Non-Cod Groundfish Species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Areas 4RST, 3Pn)
Species and Area
Non-cod groundfish species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Areas 4RST, 3Pn).
Dates of season (subject to change)
The groundfish fisheries management cycle in the Gulf of St. Lawrence extends from May 15th to May 14th the following year. However, to ensure an orderly and effective fishery, seasonal opening dates may vary based on directed species, fleet sector and geographical area. For specific season dates, please contact your regional or area DFO Resource Management branch to obtain a copy of the appropriate Conservation Harvesting Plan.
Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)
For the following fisheries, the TAC remains unchanged: 4T American Plaice, 4RST Greenland Halibut, Redfish (Unit 1), 4T Winter Flounder, 4RST Witch Flounder and 4T Yellowtail Flounder. The 4T White Hake fishery remains under moratorium. The 4RST Atlantic Halibut TAC will be increased from 600 t to 680 t.
With the exception of Unit 1 Redfish and 4T American Plaice, all other TAC will be set for a period of two years, until May 14, 2013. However, if after the first year important changes are noted in stock status, the TAC may be re-evaluated.
The following table is a summary of the 2011 and 2012 Total Allowable Catch.
| Stocks | TAC |
|---|---|
| 4T American Plaice* | 500 t |
| 4RST Atlantic Halibut | 680 t |
| 4RSTGreenland Halibut | 4,500 t |
| Redfish – Unit 1* | 2,000 t (index fishery) |
| 4T White Hake | moratorium |
| 4T Winter Flounder | 1,000 t |
| 4RST Witch Flounder | 1,000 t |
| 4T Yellowtail Flounder | 300 t |
| *One-year TAC (2011 only) |
|
Management Measures
Attached is a summary table of the Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHP) outlining the main management measures for certain groundfish fisheries.
Copies of the Conservation Harvesting Plans (CHP) which include detailed and specific measures for each species of groundfish are available from DFO offices. These measures, combined with responsible fishing practices, should ensure that the conservation goals are met. However, if the fishery is not conducted in an orderly manner, the Department may implement additional management measures or controls in these fisheries.
Links to other information
Gulf Region Groundfish Information Website:
http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/e0008344
Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index.htm
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada:
http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/
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