NAFO Divisions 4RST - Fisheries management decision 2024
Area
Capelin fishery in NAFO Divisions 4RST, west coast of Newfoundland and the area south of Cape Charles, Labrador (Capelin Fishing Areas 13 and 14), Quebec Lower North Shore (Capelin Fishing Area 15) and Gulf (Capelin Fishing Area 16)
Dates of season (subject to change)
The capelin fishing season in an area is determined by industry recommendations to the Department based on the commercial abundance of capelin, compliance with industry quality standards, and the processing sector’s readiness to purchase product. Opening dates vary by area and fleet, and will be determined independently for each quota management unit. The season for each gear sector and area will remain open provided there are commercial quantities available and quota remaining to be harvested.
TAC and sharing arrangements
The fleet quota sharing arrangements from 2023 are maintained for 2024, with an annual total allowable catch (TAC) of 10,225 metric tonnes
| Area | Gear | Quota |
|---|---|---|
| 4R | Mobile, less than 65 feet | 2,469.23 |
| 4R | Mobile, 65 feet and greater | 2,469.23 |
| 4R | Fixed | 3,866.91 |
| 4R | Total | 8,805.37 |
| 4ST | Total | 1,419.63 |
| 4RST | Total | 10,225 |
Management measures
The Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for Capelin in NAFO Divisions 4RST, is available online.
The management measures for the 2024 Capelin fishery will include:
- The commercial fishery (all fleets & areas) is subject to a Dockside Monitoring Program. A water allowance of 3% will be applied at dockside.
- Subject to at-sea observer coverage.
- Trap net leaders with a mesh size of greater than two inches to less than seven inches are prohibited as a conservation measure to reduce the by-catch of wild Atlantic salmon.
- The maximum authorized length of a modified bar seine (i.e. ‘tuck’ seine) for use in the Capelin fishery is 80 fathoms.
- Restrictive leasing provisions.
- Completion of logbooks.
- 90,000 pound daily trip limit for fixed gear harvesters in CFA 13 and 14.
- Season fixed gear limit of 400,000 pounds.
Further details of the management measures are outlined in the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan.
Single or multi-year planning
This information is for 2024 fishing season.
Links to other information
The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Science Advisory Reports on stock status
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