Notices to Fish Harvesters
CLOSURE OF THE DIRECTED FISHERY FOR WINTER FLOUNDER AND YELLOWTAIL FLOUNDER IN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
Moncton, Quebec – February 23, 2023
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is announcing today, for conservation reasons, the closure of the directed fishery for winter flounder and yellowtail flounder in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Divisions 4T of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization).
Winter flounder and yellowtail flounder stocks have been in the critical zone, as per the precautionary approach framework, since 2004 and 2009 respectively, and no signs of recovery have been observed in the most recent scientific assessments.
This measure, which is consistent with the Fisheries Act’s new Fish Stock Provisions, is intended to limit removals from the commercial fishery in order to promote the growth of these stocks.
The closure took effect on February 23, 2023, and will be maintained until further notice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Julien Cormier
Senior Regional Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-377-5563
DFO.GLFNotice-AvisGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Steve Trottier
Senior Regional Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Québec, QC
418-648-4946
DFO.QUERessouceManagement-GestionDeLaRessource.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca