3Ps Groundfish Newfoundland and Labrador (2018-2019)

Species and Area

Groundfish in NAFO Sub Division 3Ps (Southern Newfoundland and Labrador): thorny skate, and white hake

Dates of Season (subject to change)

The management cycle for thorny skate, and white hake 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 thorny skate remains unchanged from 2017/18. The TAC for 3Ps white hake is set at 500t. This is the first time there has been a TAC set for 3Ps white hake. The annual TAC for both species is set for the next 3 fishing seasons.

Species: 2018/19 to 2020/2021 annual TAC (in tonnes):

• 3Ps Thorny Skate: 1050
• 3Ps White Hake: 500

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 thorny skate and white hake. Stakeholders provided input on management measures, including TACs, for the 2018-2019 to 2020-2021 fishing seasons.

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