Conservation-Based Harvesting Plan Lobster Sub-Areas 18B-C-D-G-H and 17A-B Season 2011
Sept-Îles, April 13th 2011
Species and Area
Lobster, sub-areas 18B-C-D-G-H and 17A-B, Quebec region, North Shore area
Sub-area 18B : From Baie-Comeau, fish harvesters’ wharf to the East Point of Ile du Petit Caouis
Sub-area 18C : From the East Point of Ile du Petit Caouis to Brochu river
Sub-area 18D : From Brochu river to au Bouleau river
Sub-area 18G : From the point midway between Ile Quinn and Ile du Havre to Rivière de la Corneille
Sub-area 18H : From Riviere de la Corneille to Riviere de l'Etang
Sub-area 17A : From Port-Menier’s wharf to Riviere du Brick
Sub-area 17B : From Riviere du Brick to Port-Menier’s wharf
Dates of season (subject to change)
Sub-area 18B : May 2 to July 17
Sub-area 18C : May 16 to July 31
Sub-area 18D : May 16 to July 31
Sub-area 18G : May 16 to July 31
Sub-area 18H : May 16 to July 31
Sub-area 17A : May 2 to July 17
Sub-area 17B : May 2 to July 17
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-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-areas 17A and 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), no person shall kill, harm, harass, capture, take, possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual or any part or derivate of a wildlife species designated as extirpated, endangered or threatened.
At the time this Management Plan is promulgated, the Atlantic species targeted by these measures are the following ones : Spotted wolffish, Northern wolffish, Leatherback Turtle and Atlantic Walrus (Northwest Atlantic population). New species could be added to the SARA within the year.
All by-catches of species identified above must be returned to the water and released in the exact capture location and, if the specimen is still alive, with as little harm as possible. In addition, fish harvesters must complete the SARA logbook.
Licence Conditions
Licence conditions may be obtained by contacting any of our Area Offices. Licence conditions are normally issued within two or three working days.
Multiannual committee :
Triennial management plan. The next advisory committee will be held in 2012.
For additional information
Jean Morisset
Acting Chief, Resource Management, Aboriginal Fisheries and Species at Risk
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
North Coast Area
418 962-6314
Clément Beaudoin
Acting Area Chief, Conservation and Protection
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
North Coast Area
418 962-6314
Links to other information
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