Notice to Fish Harvesters

Review of Allocation Decisions that Have Taken Place Since 2007 in the Gulf Atlantic Halibut Fishery

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) today announces the launch of a review process on decisions that have been taken in the allocation of Atlantic halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Divisions 4RST) since 2007.

All fleets that are part of Gulf Groundfish Advisory Committee (GGAC), including respective Provincial Governments, are invited to provide their positions on the allocation decisions. The information will be compiled to prepare advice and options for the Minister on sharing prior to the start of this year’s fishery (May 15, 2016). Terms of Reference for the review process are attached for your reference.

At this time, we are inviting fleets, indigenous groups and other stakeholders to submit their views/positions on allocation decisions made since 2007, in writing to the appropriate DFO regional contact (noted below) in either official language by April 18, 2016. Written submissions will subsequently be posted online in the language they are received but can be translated upon request. The link to the website will be distributed at a later date.

A face to face meeting will take place in Montreal, on April 22, 2016 to discuss views and positions. Outcomes of these discussions and well as the written submissions provided to DFO will inform recommendations on sharing for the Minister’s consideration prior to the 2016 season (May 15, 2016).

Please note that outcomes of the review may result in adjustments to allocations as early as this upcoming season (2016/17).

For more information please contact: