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2025 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) NAFO divisions 2GHJ3K Greenland halibut (Turbot) fishery fixed gear fleet

The 2025 CHP for Greenland halibut was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and represents an approved plan for the upcoming fishing season. At any time during the validity period of this plan, should circumstances deem it necessary, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reserves the right to make changes to the management measures contained therein, in order to facilitate an orderly fishery in accordance with conservation objectives.

1. Eligibility

Participation in the NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3K fixed gear Greenland halibut (turbot) fishery is restricted to inshore groundfish licence holders with vessels <27.4 m (90 feet), with a homeport in NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3KL.

Groundfish licence holders in NAFO Division 4R are eligible to participate but are restricted to fishing in NAFO Division 2J.

2. Fishing areas

This CHP governs the directed Greenland halibut fishery in NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3K for the management cycle which runs from January 1 to December 31 annually.

3. Fishing restrictions

  1. Gillnets
    1. Fishing is not permitted within inshore and offshore Crab Management Areas. This is a conservation measure to protect snow crab as it can become entangled and die in the gillnets used in the Greenland halibut fishery.
    2. In NAFO Divisions 2GH, fishing is not permitted in water depths less than 293 meters (160 fathoms).
    3. In NAFO Division 2J, fishing is not permitted within 37 km (20 nautical miles) from land when fishing south of 54 degrees 40 minutes North latitude.
    4. In NAFO Division 2J fishing with gillnets is not permitted in water depths less than 732 meters (400 fathoms).
    5. In NAFO Division 3K, fishing is not permitted in water depths less than 549 meters (300 fathoms).
  2. Longlines
    1. Fishing with longlines is permitted but not on the same fishing trip when fishing with gillnets. The longline fishery for Greenland halibut is permitted in all areas in water depths greater than 293 meters (160 fathoms) outside the inshore Crab Management Areas.
    2. In NAFO Division 2J, fishing is not permitted within 37 km (20 nautical miles) from land when fishing south of 54 degrees 40 minutes North latitude.

4. Catch limitations

  1. Given there is limited quota available to the fleet, expressions of interest will be sought by DFO to determine the level of interest for participation in the fishery in 2025.
  2. Expression of interest will ask fishers to identify whether they plan to fish in either NAFO Divisions 2J3K or NAFO Divisions 3LMNO or both.
  3. The initial permit amount for NAFO Divisions 2+3K will be 40,000 lbs (round weight) for the 2025 season.
  4. Permits will be valid for 5 weeks from the opening date.
  5. Should there be insufficient quota remaining after the initial permit to allow the fishery to operate on trip limits, a draw for permits may be used to catch the remainder of the quota. Harvesters should indicate on their EOI if they want to be included in the draw.
  6. In the event that an additional draw is required, the maximum amount of Greenland halibut to be harvested under the draw will be determined after consultation with the 2+3K Greenland halibut working group.
  7. Once a harvester has reached the maximum catch limit identified on their permit, all Greenland halibut (dead or alive) that is harvested, shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken, and where it is alive, in a manner that causes it the least harm.
  8. In an effort to ensure that the highest possible amount of Greenland halibut is landed under the initial permit, the Department will over allocate the TAC by not more than 60% and will close the fishery early should it appear likely that the TAC will be taken. This is meant to address issues with non-participation and inconsistent landings in this fishery.

5. Season

The opening date of the fishery will be decided in consultation with the 2+3K Greenland halibut working group.

6. Fishing gear

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

7. Licensing policy

  1. The commercial fishery is guided by licensing policy which sets out requirements and eligibility criteria established by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada with respect to the licensing of commercial fishing and communal commercial fishing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The policy provides fish harvesters, Aboriginal Organizations, and the Canadian public with a clear and consistent statement regarding the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (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.
  2. In consultation with industry, a licensing policy has been created for the inshore (27.4 m (<90ft)) Greenland halibut fishery in NAFO Divisions 2+3KLMNO in regards to vessel leasing.
    1. The licence holder leasing the vessel must have fished and had verified landings on their disabled vessel within the 30 days prior to the lease request. In instances where the request is made at the beginning of the fishing season, the licence holder leasing the vessel must have fished and had verified landings on their disabled vessel the previous fishing season. In the case of Greenland halibut, the licence holder leasing the vessel must have fished and had verified, directed Greenland halibut landings on their disabled vessel in the month/season previous.

8. Small fish and by-catch protocol

  1. The minimum size for Greenland halibut is 45 cm (18 in). Areas will be closely monitored and may be closed to fishing when the number of Greenland halibut <45cm in length caught exceeds 15% of the total number of Greenland halibut caught, or when by-catch levels become a conservation concern.
  2. When a fishery is closed due to small fish, or when by-catch problems occur, closures will be 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. Reopening will only be considered following a successful, observed, industry-funded test fishery.
  4. If a fishery in a particular area is closed twice during the year, it may remain closed for the remainder of the year.

9. Monitoring and reporting

  1. As per the Greenland Halibut Licence Conditions and the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
  2. The use of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required while fishing for Greenland halibut in NAFO Divisions 2GHJ3K. This requirement applies to all vessels.

10. By-catch and incidental

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

11. 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:

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 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.

12. Marine mammals

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

13. Marine conservation targets: closed areas

As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 36 – Closed Areas.

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. TC 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

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.

All vessels used for commercial fishing are required to be registered with DFO under the Fisheries Act 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

Vessel safety, and the safety of crew members, falls under the mandate of Transport Canada Safety and Security (TCMSS). The CSA, 2001, associated regulations, policies, and programs outline the requirements and obligations of vessel owners and operators.

Vessel owners have an obligation under the CSA, 2001 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.

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:

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.

Owners and operators are also required to ensure all required certificates are up to date and valid prior to sailing. These certificates include but are not limited to:

Stability

Stability is important and has been found to be a contributing factor to many 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.

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 and that excess weight on upper decks is minimized to prevent stability issues.

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.

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.

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

Since 2017, small fishing vessels have been required to have written safety procedures onboard. This includes, for example:

These procedures are specific to the vessel, the operation, and the numbers 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 vessel procedures.

Drills should be recorded and 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.

Should a vessel be found to not have appropriate written safety 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.

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:

Safety Equipment

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).

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.

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:

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)

PDFs (or life jackets) are to be worn when there is a risk of drowning. The Master is to determine when there is a risk of drowning and inform the crew to wear a PFD (or life jacket).

PFDs for fishing vessels must be Transport Canada approved and be:

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

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.

The effects of cold water on the body occur in four stages:

Weather

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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