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). Management measures for 4RST Atlantic Halibut will be announced separately.
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. Specific season dates are developed jointly with the various fleets and are part of pertinent Conservation Harvesting Plans.
Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)
The 2012/13 TAC levels are as follows:
- 4RSTGreenland Halibut: 4,500t
- Redfish Unit 1: 2,000t index fishery
- 4T White Hake: No directed commercial fishery (a 30t allocation is identified to cover by-catches of white hake in other groundfish fisheries, a limited recreational fishery and scientific purposes)
- 4T Winter Flounder: 300t
- 4RS Witch Flounder: 500t
- 4T American Plaice: 250t
- 4T Yellowtail Flounder (directed fishery in Magdalen Islands): 300t
Management Measures
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.
The Department has implemented quota reconciliation and any quota overruns incurred during the last fishing season will be deducted, by a factor of one-to-one, on this season's quotas. This measure applies to individual quotas as well as fleet quotas.
Links to other information
Gulf Region Groundfish Information Website
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