2024 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) NAFO divisions 2GHJ3K Greenland halibut (Turbot) fishery fixed gear fleet

The 2024 CHP for Greenland halibut was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and represents an approved plan for the upcoming fishing season. At any time during the validity period of this plan, should circumstances deem it necessary, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reserves the right to make changes to the management measures contained therein, in order to facilitate an orderly fishery in accordance with conservation objectives.

1. Eligibility

1. Participation in the NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3K fixed gear Greenland halibut (turbot) fishery is restricted to inshore groundfish licence holders with vessels <27.4 m (90 feet), with a homeport in NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3KL.
2. Groundfish licence holders in NAFO Division 4R are eligible to participate but are restricted to fishing in NAFO Division 2J.

2. Fishing areas

This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) governs the directed Greenland halibut fishery in NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3K for the management cycle which runs from January 1 to December 31 annually.

3. Fishing restrictions

1. Gillnets
   1. Fishing is not permitted within inshore and offshore Crab Management Areas. This is a conservation measure to protect crab as it can become entangled and die in the gillnets used in the Greenland halibut fishery.
   2. In NAFO Divisions 2GH, fishing is not permitted in water depths less than 293 meters (160 fathoms).
   3. In NAFO Division 3K, fishing is not permitted in water depths less than 549 meters (300 fathoms).
   4. In NAFO Division 2J, fishing is not permitted within 37 km (20 nautical miles) from land when fishing south of 54 degrees 40 minutes North latitude.
   5. In NAFO Division 2J fishing with gillnets is not permitted in water depths less than 732 meters (400 fathoms)
2. Longlines
   1. Fishing with longlines is permitted but not on the same fishing trip when fishing with gillnets. The longline fishery for Greenland halibut is permitted in all areas in water depths greater than 293 meters (160 fathoms) outside the inshore Crab Management Areas.
   2. In NAFO Division 2J, fishing is not permitted within 37 km (20 nautical miles) from land when fishing south of 54 degrees 40 minutes North latitude.

4. Catch limitations

1. Given there is limited quota available to the fleet, expression of interests will be sought by DFO to determine the level of participation in the fishery
2. Expression of interest will ask fishers to identify whether they plan to fish in either NAFO Divisions 2J3K or NAFO Divisions 3LMNO or both.
3. The initial permit amount for NAFO Divisions 2+3K will be 35,000 lbs (round weight) for the 2024 season.
4. Permits will be valid for 5 weeks from the opening date.
5. Should there be insufficient quota remaining after the initial permit to allow the fishery to operate on trip limits, a draw for permits may be used to catch the remainder of the quota. Harvesters should indicate on their EOI if they want to be included in the draw.
6. In the event that a draw is to take place, the maximum amount to be harvested under the draw will be determined after consultation with the 2+3K Greenland halibut working group.
7. Once you have reached the maximum catch limit identified on your permit, all Greenland halibut (dead or alive) that is harvested, shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken, and where it is alive, in a manner that causes it the least harm.
8. In an effort to ensure that the highest possible amount of Greenland halibut is landed under the initial permit, the Department will over allocate the TAC by not more than 60% and will close the fishery early should it appear likely that the TAC will be taken. This is meant to address issues with non-participation and inconsistent landings in this fishery.

5. Season

The opening date of the fishery will be decided in consultation with the 2+3K Greenland halibut working group.

6. Fishing gear

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

7. Licensing policy

1. The commercial fishery is guided by licensing policy which sets out requirements and eligibility criteria established by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada with respect to the licensing of commercial fishing and communal commercial fishing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The policy provides fish harvesters, Aboriginal Organizations, and the Canadian public with a clear and consistent statement regarding the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (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.
2. In consultation with industry, a licensing policy has been created for the inshore (27.4 m (<90ft)) Greenland halibut fishery in NAFO Divisions 2+3KLMNO in regards to vessel leasing.
   1. The licence holder leasing the vessel must have fished and had verified landings on their disabled vessel within the 30 days prior to the lease request. In instances where the request is made at the beginning of the fishing season, the licence holder leasing the vessel must have fished and had verified landings on their disabled vessel the previous fishing season. In the case of Greenland halibut, the licence holder leasing the vessel must have fished and had verified, directed Greenland halibut landings on their disabled vessel in the month/season previous.

8. Small fish and by-catch protocol

1. The minimum size for Greenland halibut is 45 cm (18 in). Areas will be closely monitored and may be closed to fishing when the number of Greenland halibut <45cm in length caught exceeds 15% of the total number of Greenland halibut caught, or when by-catch levels become a conservation concern.
2. When a fishery is closed due to small fish, or when by-catch problems occur, closures will be 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. Reopening will only be considered following a successful, observed, industry-funded test fishery.
4. If a fishery in a particular area is closed twice during the year, it may remain closed for the remainder of the year.

9. Monitoring and reporting

1. As per the Greenland Halibut Licence Conditions and the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
2. The use of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required while fishing for Greenland halibut in NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3K. This requirement applies to all vessels.

10. By-catch and incidental

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

11. 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 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.

12. Marine mammals

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

13. Marine conservation targets: closed areas

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 36 – Closed Areas.

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 Safety, and the safety of crew members, falls under the mandate of Transport Canada Safety and Security (TCMSS). The Canada Shipping Act 2001, associated regulations, policies, and programs outline the requirements and obligations.
2. Vessel owners have an obligation under the Canada Shipping Act 2001 to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements. This obligation is extended to vessel operators to ensure the requirements of the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations are adhered to.
3. Before leaving port, vessel owners are required to ensure the vessel is designed, constructed, and equipped to operate safely and be seaworthy in its area of operation. This would include such things as:
   • Any modifications made to the vessel need to be done in accordance with standards and verification available if requested. Vessel stability may also need to be verified to include any modifications made.
   • Hatches, doors, and windows watertightness (gaskets, dents, and damage),
   • Underwater penetrations are in good order (not degraded or rusted),
   • Required safety equipment is onboard and valid (not expired),
   • Navigation lights are fitted and in good working order (working bulbs and fixtures are not blocked)
   • Etc.
4. Owners and operators are also required to ensure all certificates required, are up to date and valid prior to sailing. These certificates include:
   • Vessel Inspection Safety Certificate (if vessel is over 15GT)
   • Crew Certificates (Marine Emergency Duties, Radio Certificate, Nautical Certificates, etc.)

Fishing vessel stability

5. Stability is important and has been found to be a contributing factor to incidents in the past. Vessels built after July 13, 2018, are required to have a stability assessment completed and onboard. Vessels built prior to July 13, 2108, are required to have adequate stability and owners may need to provide verification of adequate stability if requested.
6. Vessel crews should ensure weights are kept as low as possible and any water onboard is able to be shed overboard through pumps or freeing ports. Vessels with fluid catches should prevent excessive movement of the catch with subdivisions or totes, etc. Any deck equipment should be stacked and secured, keeping as low a center of gravity as possible in mind.

Emergency procedures and drills

7. Since 2017 fishing vessels have been required to have written safety procedures onboard. This includes, for example:
   • Person Overboard;
   • Fire onboard;
   • Abandoned ship;
   • Pollution;
   • Any other procedures deemed necessary.
8. These procedures are specific to the vessel, the operation, and the numbers of crew members onboard. Each vessel is different so as crew members change vessels, the owner and operator are required to ensure the crew is familiar with the vessel’s layout and safety equipment placement and use, so they are aware of their duties in an emergency. Drills should be conducted as often as necessary to ensure each crew members are familiar with the vessel’s safety procedures. Every time a new crew member comes onboard, a review of the safety procedures followed by drills should take place. Existing crew members should conduct drills several times a year to remain proficient.
9. Should a vessel be found to not have written emergency procedures onboard, they will be detained and prevented from sailing until such time as the procedures are onboard and the crew can demonstrate proficiency.

Safety equipment

10. Vessel safety equipment from the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations is based on hull length and the vessels voyage (longer vessels going further offshore require more safety equipment).
11. A vessel’s hull length is the longest length from stem to transom including parts which are permanently fixed to the vessel and extend beyond the stem or transom such as:
    • Fixed spars;
    • Bowsprits;
    • Pulpits or;
    • Deck extensions.
12. Hull Length excludes:
    • outboard motors and;
    • any other type of equipment that can be detached with the use of hand tools.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

13. PFDs are to be worn when there is a risk of drowning. The Master is to determine when there is a risk of drowning and inform the crew to wear a PFD.
14. PFDs for fishing vessels must be Transport Canada Approved and be:
    • Of a highly visible color;
    • Fitted with retro-reflective tape and;
    • Fitted with a whistle.
15. Owners and operators are to be aware that requirements for the usage and wear of PFDs is regulated by both the Provincial OHS and Federally Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security. Please check your provincial requirements to ensure all applicable requirements are followed.