2025-26 Conservation Harvesting Plan NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps
Groundfish Mobile Gear: Vessels less than 27.4 metres (90 ft.)

1. Eligibility

Participation in the directed mobile gear groundfish fishery will be restricted to groundfish licence holders with a homeport in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps, and those with overlap privileges with a homeport in NAFO Divisions 3KL, or Sub-Division 3Pn.

2. Fishing areas

1. This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) governs the directed fishery for all vessels less than 27.4 metres (90') in length, regardless of homeport, fishing groundfish in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps using mobile gear, and is in effect for the management cycle which runs from April 1 to March 31 annually.
2. The area of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps SOUTH of a straight line joining the following points is referred to as the "offshore area" and consists of units (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) which are defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
3. The area of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps NORTH of the line above is referred to as the "inshore area" and consists of units (a), (b) and (c) which are defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
4. The coordinates of fishing area 10 and 3Ps units (a)-(h) are outlined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

3. Fishing restrictions

1. This CHP applies to the following species:
   • Cod
   • Redfish
   • Skate
   • Witch Flounder (Greysole)
2. A "fishing trip" is defined as starting from the time the vessel leaves port and ending when it returns to port, whether or not any fish has been caught.
3. Except when fishing redfish and Witch flounder, the use of mobile fishing gear is prohibited in the inshore area (NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps units (a), (b), and (c)) as defined in Schedule 34 and attached to licence holders' Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
4. The water in which fishing for redfish is authorized is redfish area Unit 2 in that part of NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps outside of the territorial sea (12 nautical miles) from the nearest point of land and in that portion of NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn outside the 100 fathom edge defined by using the following points:
   • 47°37'00"N, 59°18'12"W
   • 47°35'45"N, 59°20'00"W
   • 47°33'30"N, 59°17'00"W
   • 47°30'15"N, 59°10'30"W
   • 47°28'30"N, 59°01'00"W
   • 47°23'30"N, 59°48'00"W
   • 47°26'30"N, 59°25'00"W
   • 47°38'25"N, 59°26'45"W
5. Fishing is not authorized in Placentia Bay inside a straight line drawn from Cape St. Mary's (46°49'N, 54°12'W) to Ferryland Head (46°52'N, 55°23'W).
6. Fishing is not authorized in Fortune Bay inside a line drawn from Cape la Hune to Point Crewe following the points in the order listed below:
   • 47°31'36"N, 56°52'36"W
   • 47°21'54"N, 56°29'40"W
   • 47°18'19"N, 56°15'18"W
   • 47°06'02"N, 56°06'18"W
   • 46°54'54"N, 55°58'42"W
7. For those licence holders with a cod Individual Quota (IQ) or harvesting CAP, all cod caught from any fishery, whether directed catch or by-catch, will be charged against the IQ or harvesting CAP for that licence.
8. When a licence holder has caught their cod IQ or harvesting CAP, either from directed catch or by-catch, they must cease fishing for all species of groundfish in 3Ps for the remainder of the management period year (to March 31).
9. The licence holder/operator is not permitted to fish in the French Maritime Area around Saint-Pierre and Miquelon unless a licence has been issued by France, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has authorized the licence holder/operator to conduct the fishing activity in the French Maritime area.

4. Catch limits

Quota Reconciliation

1. Any over-run in the Danish seine fleet allocation of Witch flounder (greysole) will be reconciled by uncaught quota from the Witch flounder (greysole) allocations in the mobile gear fleet based in 3Ps and 3Pn and/or fixed gear fleet based in 3Ps. If there is insufficient uncaught quota in these allocations to compensate for the overrun, the Danish seine fleet allocation will be reconciled for the balance in the following year.
2. Nominal quota over-runs from the previous year's cod and redfish fisheries will be deducted from the current year's quota prior to the start of the fishing season.

5. Season

The season end dates in the table below are subject to change based on available quota.

• Redfish
  • 3Ps(a)(b)(c)(e)(f)(g)(h) portion of Unit 2: July 1 to March 31
    • Spawning closure from April 1 to June 30 in all areas
  • 3Ps(d) July 1 to November 15
    • Closed to protect Gulf of St. Lawrence cod that are mixing with 3Ps cod. This closure will be reviewed annually and implemented as necessary
  • 3Pn portion of Unit 2: July 1 to December 31
• Skate: April 1 to March 31
• Witch Flounder (greysole): April 1 to March 31
• Atlantic Cod - Spawning closure March 1 to Mid-May all fleets^1,2
  • 3Ps based mobile gear fleet³
    • 3Ps(f)(g)(h) - Mid-May to Feb 28
    • 3Ps(d)(e) - Mid-May to November 15
  • Other mobile gear (4R3Pn-based) fleets³
    • 3Ps(f)(g)(h) - July 1 to Feb 28
    • 3Ps(d)(e) - Mid-May to November 15

¹Exact opening date determined annually in consultation with the FFAW/industry.

²Opening may be delayed or staggered due to the DFO research vessel science survey.

³Closes November 15th to protect Gulf of St. Lawrence cod that are mixing with 3Ps cod

6. Fishing gear

Below is a table summarizing the fishing gear limits by species and area. For complete details refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and the species specific licence conditions.

When fishing any species of groundfish, the licence holder/operator is required to report any lost fishing gear as per Schedule 38 – Marine Mammals Interactions and Management.

7. Licensing policy

The commercial fishery is guided by licensing policy which sets out requirements and eligibility criteria established by the Minister of DFO with respect to the licensing of commercial fishing and communal-commercial fishing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The policies provide fish harvesters, Indigenous Organizations, and the Canadian public with a clear and consistent statement regarding DFO policy respecting commercial fishing enterprises, the registration of vessels, and the issuance of recreational and commercial fishing licences in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

8. Small fish and by-catch closure protocol

1. Areas will be closely monitored and may be closed to fishing when the number of undersized fish caught exceeds 15% of the total number of the directed species, or when by-catch levels become a conservation concern.
2. Closures due to small fish or by-catch will remain in effect for a minimum of 10 days.
3. When a fishery is closed, it will not reopen until it can be effectively monitored and controlled.
4. If a fishery in a particular area is closed twice during the year, it may remain closed for the remainder of the year.
5. If a fishery is closed for the minimum 10-day period due to high by-catch levels or small fish, reopening will only be considered following a successful, observed, industry funded test fishery.

9. Monitoring and reporting

1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
2. At-sea Observers: Unless otherwise stated, industry-funded observer coverage is required. The target level of observer coverage is 5% of the fleet sector.
3. Satellite transponders will be required onboard vessels when requested by DFO.

10. By-catch and incidental catch

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and species specific licence conditions.

11. Closed and defined areas

1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 34 - Closed and Defined Areas, and Schedule 36 – Closed Areas.
2. The Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area falls within NAFO Division 3P. Commercial fishing is prohibited within the boundaries of the MPA.

12. Species at risk act (SARA)

The following species are considered at risk and listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as either Threatened or Endangered:

• Northern wolffish (Anarchichas denticulatus ) – listed as Threatened
• Spotted wolffish (Anarchichas minor) – listed as Threatened
• Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – listed as Endangered
• White shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Atlantic population  – listed as Endangered

In accordance with subsection 83(4) of SARA and the recovery strategy for northern wolffish, spotted wolffish, and leatherback turtle, and having met the conditions of sections 73(2) to (6.1) of SARA for white shark, the licence holder or vessel operator is permitted to carry out commercial fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries Act that may incidentally kill, harm, harass, or capture these species.

During these fishing activities, incidental catches of a these species must be returned to the place from which it was taken, and where it is alive, in a manner that causes the least harm. The licence holder or vessel operator is also required to complete the SARA section in the fishing logbook to provide information regarding any interactions with these species. Please refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions for further information on these requirements.

13. Marine mammals

As per the Groundfish General licence conditions, refer to Schedule 38 - Marine Mammal Interactions and Management Measures.

14. Indigenous participation

Allocations will be negotiated with applicable Indigenous communities for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes. Communal licences for FSC and commercial access will be issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licence Regulations.

15. Safety at sea

In the federal government, Safety at Sea is a shared responsibility. DFO and Transport Canada (TC) have established a framework for cooperation to address this through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that develops safety goals, allows for the exchange of vessel information, and the promotion of a safety culture among commercial fish harvesters. Transport Canada has the responsibility for regulating shipping, navigation, and vessel and marine personnel safety. DFO has responsibility for the management of fisheries resources with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) responsible for emergency response. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial Workplace Health, Safety, and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) has jurisdiction over health and safety issues in the workplace.

