Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) releases the details of the 2023 snow crab fishery Conservation Harvesting Plan for the Crab Fishing Area (CFA) 12 (12, 18, 25, 26).
The total allowable catch (TAC) in CFA 12 is 31,466.78 t. Details of the sharing of the TAC can be found in the CFA 12 snow crab administrative list.
April 4, 2023 – This Notice To Fish Harvesters provides the details of the 2023 fisheries management measures to protect North Atlantic right whales (NARW), as announced by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on March 31st, 2023.
The management measures will take effect in the Gulf of St. Lawrence as soon as the snow crab fishery opens in Area 12. In other areas where fall/winter fisheries are in progress, measures apply if NARW are detected and non-tended fixed gear fisheries, trap and pot fisheries (such as lobster, crab and other species) are operating.
Amended, March 29, 2023
Approved March 22, 2023
1.
Application
This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) applies fleets that are licensed to fish for snow crab in areas 12A, 12C, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17.
2.
Fishing Areas
The fishing areas coordinates are listed in the Conditions of licence and are also indicated on the fishing areas maps, which are available at the following address:
Approved March 30, 2023
The present Conservation-based harvesting plan (CHP) applies to sea urchin licence holders of areas 10 and 11 - Quebec Region.
Sea urchin fishing area 10 extends along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, from east of Pointe-des-Monts to west of the Sheldrake River bridge.
Sea urchin fishing area 11 extends along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, from the Sheldrake River to Pointe-de-Natashquan inclusively.
Québec– March 22, 2023
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Quebec Region, informs Greenland halibut licence holders that from now on, the list of permanent tags held by fishers will have to be provided through a new form available through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).
Magdalen Islands – March 30, 2023
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – Quebec Region announces the distribution of Areas 12 and 12F snow crab allocation for the Magdalen Islands lobster fleet for the 2023 fishing season.
Sept-Îles – March 29, 2023
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the snow crab fishing season in area 16A. The opening is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 3rd, 2023 at 5:00 a.m. (EDT) for the first opening.
As recommended by the fleet representatives, two periods of fishing activity is in effect in Area 116A for the 2023 season. Licence holders are offered the opportunity to choose among the 2 following options:
Sept-Îles – March 29, 2023
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the snow crab fishing season in area 16. The opening is scheduled for Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at 5:00 a.m. (EDT) as recommended by the fleet representatives. The fishery will close on Friday, July 7th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).
Sept-Îles – March 29, 2023
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the snow crab fishing season in area 14. The opening is scheduled for Monday, April 24th, 2023 at 5:00 a.m. (EDT) for the first period.
As recommended by the fleet representatives, two periods of fishing activity is in effect in Area 14 for the 2023 season. Licence holders are offered the opportunity to choose among the 2 following options: