Consultation on fish harvester registration
Current status: Closed
We’re looking for feedback on proposed changes to the requirements for fish harvester registration.
Why
Currently, fish harvesters (licence holders and crew) must:
- register with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
- obtain a fisher’s registration card
We’re proposing a change that would remove the obligation to register with DFO if you’re certified by a recognized provincial certification board.
These changes would:
- allow DFO to accept certification with an established board instead of registering with us
- remove the need for certified fish harvesters to register with DFO and carry a fisher’s registration card
- formally recognize provincial certification within federal regulations
- ensure consistency of DFO policy and procedures across Canada
Instead of paying a registration fee to DFO, you’d need to:
- be certified by your provincial board
- pay a professional fee to your provincial board
In provinces where certification boards don’t exist, DFO would maintain its current registration process.
Certification boards
Certification boards provide fish harvesters with a form of trade certification in recognition of professional standards related to training and experience. They help develop the skills of new entrants to the fishing industry and upgrade the skills of more experienced fish harvesters.
They help with training in (among other areas):
- conservation and sustainable resource use
- marine safety
- business and managerial skills
DFO supports the work carried out by certification boards and the services they provide to fish harvesters.
Who
We’re looking for comments from:
- impacted stakeholders, such as:
- commercial fish harvesters
- representative organizations
- provincial and territorial governments
What
Your feedback will be used as input into potential regulatory amendments.
Changes will likely be proposed to the:
- Atlantic Fishery Regulations
- Maritimes Fishery Regulations
- Fishery (General) Regulations
When and where
The online consultation will be available until the end of February 2018.
How to participate
To participate in the consultation:
- review the fish harvester registration regulatory amendment consultation presentation
- send us your comments by email or mail
Contact us
National Fisheries Policy
200 Kent St
Ottawa ON K1A 0E6
Email: DFO.NAT.Certification-Accreditation.NAT.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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