Conservation Harvesting Plan 2023-24: NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps
Groundfish Mobile Gear: Vessels less than 27.4 metres (90 ft.)

On this page

1. Eligibility
2. Fishing areas
3. Fishing restrictions
4. Catch limits
5. Season
6. Fishing gear
7. Licensing policy
8. Small fish and by-catch closure protocol
9. Monitoring and reporting
10. By-catch and accidental catch
11. Closed and defined areas
12. Species at Risk Act (SARA)
13. Marine mammals
14. Indigenous participation
15. Safety at sea

1. Eligibility

Participation in the directed mobile gear groundfish fishery will be restricted to groundfish licence holders with a homeport in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, and those with overlap privileges with a homeport in NAFO Divisions 3KL, or Sub-Division 3Pn.

2. Fishing areas

1. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) governs the directed fishery for all vessels less than 27.4 metres (90') in length, regardless of homeport, fishing groundfish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps using mobile gear, and is in effect for the management cycle which runs from April 1 to March 31 annually.
2. The area of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps SOUTH of a straight line joining the following points is referred to as the "offshore area" and consists of units (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) which are defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
3. The area of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps NORTH of the line above is referred to as the "inshore area" and consists of units (a), (b) and (c) which are defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
4. The coordinates of fishing area 10 and 3Ps units (a)-(h) are outlined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

3. Fishing restrictions

1. This CHP applies to the following species:
   • Cod
   • Redfish
   • Skate
   • Witch Flounder (Greysole)
2. A "fishing trip" is defined as starting from the time the vessel leaves port and ending when it returns to port, whether or not any fish has been caught.
3. Except when fishing redfish and Witch flounder, the use of mobile fishing gear is prohibited in the inshore area (NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps units (a), (b), and (c)) as defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
4. The water in which fishing for redfish is authorized is redfish area Unit 2 in that part of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps outside of the territorial sea (12 nautical miles) from the nearest point of land and in that portion of NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn outside the 100 fathom edge defined by using the following points:
   • 47°37'00"N, 59°18'12"W
   • 47°35'45"N, 59°20'00"W
   • 47°33'30"N, 59°17'00"W
   • 47°30'15"N, 59°10'30"W
   • 47°28'30"N, 59°01'00"W
   • 47°23'30"N, 59°48'00"W
   • 47°26'30"N, 59°25'00"W
   • 47°38'25"N, 59°26'45"W
5. Fishing is not authorized in Placentia Bay inside a straight line drawn from Cape St. Mary's (46°49'N, 54°12'W) to Ferryland Head (46°52'N, 55°23'W).
6. Fishing is not authorized in Fortune Bay inside a line drawn from Cape la Hune to Point Crewe following the points in the order listed below:
   • 47°31'36"N, 56°52'36"W
   • 47°21'54"N, 56°29'40"W
   • 47°18'19"N, 56°15'18"W
   • 47°06'02"N, 56°06'18"W
   • 46°54'54"N, 55°58'42"W
7. For those licence holders with a cod Individual Quota (IQ) or harvesting CAP, all cod caught from any fishery, whether directed catch or by-catch, will be charged against the IQ or harvesting CAP for that licence.
8. When a licence holder has caught their cod IQ or harvesting CAP, either from directed catch or by-catch, they must cease fishing for all species of groundfish in 3Ps for the remainder of the management period year (to March 31).
9. The licence holder/operator is not permitted to fish in the French Maritime Area around Saint-Pierre and Miquelon unless a licence has been issued by France, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has authorized the licence holder/operator to conduct the fishing activity in the French Maritime area.

4. Catch limits

Quota Reconciliation

1. Any over-run in the Danish seine fleet allocation of Witch flounder (greysole) will be reconciled by uncaught quota from the Witch flounder (greysole) allocations in the mobile gear fleet based in 3Ps and 3Pn and/or fixed gear fleet based in 3Ps. If there is insufficient uncaught quota in these allocations to compensate for the overrun, the Danish seine fleet allocation will be reconciled for the balance in the following year.
2. Nominal quota over-runs from the previous year's cod and redfish fisheries will be deducted from the current year's quota prior to the start of the fishing season.

5. Season

The season end dates in the table below are subject to change based on available quota.

• Redfish
  • 3Ps(a)(b)(c)(e)(f)(g)(h) portion of Unit 2: July 1 to March 31
    • Spawning closure from April 1 to June 30 in all areas
  • 3Ps(d) July 1 to November 15
    • Closed to protect Gulf of St. Lawrence cod that are mixing with 3Ps cod. This closure will be reviewed annually and implemented as necessary
  • 3Pn portion of Unit 2: July 15 to October 15
    • Redfish mixing closure to protect redfish in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Skate: April 1 to March 31
• Witch Flounder (greysole): April 1 to March 31
• Atlantic Cod - Spawning closure March 1 to Mid-May all fleets^1,2
  • 3Ps based mobile gear fleet³
    • 3Ps(f)(g)(h) - Mid-May to Feb 28
    • 3Ps(d)(e) - Mid-May to November 15
  • Other mobile gear (4R3Pn-based) fleets³
    • 3Ps(f)(g)(h) - July 1 to Feb 28
    • 3Ps(d)(e) - Mid-May to November 15

¹Exact opening date determined annually in consultation with the FFAW/industry.

²Opening may be delayed or staggered due to the DFO research vessel science survey.

³Closes November 15th to protect Gulf of St. Lawrence cod that are mixing with 3Ps cod

6. Fishing gear

Below is a table summarizing the fishing gear limits by species and area. For complete details refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and the species specific licence conditions.

When fishing any species of groundfish, the licence holder/operator is required to report any lost fishing gear as per Schedule 38 – Marine Mammals Interactions and Management.

7. Licensing policy

The commercial fishery is guided by licensing policy which sets out requirements and eligibility criteria established by the Minister of DFO with respect to the licensing of commercial fishing and communal-commercial fishing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The policies provide fish harvesters, Indigenous Organizations, and the Canadian public with a clear and consistent statement regarding DFO policy respecting commercial fishing enterprises, the registration of vessels, and the issuance of recreational and commercial fishing licences in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

8. Small fish and by-catch closure protocol

1. Areas will be closely monitored and may be closed to fishing when the number of undersized fish caught exceeds 15% of the total number of the directed species, or when by-catch levels become a conservation concern.
2. Closures due to small fish or by-catch will remain in effect for a minimum of 10 days.
3. When a fishery is closed, it will not reopen until it can be effectively monitored and controlled.
4. If a fishery in a particular area is closed twice during the year, it may remain closed for the remainder of the year.
5. If a fishery is closed for the minimum 10-day period due to high by-catch levels or small fish, reopening will only be considered following a successful, observed, industry funded test fishery.

9. Monitoring and reporting

1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
2. At-sea Observers: Unless otherwise stated, industry-funded observer coverage is required. The target level of observer coverage is 5% of the fleet sector.
3. Satellite transponders will be required onboard vessels when requested by DFO.

10. By-catch and incidental catch

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and species specific licence conditions.

11. Closed and defined areas

1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 34 - Closed and Defined Areas, and Schedule 36 – Closed Areas.
2. The Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area falls within NAFO Division 3P. Commercial fishing is prohibited within the boundaries of the MPA.

12. Species at risk act (SARA)

The following species are considered at risk and listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as either Threatened or Endangered:

• Northern wolffish (Anarchichas denticulatus ) – listed as Threatened
• Spotted wolffish (Anarchichas minor) – listed as Threatened
• Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – listed as Endangered
• White shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Atlantic population  – listed as Endangered

In accordance with subsection 83(4) of SARA and the recovery strategy for northern wolffish, spotted wolffish, and leatherback turtle, and having met the conditions of sections 73(2) to (6.1) of SARA for white shark, the licence holder or vessel operator is permitted to carry out commercial fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries Act that may incidentally kill, harm, harass, or capture these species.

During these fishing activities, incidental catches of a these species must be returned to the place from which it was taken, and where it is alive, in a manner that causes the least harm. The licence holder or vessel operator is also required to complete the SARA section in the fishing logbook to provide information regarding any interactions with these species. Please refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions for further information on these requirements.

13. Marine mammals

As per the Groundfish General licence conditions, refer to Schedule 38 - Marine Mammal Interactions and Management Measures.

14. Indigenous participation

Allocations will be negotiated with applicable Indigenous communities for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes. Communal licences for FSC and commercial access will be issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licence Regulations.

15. Safety at sea

1. Vessel owners and masters have a duty to ensure the safety of their crew and vessel. Adherence to safety regulations and good practices by owners, masters and crew of fishing vessels will help save lives, protect the vessel from damage and protect the environment. All fishing vessels must be in a seaworthy condition and maintained as required by Transport Canada and other applicable agencies. Vessels subject to inspection should have a certificate of inspection valid for the area of intended operation.
2. In the federal government, responsibility for regulating shipping, navigation, and vessel safety lies with Transport Canada, while emergency response is the responsibility of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). DFO has responsibility for the management of fisheries resources, and in Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) has jurisdiction over health and safety issues in the workplace.
3. Before leaving on a voyage the owner, master or operator must ensure that the fishing vessel is capable of safely making the passage. Critical factors for a safe voyage include:
   • seaworthiness of the vessel
   • vessel stability
   • having the required safety equipment in good working order
   • crew training
   • knowledge of current and forecasted weather conditions
4. Useful publications include Transport Canada's Small Fishing Vessel Safety Manual which can be obtained from TC or printed from their website.
5. Fishing vessel safety includes three priority areas:
   • vessel stability
   • emergency drills
   • cold water immersion

Fishing vessel stability

6. Vessel stability is paramount for safety. Care must be given to the stowage and securing of all cargo, skiffs, equipment, fuel containers and supplies, and also to correct ballasting. Fish harvesters must be familiar with their vessel's centre of gravity, the effect of free surface liquids on stability, loose water or fish on deck, loading and unloading operations and the vessel's freeboard. Fish harvesters should know the limitations of their vessels. If unsure, the vessel operator should contact a qualified naval architect, marine surveyor or the local Transport Canada Marine Safety office.
7. Fishing vessel owners are required to develop detailed instructions addressing the limits of stability for each of their vessels. The instructions must be based on a formal assessment of the vessel by a qualified naval architect and include detailed safe operation documentation. Instructions should be kept on board the vessel at all times.
8. Fishing vessel owners should also keep on-board detailed documentation on engine room procedures, maintenance schedules to ensure watertight integrity, and instructions for regular practice of emergency drills.

Emergency drill requirements

9. The vessel master must establish procedures and assign responsibilities to each crew member for emergencies such as crew member overboard, fire, flooding, abandoning ship and calling for help.
10. Since July 30, 2003 all crew members with more than six months at sea are required to have taken minimum Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training or be registered for such training.
11. MED provides a basic understanding of:
    • hazards associated with the marine environment
    • prevention of shipboard incidents (including fires)
    • raising and reacting to alarms
    • fire and abandonment situations
    • skills necessary for survival and rescue

Cold water immersion

12. Drowning is the number one cause of death in the fishing industry. Cold water is defined as water below 25°Celsius, but the greatest effects occur below 15°Celsius. Newfoundland and Labrador waters are usually below 15 degrees.
13. The effects of cold water on the body occur in four stages:
    • cold shock
    • swimming failure
    • hypothermia
14. post-rescue collapse : Vessel masters should know what to do to prevent themselves or their crew from falling into the water and what to do if that occurs.

Other issues

Weather

15. Vessel owners and masters are reminded of the importance of paying close attention to current weather trends and forecasts during the voyage. Marine weather information and forecasts can be obtained from Environment Canada's website.

Emergency radio procedures

16. Vessel owners and masters should ensure that all crew are able to activate the Search and Rescue (SAR) system by contacting the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) early rather than later. It is strongly recommended that all fish harvesters carry a registered 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). These beacons should be registered with Coast Guard's National Search and Rescue secretariat. When activated, an EPIRB transmits a distress call that is picked up or relayed by satellites and transmitted via land earth stations to the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC), which will task and co-ordinate rescue resources.
17. All crew members should know how to make a distress call and should obtain their restricted operator certificate from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (formerly Industry Canada). Whenever possible, masters should contact the nearest Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) station prior to a distress situation developing. Correct radio procedures are important for communications in an emergency. Incorrect or misunderstood communications may hinder a rescue response.
18. Since August 1, 2003 all commercial vessels greater than 20 metres in length are required to carry a Class D VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio. A registered DSC VHF radio has the capability to alert other DSC equipped vessels in the immediate area and advise Coast Guard MCTS that the vessel is in distress. Masters should be aware that they should register their DSC radios with ISED Canada to obtain a Marine Mobile Services Identity (MMSI) number; otherwise the automatic distress calling feature of the radio may not work.
19. A DSC radio that is connected to a GPS unit will also automatically include the vessel's current position in the distress message. More detailed information on MCTS and DSC can be obtained by contacting a local MCTS center or from the Canadian Coast Guard.

Collison regulations

20. Fish harvesters should have a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations and the responsibilities between vessels where risk of collision exists. Navigation lights must be kept in good working order and must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during all times of restricted visibility. To help reduce the potential for collision or close quarters situations that may also result in the loss of fishing gear, fish harvesters are encouraged to monitor the appropriate local Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) VHF channel, when travelling or fishing near shipping lanes or other areas frequented by large commercial vessels.
21. Vessels required to participate in VTS include:
    • every ship 20 metres or more in length
    • every ship engaged in towing or pushing any vessel or object, other than fishing gear
    • where the combined length of the ship and any vessel or object towed or pushed by the ship is 45 metres or more in length, or
    • where the length of the vessel or object being towed or pushed by the ship is 20 metres or more in length
    • Exceptions include:
      • a ship towing or pushing inside a log booming ground
      • a pleasure yacht less than 30 metres in length, and
      • a fishing vessel that is less than 24 metres in length and not more than 150 tonnes gross
22. Additional information can be found on the Collision Regulations page.

Sail Plan

23. An important trip consideration is the use of a sail plan which includes the particulars of the vessel, crew and voyage. The sail plan should be left with a responsible person on shore or filed with the local MCTS centre. After leaving port the fish harvester should contact the holder of the sail plan daily or as per another schedule. The sail plan should ensure notification to JRCC when communication is not maintained which might indicate your vessel is in distress. Be sure to cancel the sail plan upon completion of the voyage.