Fisheries and Oceans Canada

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS
Notice Number
nf.22.094
Issue Date

Atlantic Halibut Fishery for the Inshore Fixed-Gear Fleet in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps

DFO advises that the directed fishery for Atlantic halibut in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps will open to the inshore fixed - gear  fleet (fixed-gear vessels less than 65 feet - Vessel Classes A251, A254, A257, A260, A263, A266, A269, A272, A275, and A279) at 0600 hours on Sunday, May 1, 2022. 

Participants in this fishery will be authorized to fish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, including east of Boxey Point and in water depths less than 50 fathoms, and will have weekly catch limits for Atlantic halibut. Provisions for this fishery are outlined in the species-specific and Groundfish General Licence Conditions, which are available through the National Online Licencing System (NOLS). 

Harvesters are reminded that as outlined in their conditions of licence, all cod caught, whether from directed catch or by-catch, will be charged against the harvester's Individual Quota (IQ) or harvesting cap for their licence in 3Ps. Once a harvester has caught their cod IQ or harvesting cap, whether it is from directed fishing or as by-catch, the harvester must cease fishing for all species of groundfish in 3Ps for the remainder of the year. 

Inshore fixed-gear harvesters are further reminded that as per conditions of licence, the daily by-catch limit of cod when directing for Atlantic halibut in 3Ps is limited to 10 per cent or 200 pounds round weight, whichever is greater. DFO will monitor fishing activity and will close the fishery if the by-catch of cod exceeds the established protocols.

DFO will closely monitor catches from this fishery. Once the available fleet allocation of Atlantic halibut is reached, the fishery will close to the inshore fixed-gear fleet and further retention of Atlantic halibut, including as bycatch in other fisheries, will be prohibited. 

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2022-030 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-039 comes into effect on April 28, 2022.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are 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

For information, contact:

Jodi Riggs-Power
Resource Management
Tel:  709-279-7626
jodi.riggs-power@dfo-mpo.gc.ca