Management plan for Atlantic halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Moncton, Quebec, Saint John's and Halifax – June 5, 2020 – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) today announces the management plan for Atlantic halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) divisions 4RST.
A Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 1,492 t for Atlantic halibut 4RST is established for a one year period from May 15, 2020 until May 14, 2021. From this TAC, a 60 t allocation has been set aside under section 10 of the Fisheries Act to support the industry/DFO longline survey and tagging project.
The remaining quota (1,432 t) is distributed based on the sharing formula announced in 2016 following the review of the inshore fixed gear fleet shares. The inshore fixed-gear fleet sector will receive a transfer of 92.5 % (356 t) of the mobile gear fleets' allocation, which is distributed equally between the eight inshore fixed-gear fleets involved in the directed Atlantic halibut fishery.
As a result, the 2020-21 initial allocations per fleet (calculated before quota reconciliation or carry-forward of previously uncaught quota where applicable) are as follows:
| Fleets | Allocations (t) |
|---|---|
| Eastern New Brunswick | 96.08 |
| Gulf Nova Scotia | 64.54 |
| Prince Edward Island | 59.04 |
| Western Newfoundland and Labrador | 364.23 |
| Quebec North Shore | 126.73 |
| Gaspésie | 484.02 |
| Magdalen Islands | 98.78 |
| Scotia Fundy | 60.74 |
| Mobile Gear ˂ 19.81 m | 12.58 |
| Fixed Gear 19.81 m – 30.48 m | 49.10 |
| Mobile Gear 19.81 m – 30.48 m | 3.68 |
| Vessels ˃ 30.48 m | 12.58 |
| Scientific survey | 60 |
| Total | 1,492 |
Table description
The table indicates the allocations for all fleets. The less than 19.81 metres fleets include Eastern New Brunswick fleet receiving 96.08 tonnes, Gulf Nova Scotia fleet receiving 64.54 tonnes, Prince Edward Island fleet receiving 59.04 tonnes, Western Newfoundland fleet receiving 364.23 tonnes, Quebec North Shore fleet receiving 126.73 tonnes, Gaspésie fleet receiving 484.02 tonnes, Magdalen Islands fleet receiving 98.78 tonnes and Scotia Fundy fleet receiving 60.74 tonnes. The mobile gear less than 19.81 metres fleet is receiving 12.58 tonnes for by-catch, the fixed gear 19.81 metres to 30.48 metres fleet is receiving 49.10 tonnes, the mobile gear 19.81 metres to 30.48 metres fleet is receiving 3.68 tonnes for by catch and the greater than 30.48 metres fleet is receiving 12.58 for by catch. The scientific survey is receiving 60 tonnes and the total allowable catch is 1,492 tonnes.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry
Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments.
For more information
Daniel Lapierre
Senior Regional Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-962-7286
Steve Trottier
Senior Regional Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Québec, QC
418-648-4946
Shelley Dwyer
A/Senior Regional Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
St. John's, NL
709-728-8940
Jennifer Saunders
A/Senior Regional Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dartmouth, NS
902-402-5508
- Date modified: