DFO advises Newfoundland and Labrador Seal harvesters that the seal fishery will re-open in Sealing Areas 4 to 23 and Sealing Areas 25 to 27 at 0600 hours on April 8, 2022.
The fishery will open for Front Longliners, Areas 5 to 8 Small Boats and Speed Boats, all Area 4 vessels and for Gulf Longliners, Gulf Small Boats, Gulf Speed Boats as well as Personal Use. This includes License Classes N100 to N106, N200 to N204, N300 to N302, and N400-N401.
DFO further advises Seal harvesters having a homeport located between Big Brook to Noddy Bay inclusive, operating from vessels less than 40 feet, License Classes N203 and N204, that a portion of Sealing Area 5 will also open for Seals at 0600 hours on April 8, 2022.
This "buffer zone" lies inside lines extending from:
The land at 51°18" North, 55° 36" West, to
51°18" North, 54°30" West, to
51°42" North, 54°30" West, to
51°42" North, 55°27" West, to
The land at 51° 30" North, 55 26" West.
Commercial Seal harvesters based in the Front will have access to the Gulf and commercial Seal harvesters based in the Gulf will have access to the Front.
Seal harvesters are advised to check with their buyers to confirm a market for their Seals before going Sealing.
Seal harvesters are reminded that licences and licence conditions are available through DFO's National Online Licencing System.
Additionally, all Commercial and Personal Use Sealers are reminded that landings must be hailed in daily, as per licence conditions.
The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2022-009 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-020 is in effect as of April 2, 2022.
"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region
If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: beverly.piccott@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
