Gear Tags and Tabs

Industry across Canada will be responsible to obtain and pay for any gear tags or tabs used in commercial fisheries which begin after March 31, 2013.

Individual gear tags are not the only means available to provide for conservation, sustainability, and an orderly fishery. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working with industry to determine where gear tags are still required. In the Pacific Region, for example, validation tabs will be issued to the herring gillnet fishery for the 2013 fishing season, but will no longer be used by, or issued to, any other fisheries as of January 1, 2013.

The proposed regulations were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on November 10, 2012. Final amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, early in 2013. Subject to Governor in Council approval, the regulatory change is expected to be implemented early in 2013 before the opening of impacted fisheries.

The Department has developed a protocol to guide industry associations, tag manufacturers and potentially others who wish to obtain gear tags and distribute them to fish harvesters. This protocol requires tag suppliers to submit a Tagging Plan for Departmental approval before they can distribute tags to harvesters. The Tagging Plan must also demonstrate that tags meet departmental standards and confirm the integrity of the distribution system as well as provide for audits by Fishery Officers.

What is changing?

• Fisheries and Oceans will no longer issue or supply commercial gear tags or tabs to industry.
• The Department is in the process of updating regulations to reflect this change.
• Industry will be required to obtain, and pay for any tags used in the commercial fisheries which begin after March 31, 2013.
• Some fisheries may no longer require gear tags or tabs.

How will these changes benefit industry?

• Some fishermen already pay for gear tags in their fishery. This change will ensure consistent Fisheries and Oceans Canada practices and fairness across fisheries and regions.
• Some fishermen may no longer need to use gear tags or tabs.

More information:

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Us