3Ps Groundfish Newfoundland and Labrador (2018-2019)

Species and Area

Groundfish in NAFO Sub Division 3Ps (Southern Newfoundland and Labrador): cod, witch flounder, Unit II redfish, and American plaice

Dates of Season (subject to change)

The management cycle for cod, witch flounder, Unit II redfish, and American plaice begins on April 1, 2018. Specific dates for openings and closings will be determined in consultation with industry through the normal Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) process.

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Sharing Arrangements

The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 3Ps witch flounder remains unchanged from 2017/18. American plaice remains under the moratorium established in 1993. The TAC for 3Ps cod decreased by eight percent. The TAC decision for Unit II redfish has been deferred and will be announced prior to the opening of the fishing season (July 1).

Species: 2018/19 TAC (in tonnes):

3Ps Cod: 5,980
3Ps Witch Flounder: 650
3Ps American Plaice: Moratorium

Canada has allocated its shares: (3Ps cod - 5,047t and 3Ps Witch flounder - 577t) of the total TAC in accordance with the 1994 Canada-France Procès-verbal.

Management Measures

Fisheries and Oceans Canada met with representatives from various fleet sectors in the commercial fishery, processors, the provincial government and affected aboriginal groups to discuss their views on the latest stock assessments for 3Ps cod and other groundfish. Stakeholders provided input on management measures, including TACs, for the 2018-2019 fishing season.

Conservation Harvesting Plans for individual fleets will be finalized through the normal consultation process between regional staff and industry officials.

Links to other information

DFO has completed its analysis on these stocks, including the development of the Science Advisory Reports (SAR). You can access the SAR using the following link: SAR