Arctic Surf Clam Total Allowable Catch (TAC) Confirmed for 2017

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, confirmed today that the existing total allowable catch (TAC) of 38,756 tonnes for the arctic surf clam fishery will be rolled over for 2017.

An assessment of the Banquereau Bank stock will be conducted in 2017 to determine the sustainability of the current level of the TAC for that area. Scientific work for the Grand Bank stock area is planned and a stock assessment will be completed once scientific work is finalized. The last assessment for the Grand Bank was done in 2010.

Submissions to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as part of a 2015 Expression of Interest process for access to the arctic surf clam fishery will be returned, unopened, to applicants.  

A further decision will be taken in 2017 regarding access to this fishery for 2018.  Economic benefits for communities, Indigenous peoples and Canadians are some of the elements that will be considered.