from our members, both for and against this proposal.
Jordan MacDougall,
President
Inverness South Fishermen's Association
16F Herring Fishery: A meeting was held last night, September 30th with Herring Federation representatives and buyers regarding the remaining 247t of 16F herring quota. Best guess is that there are approximately 50 vessels who wish to participate in harvesting this remaining quota.
It was agreed:
- DFO will issue a variation order to open the fishery at 6pm on October 1, 2014.
- The individual trip limit per vessel will be 10,000 lbs.
-Once 50% of the remaining quota is harvested (125t), the fishery will be closed for the season.
16F Quota information: As per the landings updated on October 10, 2014, there was 5,198 t (98.8%) of the 5,262 t 16 F fall quota landed in 2014.
Update: Inverness South, as well as Gulf Bonafide Fishermen's Association, have gone from interim members to full members of the Fleet Planning Board at a meeting held October 23rd in Stellarton, NS. Jordan MacDougall attended this meeting and will attend meetings in Ottawa with Transport Canada in November as part of the Fleet Planning Board. The November meetings will be held from the 3rd to the 6th and will focus on Vessel Stability. Updates from these meetings will be posted as soon as they are made available.
Message from President Jordan MacDougall regarding the results of our vote:
I would like to thank the 86 fishers who participated in the vote. The results were:
48 yes votes
37 no votes
1 spoiled ballot
I will be making a proposal to DFO very soon about our carapace increase. It was great to hear input from our members, both for and against this proposal.
Jordan MacDougall,
President
Inverness South Fishermen's Association
16F Herring Fishery: A meeting was held last night, September 30th with Herring Federation representatives and buyers regarding the remaining 247t of 16F herring quota. Best guess is that there are approximately 50 vessels who wish to participate in harvesting this remaining quota.
It was agreed:
- DFO will issue a variation order to open the fishery at 6pm on October 1, 2014.
- The individual trip limit per vessel will be 10,000 lbs.
-Once 50% of the remaining quota is harvested (125t), the fishery will be closed for the season.
July 2014 Man Overboard Drills were a huge success - a large number of fishers took part and showed up to watch (Approx. 20 - 30 in Inverness, 18 in Port Hood, and 12 in Judique). Man Overboard drills and Fire in Cabin drills were both held at all participating wharves. Thanks to all who participated! Hopefully more will be held in the future.
September 2014.
16F Herring Fishery: A meeting was held last night, September 30th with Herring Federation representatives and buyers regarding the remaining 247t of 16F herring quota. Best guess is that there are approximately 50 vessels who wish to participate in harvesting this remaining quota.
It was agreed:
- DFO will issue a variation order to open the fishery at 6pm on October 1, 2014.
- The individual trip limit per vessel will be 10,000 lbs.
-Once 50% of the remaining quota is harvested (125t), the fishery will be closed for the season.
Voting is now closed - Thank you to all fishers who participated. The results of the vote will be posted here as soon as they are available.
Reminder: All ballots must be received by Nicole by September 30, 2014. Please send in your ballot if you have not done so already!
Regarding the vote on Sunday: A huge thank-you to all fishers who attended the meeting on Sunday, September 14th. A total of 38 votes were cast at the meeting. The remaining 79 fishers who did not attend the meeting will be sent a mail-in ballot to be returned by September 30, 2014. All votes will be counted on October 1, 2014 and we will announce the results as soon as they are available.
New Information about the vote on Sunday:
It has come to our attention that several fishers will not be able to attend. In order to ensure all fishers have a vote, we will be sending anyone who does not attend the meeting a mail-in ballot. This ballot will have to be returned to Nicole Sampson, Department of Fisheries, by September 30, 2014. Any ballot received after this date will not be counted. All ballots will be counted on October 1, 2014 and the results will be posted on the website immediately. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Inverness South.
Carapace size vote: There will be a vote on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 1:30pm at the Mabou Hall for all lobster harvesters in area 26B South. This vote is extremely important. You will be voting on whether or not to apply to DFO for a minimum carapace size increase to 82.5mm to be fazed in over three years (80mm in 2015, 81mm in 2016, and 82.5mm in 2017). The current minimum carapace size is 79mm. Please make every effort to attend and have your say on the issue.
