Integrated Capelin Fishery Management Plan - 2J3KLPs Capelin

Species and Area

Evergreen integrated management plan for Capelin stocks in NAFO Divisions 2J3KLPs effective 2011.

Season openings and closings (subject to change)

Commencement of the Capelin fishing season in an area is determined and based upon industry recommendations to the Department. This would be based on the commercial abundance of Capelin, compliance with industry quality standards, and the processing sector’s readiness to purchase product. Opening dates vary by area and fleet, and will be determined independently for each quota management unit. The season for each gear sector and area will remain open provided there are commercial quantities available and quota remaining.

TAC and Sharing Arrangements

The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2011 has been reduced by 20% from 2010 (30,496 metric tones). TAC in NAFO Divisions 2J3KLPs is 24,396 metric tonnes.

Management Measures

The management measures for this fishery will be a roll over from the 2010 2J3KLPs Capelin fishery. These will include:

• Subject to dockside monitoring. A water allowance of 3% will be applied at dockside.
• Subject to at-sea observer coverage.
• Completion of logbooks.
• Trap net leaders with a mesh size of greater than two inches to less than seven inches are prohibited as a conservation measure to reduce the by-catch of wild Atlantic Salmon.
• The maximum authorized length of a modified bar seine (i.e. ‘tuck’ seine) for use in the Capelin fishery is 80 fathoms.
• Capelin buddy-up arrangements permitted.
• Daily and seasonal limits.

Further details of the management measures will be outlined in the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan.

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