Atlantic Halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RST)
Species and Area
Atlantic halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Areas 4RST).
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
The Total Allowable Catch will be 720t which remains unchanged from last year.
The Fixed Gear <65’ fleets will receive a total fleet share of 69.72% which will be allocated in a manner similar with decisions made in 2011. As in previous years, 85% of the Mobile Gear allocations will be reallocated to the fixed gear <65’ fleets. This reallocation will be redistributed based on the same percentage shares as the allocation of the total fleet share for the <65’ fixed gear. As a result, the total 2012 allocations per fleet are as follows:
Inshore fixed gear:
Gulf NB : 41.71t
Gulf NS : 23.78t
Gulf PEI : 20.66t
W. NFLD : 194.10t
Quebec LNS : 59.13t
Gaspé: 262.18t
Magdalen Islands : 43.24t
Scotia Fundy : 21.63t
Mobile Gear <65': 12.66t
Fixed Gear 65'-100': 24.70t
Mobile Gear 65'-100' :3.70t
Vessels >100' : 12.66t
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.
Links to other information
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