Notice from DFO regarding a second opening of the GNS Summer Halibut Fishery: We are planning a second opening for the GNS Summer Halibut fishery on Wednesday, September 17 from 6 am until 6 pm. We will be reviewing the weather forecast Monday and if there are no concerns, we’ll submit the VO request to open Wed. If there are concerns with the forecast, we’ll schedule a conference call with industry Monday at 11:00 am to discuss further. If there is a need for a call, we’ll send out the call in number Monday morning. The same Conditions of Licence used for the first summer fishery opening Sept 10 (Vessel Class A146) will be valid and there will be a roll - over of all management measures. Again, the only areas open will be groundfsh areas 4T1, 4T8, and 4T2b.
Change in Tuna Conditions: There has been a change in the conditions about swimming a fish after you catch it . A
dart spaghetti tag has to be in the fish or your tuna tag when you swim the fish.
Important for all participating in the 16F Fall Herring Fishery: It was discovered that the “Table of Confirmation of Fishing” was not released with the 16 F herring conditions. They are being re-released in the NOLS system now and should be available to print. Please ensure you print the new amended documents if you are participating in the 16 F Fall herring fishery.
It was agreed:
- DFO will issue a variation order to open the fishery at 6pm on October 1, 2014.
- The individual trip limit per vessel will be 10,000 lbs.
-Once 50% of the remaining quota is harvested (125t), the fishery will be closed for the season.
Voting is now closed - Thank you to all fishers who participated. The results of the vote will be posted here as soon as they are available.
Reminder: All ballots must be received by Nicole by September 30, 2014. Please send in your ballot if you have not done so already!
Regarding the vote on Sunday: A huge thank-you to all fishers who attended the meeting on Sunday, September 14th. A total of 38 votes were cast at the meeting. The remaining 79 fishers who did not attend the meeting will be sent a mail-in ballot to be returned by September 30, 2014. All votes will be counted on October 1, 2014 and we will announce the results as soon as they are available.
New Information about the vote on Sunday:
It has come to our attention that several fishers will not be able to attend. In order to ensure all fishers have a vote, we will be sending anyone who does not attend the meeting a mail-in ballot. This ballot will have to be returned to Nicole Sampson, Department of Fisheries, by September 30, 2014. Any ballot received after this date will not be counted. All ballots will be counted on October 1, 2014 and the results will be posted on the website immediately. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Inverness South.
Carapace size vote: There will be a vote on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 1:30pm at the Mabou Hall for all lobster harvesters in area 26B South. This vote is extremely important. You will be voting on whether or not to apply to DFO for a minimum carapace size increase to 82.5mm to be fazed in over three years (80mm in 2015, 81mm in 2016, and 82.5mm in 2017). The current minimum carapace size is 79mm. Please make every effort to attend and have your say on the issue.
Notice from DFO regarding a second opening of the GNS Summer Halibut Fishery: We are planning a second opening for the GNS Summer Halibut fishery on Wednesday, September 17 from 6 am until 6 pm. We will be reviewing the weather forecast Monday and if there are no concerns, we’ll submit the VO request to open Wed. If there are concerns with the forecast, we’ll schedule a conference call with industry Monday at 11:00 am to discuss further. If there is a need for a call, we’ll send out the call in number Monday morning. The same Conditions of Licence used for the first summer fishery opening Sept 10 (Vessel Class A146) will be valid and there will be a roll - over of all management measures. Again, the only areas open will be groundfsh areas 4T1, 4T8, and 4T2b.
Change in Tuna Conditions: There has been a change in the conditions about swimming a fish after you catch it . A
dart spaghetti tag has to be in the fish or your tuna tag when you swim the fish.
Important for all participating in the 16F Fall Herring Fishery: It was discovered that the “Table of Confirmation of Fishing” was not released with the 16 F herring conditions. They are being re-released in the NOLS system now and should be available to print. Please ensure you print the new amended documents if you are participating in the 16 F Fall herring fishery.
December 2013.
Fish Canada Workboat Canada - Largest Commercial Marine Event in Canada - January 24 - 25, 2014 - Pre-register before January 10, 2014 for FREE (enter promo code FC303) and be eligible for thousands of dollars in prizes! Cost to register after January 10, 2014 and at the door is $15.00. This event will be held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex and includes Seminars and Workshops new for 2014.
Fish Canada Workboat Canada - Largest Commercial Marine Event in Canada - January 24 - 25, 2014 - Pre-register before January 10, 2014 for FREE (enter promo code FC303) and be eligible for thousands of dollars in prizes! Cost to register after January 10, 2014 and at the door is $15.00. This event will be held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex and includes Seminars and Workshops new for 2014.