Vessel owners and operators have a duty to ensure the safety of their crew and vessel. Adherence to safety regulations and good practices by owners, operators, and crew of fishing vessels will help save lives, protect the vessel from damage, and protect the environment. All fishing vessels must be in a seaworthy condition and maintained as required by Transport Canada and other applicable agencies. Vessels subject to inspection should have a certificate of inspection valid for the area of intended operation.

Registration

1. All vessels greater than 10hp are required to be registered with TC under the Canada Shipping Act 2001 (CSA, 2001), as TC is responsible for regulations and enforcement related to the safety of all vessels and marine personnel.
2. All vessels used for commercial fishing are required to be registered with DFO under the Fisheries Act (FA) and the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, as DFO is responsible for the proper management and control of fisheries and the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.

Vessel Condition

1. Vessel Safety, and the safety of crew members, falls under the mandate of Transport Canada Safety and Security (TCMSS). The Canada Shipping Act 2001 (CSA, 2001), associated regulations, policies, and programs outline the requirements and obligations of vessel owners and operators.
2. Vessel owners have an obligation under the CSA, 2021 to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements. This obligation is extended to vessel operators to ensure the requirements of the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations or Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations are adhered to.
3. Before leaving port, vessel owners are required to ensure the vessel is designed, constructed, and equipped to operate safely and be seaworthy in its area of operation. This would include such things as:
   • Hatches, doors, and windows watertightness (gaskets, dents, and damage),
   • Underwater penetrations are in good order (not degraded or rusted),
   • Required safety equipment is onboard and valid (not expired),
   • Navigation lights are fitted and in good working order (working bulbs and fixtures are not blocked)
   • Etc.

Any modifications made to the vessel need to be recorded and done in accordance with appropriate standards and a demonstration of its compliance available if requested. Vessel stability may also need to be verified to include any modifications made to the vessel. See TP 15392E - Guidelines for fishing vessel major modification or a change in activity.

4. Owners and operators are also required to ensure all certificates required, are up to date and valid prior to sailing. These certificates include:
   • Vessel Inspection Safety Certificate (if vessel is over 15GT)
   • Crew Certificates (Marine Emergency Duties, Radio Certificate, Nautical Certificates, depending on vessel size and operation, etc.)

Stability

1. Stability is important and has been found to be a contributing factor to incidents in the past. Vessels that have a hull length of more than 9 m, built after July 13th, 2018, are required to have a stability assessment completed and onboard and display a stability notice. Vessels built prior to July 13th, 2018, are required to have adequate stability and owners may need to provide verification of adequate stability if requested.
2. Vessel crews should ensure weights are kept as low as possible and any water onboard is able to be shed overboard through pumps or freeing ports. Vessels with fluid catches should prevent excessive movement of the catch with subdivisions or totes, etc. Any deck equipment should be stacked and secured, keeping as low a center of gravity as possible in mind. Crew members should ensure that weights are distributed as low as possible. Excess weight on upper decks is minimized to prevent stability issues.
3. Fishing vessel owners are required to develop detailed instructions addressing the limits of stability for each of their vessels. The instructions must be based on a formal assessment of the vessel by a qualified naval architect and include detailed safe operation documentation. Instructions should be kept on board the vessel at all times.
4. Fishing vessel owners should also keep on-board detailed documentation on engine room procedures, maintenance schedules to ensure watertight integrity, and instructions for regular practice of emergency drills.
5. Fish harvesters should know the limitations of their vessels. If unsure, the vessel operator should contact a qualified, naval architect or persons and organizations competent to conduct a stability assessment as defined in the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations.

Emergency Procedures and Drills

1. Since 2017 fishing vessels have been required to have written safety procedures onboard. This includes, for example:
• Person Overboard
• Fire Overboard
• Abandoned Ship
• Pollution
• Any other procedures deemed necessary (eg. Flooding control, propulsion failure response, etc.
2. These procedures are specific to the vessel, the operation, and the number of crew members onboard. Each vessel is different so as crew members change vessels, the owner and operator are required to ensure the crew is familiar with the vessel’s layout and safety equipment placement and use, so they are aware of their duties in an emergency. Please see: Templates for small fishing vessels procedures.
3. Drills should be conducted as often as necessary to ensure crew members are familiar with the vessel’s safety procedures. Every time a new crew member comes onboard, a review of the safety procedures followed by drills should take place. Existing crew members should conduct drills several times a year to remain proficient.
4. Should a vessel be found to not have written emergency procedures onboard, they will be detained by a Transport Canada representative and prevented from sailing until such time as the procedures are onboard and the crew can demonstrate proficiency. . See SSB No.:14/2024 for more information.
5. Since July 30, 2003 all crew members with more than six months at sea are required to have taken minimum Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training or be registered for such training. MED provides a basic understanding of:
• hazards associated with the marine environment,
• prevention of shipboard incidents (including fires),
• raising and reacting to alarms,
• fire and abandonment situations,
• skills necessary for survival and rescue.

