3Ps Groundfish Newfoundland and Labrador (2011-2012)

Species and Area

Groundfish in NAFO SubDivision 3Ps (Southern Newfoundland and Labrador): cod, witch flounder, Unit II redfish, American plaice, and skate

Dates of Season (subject to change)

The management cycle for cod, witch flounder, Unit II redfish, American plaice, and skate begins on April 1, 2011. Specific dates for openings and closings will be determined in consultation with industry through the normal Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) process.

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Sharing Arrangements

Total Allowable Catches (TAC) for Atlantic cod, witch flounder, Unit II redfish and skate remain unchanged from 2010. American Plaice remains under the moratorium established in 1993.

France (in respect to the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon) will be allocated 15.6% of the total TAC for 3Ps cod in accordance with the 1994 Canada-France Procès-verbal, as well as 306 tonnes of redfish and 73 tonnes of witch flounder.

Management Measures

Fisheries and Oceans Canada met with representatives from various fleet sectors in the commercial fishery, processors, the provincial government and affected aboriginal groups to discuss their views on the latest stock assessments for 3Ps cod and other groundfish. Stakeholders provided input on management measures, including TACs, for the 2011-2012 fishing season.

Conservation Harvesting Plans for individual fleets will be finalized through the normal consultation process between regional staff and industry officials.

Fish harvesters will be notified when licence conditions are available at DFO licensing centres.

Links to other information

DFO has completed its analysis on these stocks, including the development of the Science Advisory Reports (SAR). You can access the SAR using the following link:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index.htm

Prepared by:

Communications Contact:
Sam Whiffen
709-772-7631

Communications Contact:
Larry Yetman
709-772-0695