August 2013
Volunteers Needed - Gulf Bonafide is looking for 5 or so volunteers for next season to participate in a Sea Sampling project being organized for next season. Last year there was a Sea Sampling project undertaken and information was collected in most areas because DFO was doing a lobster stock assessment. This project was going with a fishermen once a week to sample every lobster that is caught in traps. Length of carapace, sex, if female was berried, the stage of egg development (stage 1,2,3) and the quality of clutch (full, 75% or less, or less than 25%). The location of each trap was also taken to get information on geographic distribution and such.
The information from Sea Sampling is also used by Lobster Node; a science group that is using the information on a larval distribution model and population connectivity. They would like to have the information on 6 km square areas and have a true picture of how many eggs are present in that area to put real numbers into the model. Last year they also sampled DNA from a few females to see if any markers would be present to show how closely related lobster populations are or if populations can be distinguished.
This information was collected in most areas, although little sampling was done in 26B south. Therefore, they are trying to get some data from this area.
They are looking for volunteers for next year for a project regarding recruitment sampling. This is often called vent-less trap where the escape mechanism is blocked off and this is to target retaining smaller lobster to see what sort of recruitment is coming into the following years fishery. DFO would still need to development protocol on how to do this in our area, but they would like to find 5 or so volunteers from different parts of 26B South to get a good idea of the recruitment as a sub LFA. More information will be provided as we receive it.
If anyone is interested in signing up as a volunteer for next years season, please email Inverness South.
Fall Herring Season opening Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Reminder - It is very
important that membership fees be sent to the Central Registry before
September 1, 2013! You could be fined up to $1,000 if your fees are not sent in by the September 1
deadline and you risk having your name left off the member list for 2013. Please
help spread the word about this as many members still have not sent in their
fees and risk being fined.
The information from Sea Sampling is also used by Lobster Node; a science group that is using the information on a larval distribution model and population connectivity. They would like to have the information on 6 km square areas and have a true picture of how many eggs are present in that area to put real numbers into the model. Last year they also sampled DNA from a few females to see if any markers would be present to show how closely related lobster populations are or if populations can be distinguished.
This information was collected in most areas, although little sampling was done in 26B south. Therefore, they are trying to get some data from this area.
They are looking for volunteers for next year for a project regarding recruitment sampling. This is often called vent-less trap where the escape mechanism is blocked off and this is to target retaining smaller lobster to see what sort of recruitment is coming into the following years fishery. DFO would still need to development protocol on how to do this in our area, but they would like to find 5 or so volunteers from different parts of 26B South to get a good idea of the recruitment as a sub LFA. More information will be provided as we receive it.
If anyone is interested in signing up as a volunteer for next years season, please email Inverness South.
Fall Herring Season opening Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Reminder - It is very
important that membership fees be sent to the Central Registry before
September 1, 2013! You could be fined up to $1,000 if your fees are not sent in by the September 1
deadline and you risk having your name left off the member list for 2013. Please
help spread the word about this as many members still have not sent in their
fees and risk being fined.
July 2013
September 1 is quickly
approaching - for anyone who has not yet sent in their
membership forms to the new Central Registry, you only have until September 1,
2013 to join Inverness South or any other association. Please do so as soon as
possible to avoid having your name left off the list for 2013.
approaching - for anyone who has not yet sent in their
membership forms to the new Central Registry, you only have until September 1,
2013 to join Inverness South or any other association. Please do so as soon as
possible to avoid having your name left off the list for 2013.
June 2013
Recent Harbour Authority Advisory Council
(HAAC) Election Results are in - Brendan Doyle from the
Harbour Authority of Bayfield was re-elected for another term. To keep
him informed on relevant matters in your area he may be reached at (902)
386-2773 or by email at [email protected].
(HAAC) Election Results are in - Brendan Doyle from the
Harbour Authority of Bayfield was re-elected for another term. To keep
him informed on relevant matters in your area he may be reached at (902)
386-2773 or by email at [email protected].
Reminder to all
fishers - You are required by law to ensure
all crew members wear a certified PFD (personal flotation
device) at all times. Your obligation under the law is not met by having
safety equipment on the boat - it must be worn at all times.
Failure to do so could result in being charged, fined or both in the event of an
accident onboard your vessel.
fishers - You are required by law to ensure
all crew members wear a certified PFD (personal flotation
device) at all times. Your obligation under the law is not met by having
safety equipment on the boat - it must be worn at all times.
Failure to do so could result in being charged, fined or both in the event of an
accident onboard your vessel.