Safety Equipment

1. Vessel safety equipment from the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations is based on hull length and the vessels voyage (longer vessels going further offshore require more safety equipment).
2. Clarifying “hull length” measurement as per the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations Part 0.1 Definition - SSB No.: 25/2022 is available if you have more questions regarding how to measure the hull length for your vessel.
3. TC uses a vessel's hull length which is defined as the longest length from stem to transom, including parts that are permanently fixed to the vessel and extend beyond the stem or transom such as:
• fixed spars,
• bowsprits,
• pulpits, or
• deck extensions.
4. DFO uses the vessel length overall which is defined as the maximum horizontal distance measured between perpendiculars erected at the extreme ends of the outside of the main hull of a vessel (includes the vessel‘s bottom, sides and deck). Transom platforms extending beyond the stern of a vessel, and any other extensions on the hull will be considered part of the main hull of a vessel.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

1. PFDs (or life jackets) are to be worn when there is a risk of drowning. The Operator is to determine when there is a risk of drowning and inform the crew to wear a PFD (or life jacket).
2. PFDs for fishing vessels must be Transport Canada approved and be:
• Of a highly visible color,
• Fitted with retro-reflective tape, and
• Filled with a whistle.
3. Owners and operators are to be aware that requirements for the usage and wear of PFDs is regulated by both the Provincial OHS and federally by Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security. Please check your provincial requirements to ensure all applicable requirements are followed.

Cold Water Immersion

1. Vessel operators should know what to do to prevent themselves or their crew from falling into the water and what to do if that occurs. Drowning is the number one cause of death in the fishing industry. Cold water is defined as water below 25 degrees Celsius, but the greatest effects occur below 15 degrees Celsius. Newfoundland and Labrador waters are usually below 15 degrees.
2. The effects of cold water on the body occur in four stages:
• cold shock
• swimming failure
• hypothermia
• post-rescue collapse

Weather

1. Vessel owners and operators are reminded of the importance of paying close attention to current weather trends and forecasts during the voyage. Marine weather information and forecasts can be obtained from Environment Canada’s website,Marine Forecasts and Warnings for Canada - Environment Canada.

Emergency Radio Procedures

1. Vessel owners and operators should ensure that all crew are able to activate the Search and Rescue (SAR) system by contacting the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). It is strongly recommended that all fish harvesters carry a registered 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), registered with Coast Guard’s National Search and Rescue Secretariat.
2. All crew members should know how to make a distress call and should obtain their restricted radio operator certificate from Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada (formerly Industry Canada).
3. Since August 1, 2003, all commercial vessels greater than 20 metres in length are required to carry a Class D VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio, register their DSC radios with ISED Canada with a Marine Mobile Services Identity (MMSI) number. A registered DSC VHF radio has the capability to alert other DSC equipped vessels in the immediate area and advise Coast Guard MCTS that the vessel is in distress.

Collision Regulations

1. Fish harvesters should have a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations and the responsibilities between vessels where the risk of collision exists. Navigation lights must be kept in good working order and must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during all times of restricted visibility.
2. To help reduce the potential for collision or close-quarters situations that may also result in the loss of fishing gear, fish harvesters are encouraged to monitor the appropriate local Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) VHF channel when traveling or fishing near shipping lanes or other areas frequented by large commercial vessels

Sail plan

1. An important trip consideration is the use of a sail plan which includes the particulars of the vessel, crew, and voyage. The sail plan should be left with a responsible person on shore or filed with the local MCTS centre. After leaving port, the fish harvester should contact the holder of the sail plan daily or as per another schedule. The sail plan should ensure notification to JRCC when communication is not maintained, which might indicate your vessel is in distress. Be sure to cancel the sail plan upon completion of the voyage.