Sea Cucumber Fishery: NAFO Division 3PS

Species and Area

Sea cucumber fishery in NAFO Division 3Ps. Fishing is authorized in the western sea cucumber area, south of 46°30”north latitude and west of 56°28” west longitude. 

Season Opening and Closing Dates

The sea cucumber fishery typically opens mid-summer based on stakeholder recommendation to the Department. The season will remain open until December 31 or until all quota has been harvested.

TAC and Allocations:

The total allowable catch for the 2013 season is 2,242 tonnes. In addition, each fish harvester has a harvest cap of 118 tonnes.

Management Measures

The 3Ps sea cucumber fishery was developed through the Emerging Fisheries Policy and for 2013 will move to full commercial fishery. For 2013, ten new sea cucumber licences will be offered in accordance with the established licence eligibility list.

Those offered a new licence for 2013 must be geared up before the licence is issued. If gear up does not occur by May 31, 2013, the harvester will become ineligible and the offer will be made to the next harvester on the eligibility list.

The new sea cucumber licences are not eligible for reissuance for a two year period.

In addition to commercial licences issued through the draw process, a communal sea cucumber licence will be issued to the Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) in Conne River. The issuance of this licence is consistent with the department’s objectives for Aboriginal organizations aimed at strengthening aboriginal participation in the fishery, The MFN are active in other fisheries along the south coast of the province.

Licence holders are required to record catch data on the sea cucumber fisheries log for each tow and submit the completed forms at the end of each fishing trip.

Fishing activity is monitored by a DFO approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and is subject to at-sea observer coverage.