2J3KLPs Capelin – Newfoundland and Labrador

Species and Area

The evergreen integrated fisheries management plan for Capelin stocks in NAFO Divisions 2J3KLPs was approved and came into effect in 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 2012 will remain status quo from 2011. The TAC in NAFO Divisions 2J3KLPs is 24,396 metric tonnes.

2012 Capelin Fishery Fleet Allocations

Area 2J total: 96t

Fixed gear: 96t

Area 3K total: 8,576 t

Mobile gear: 1,920t
Fixed gear: 6,656t

Area 3L total: 14,099t

Mobile gear: 5,462t
Fixed gear: 8,637t

Areas 3Ps total: 1,625t

Mobile gear: 185t
Fixed gear: 1,440t

Management Measures

The management measures for this fishery will be a roll over from the 2011 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.
Restrictive leasing provisions.
Capelin buddy-up arrangements permitted in selected areas.
Daily and seasonal limits.

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