Archived – Lobster, sub-areas 18B-C-D-E-F-G-H and 17A-B, Quebec region

Species and Area

Lobster, sub-areas 18B-C-D-G-H and 17A-B, Quebec region
Sub-area 18B: From Baie-Comeau, fish harvesters wharf to East Point of Ile du Petit Caouis
Sub-area 18C: From East Point of Ile du Petit Caouis to Riviere Brochu
Sub-area 18D: From Riviere Brochu to Riviere au Bouleau
Sub-area 18E: From au Bouleau river to Pointe Ridge
Sub-area 18F: From Pointe Ridge to Pointe aux Morts
Sub-area 18G: Midway between Ile Quinn and Ile du Havre à la Corneille
Sub-area 18H: From Riviere de la Corneille to Riviere de l'Etang
Sub-area 17A: From Port-Menier wharf to Riviere du Brick
Sub-area 17B: From Riviere du Brick to Port-Menier wharf

Dates of season (subject to change)

Sub-area 18B: May 3 to July 18
Sub-area 18C: May 17 to August 1
Sub-area 18D: May 17 to August 1
Sub-area 18E: May 17 to August 1
Sub-area 18F: May 17 to August 1
Sub-area 18G: May 17 to August 1
Sub-area 18H: May 17 to August 1
Sub-area 17A: May 3 to July 18
Sub-area 17B: May 3 to July 18

Total Allowable Catches (TAC) for sub-area 17A

4.536 tons

All catches have to be landed at the Port-Menier’s wharf to first supply the residents and enterprises of Anticosti Island. The remaining of the total allowable catches therafter be sold outisde the archipelago.

Management Measures

Number of licences:

Sub-area 18B: 1 licence
Sub-area 18C: 1 licence
Sub-area 18D: 1 licence
Sub-areas 18E and 18F: 1 licence (First nation acommunity)
Sub-area 18G: 1 licence
Sub-area 18H: 4 licences
Sub-area 17A: 1 licence (This licence can be reissued only to a fish harvester who has his permanent residence on Anticosti Island)
Sub-area 17B: 15 licences

Legal size:

83 mm for the areas 17 and 18

Logbook:

Mandatory for all sub-areas

Hail in:

Mandatory hail-In to a local dockside monitoring company for sub-area 17B

Setting of traps (Sub-areas 17A and 17B):

During the two (2) first days following the opening of the fishing season, lobster licence holders for sub areas 17A and 17B (Anticosti Island) are authorized to set only their unbaited traps. This condition is related to the duration of the fishing season and to security at sea. Its objective is to explain a longer fishing season then that recommended by the science and the management directions.

Traps:

The number and dimensions of the lobster traps authorized for fishing in sub-areas 17A and 17B are:

a) 210 traps whose maximum length, maximum width and maximum height are equal to or less than 124 cm X 92 cm X 50 cm (49 ‘’ x 36 ‘’ x 19 ¾ ‘’).

or

b) 300 traps whose maximum length, maximum width and maximum height are equal to or less than 92 cm X 71 cm X 50 cm (36’’ x 28’’ x 19 ¾).

N.B.: The limit of 210 traps applies when a fish harvester is using traps of a size equal or less than that a conventional trap (92cm x 71cm x 50cm) at the same time as other traps that are larger than a conventional trap (36 ’’ x 28’’ x 19 ¾’’).

The number and dimensions of the lobster traps authorized for fishing in area 18 are:

a) 175 traps whose maximum length, maximum width and maximum height are equal to or less than 124 cm x 92 cm x 50 cm (49‘’ x 36’ x 19 ¾).

or

b) 250 traps whose maximum length, maximum width and maximum height are equal to or less than 92 cm x 71 cm x 50 cm (36’’ x 28’’ x 19 ¾).

N.B.: The limit of 175 traps applies when a fish harvester is using traps of a size equal to or less than that of a conventional trap (92 cm x 71 cm x 50 cm) at the same time as other traps which are larger than a conventional trap (36’’ x 28’’ x 19 ¾).

Escape rectangular vents:

In areas 17 and 18, the lobster traps have to be equipped with rectangular escape mechanism of 47 mm in height.

Tagging:

Each trap must bear a valid tag obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Species at risk Act:

Pursuant to the Species at Risk Act (SARA), all by-catches of spotted wolfish, northern wolfish and leatherback Turtle must be returned to the water and released in the same location they were caught and, if the fish is still alive, with as little harm as possible. Moreover, information regarding interactions with species at risk must be provided in the Species at risk section of the logbook

Multiannual committee :

Biannual management plan. The next advisory committee will be held in 2012.

Licence conditions:

A delay of two working days is necessary for the issuance of the license conditions.

Links to other information

Facts on Canadian Species (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sustainable-durable/facts-faits-eng.htm)