2025 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) 2J3KL Northern Cod Fishery Inshore Fixed-Gear Fleet

This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) outlines the management measures for the 2J3KL Northern cod inshore (< 65’) fixed-gear 2025-2026 fishery. The management decision includes NAFO homeport-based suballocations for the inshore fixed-gear fleet, such that a 2J-based harvester and a 3KL-based harvester can fish throughout NAFO Divisions 2J, 3K, and 3L, and their landings will be counted against their associated NAFO homeport-based suballocation.

Note: This is the amended CHP. The updates and additions that have been incorporated into this version are described at the end of the document.

1. Eligibility

1. Participation in the 2J3KL Northern cod inshore fixed-gear fishery is restricted to groundfish licence holders with a homeport in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL and ‘3K Equivalents’ with a homeport in NAFO Division 4R defined as North Boat Harbour to Cape Bauld.
2. Groundfish licence holders in NAFO Divisions 3KL have the option to either participate in this fishery, or to exercise their fishing privileges in NAFO sub-Division 3Ps, but not both.

2. Fishing areas

1. This CHP governs the directed fixed-gear inshore fishery in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL for the 2025-26 season.

3. Fishing restrictions

1. NAFO Division ‘3K Equivalents’ are defined as NAFO Division 4R licence holders that opt to participate in this fishery, and are authorized to fish only in the portion of NAFO Division 3K defined as North of 51 degrees 18 minutes North (Cape Bauld to Lobster Point) and fishing is not permitted in the waters outside Canada’s Territorial Sea (the 12 mile limit).
2. 2J-based and 3KL-based fixed-gear harvesters are permitted to fish throughout NAFO Divisions 2J3KL when both 2J-based and 3KL-based fleets are open. Harvesting will be restricted to homeport NAFO Divisions if either 2J-based or 3KL-based fleets are closed. For example, 2J-based harvesters cannot harvest in 3KL until the 3KL-based fleet is open, and 2J-based harvesters will be restricted to fish in NAFO Division 2J should the 3KL-based fleet be closed.

4. Season

1. For 2J-based harvesters, the fishery will open on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and is scheduled to close on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
2. For 3KL-based harvesters, the fishery will open on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and is scheduled to close on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
3. The fishery may close to individual inshore fleets prior to the season end date if the respective fleet allocation is taken.

5. Catch limitations

1. The 2025-26 Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2J3KL Northern cod fishery is 38,000 t (round weight) and includes a 29,792 t allocation for the inshore fixed-gear fleet, with sub-allocations of 25,323 t for 3KL-based harvesters and 4,469 t for 2J-based harvesters.
2. A weekly fishing period shall be defined as follows: “fishing week will start at 00:01 local time on Sunday and end on 24:00 local time on the following Saturday”.
3. A bi-weekly fishing period shall be defined as follows: “bi-weekly fishing period will start at 00:01 local time on a Sunday and run consecutively for 14 days to which it will then end at 24:00 local time on the second Saturday”.
4. Harvesters will receive conditions authorizing them to fish based on their homeport:
   1. Homeport NAFO Division 2J (‘2J-based harvesters’):
      • July 13 to August 23, 2025: 40,000 lbs. base bi-weekly limit
      • August 24 to April 14, 2026: 50,000 lbs. base bi-weekly limit
   2. Homeport NAFO Division 3KL & 3K Equivalents (‘3KL-based harvesters’):
      • July 13 to August 30, 2025: 4,000 lbs. base weekly limit
      • August 31 to September 13, 2025: 17,000 lbs. base bi-weekly limit
      • September 14 to November 08, 2025: 12,000 lbs. base weekly limit
      • November 09 to April 14, 2026: 20,000 lbs. base weekly limit
5. 3KL-based harvesters have the option of selecting the regular fishing season or the Fall season only, but not both, as outlined below:
   1. Fall season: September 14 to April 14, 2026
      Fish only during the fall, with a base trip limit of 24,000 lbs.
   2. To ensure that there is harvest available into the fall season and for those that select the 3KL fall only option, approximately 75% of the available harvest for 3KL will be permitted up to and including September 13, 2025, and approximately 25% will be available for the period after September 14, 2025.
6. Buddy-up arrangements:
   1. Buddy-up is authorized in the 2J3KL Northern cod fishery. Harvesters must apply for buddy-up prior to the start of the fishing season.
   2. A maximum number of six shares will be permitted in a buddy-up arrangement, and the total number of shares in a buddy-up arrangement will determine the vessel’s catch limit and resulting gear limits.
   3. Each harvester in a buddy-up must independently complete their own logbook, retain their own purchase slip, and inform the DMP Observer of their share of the catch at landing, ensuring all records reflect individual accountability as if fishing alone.
   4. Refer to the Fisheries Licencing Policy of Newfoundland and Labrador Region for more details on buddy-up arrangements for the Northern cod fishery.
7. If harvesters have acquired additional cod shares through enterprise combining, their weekly authorized catch limit will be calculated within the licensing program and identified in licence conditions.
8. The conversion factor from round weight to gutted head on is 1.2. For example, the conversion of a weekly harvest limit of 4,000 lbs. round weight equates to 3,333 lbs. head on gutted.
9. A review of the fishery participation and quota utilization will take place approximately seven weeks into the fall season. Should in-season adjustments to catch limits or seasons be required, industry will be consulted, and updates will be communicated to harvesters via a Notice to Fish Harvesters.

6. Fishing gear

1. The use of gillnets, longline, hand-line and cod pots will be authorized as per licence conditions. Harvesters are to exercise caution when setting gear to ensure that catch limits are not exceeded.
2. Harvesters shall not leave fishing gear unattended in the water for more than 72 consecutive hours and are not authorized to set gear prior to the fishery opening.
3. If harvesters have concerns with respect to safety, they are advised to contact their local DFO Conservation and Protection detachment. For further information on safety at sea, please see Section 15.

Gillnets

4. NAFO Division 2J – Up to and including August 23, 2025, a maximum of 40 nets is authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time. Commencing August 24, 2025, the total maximum authorized is 50 nets.
5. NAFO Division 3KL
   1. Regular summer period (July 13 to August 30, 2025)
      The total maximum authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time is as follows:
      • Authorized catch limit of 4,000 lbs. = 6 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 4,000 lbs. up to and including 8,000 lbs. = 9 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 8,000 lbs. up to and including 12,000 lbs. = 12 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 12,000 lbs. up to and including 16,000 lbs. = 15 nets
      • Authorized catch limits greater than 16,000 lbs. = 18 nets
   2. Regular summer period (August 31 to September 13, 2025)
      The total maximum authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time is as follows:
      • Authorized catch limit of 8,500 lbs. = 10 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 8,500 lbs. up to and including 17,000 lbs. = 20 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 17,000 lbs. up to and including 25,500 lbs. = 30 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 25,500 lbs. up to and including 34,000 lbs. = 40 nets
      • Authorized catch limits greater than 34,000 lbs. = 50 nets
   3. Regular fall period (September 14 to April 14, 2026)
      The total maximum authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time is as follows:
      • Authorized catch limit of 12,000 lbs. = 15 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 12,000 lbs. up to and including 24,000 lbs. = 24 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 24,000 lbs. up to and including 36,000 lbs. = 30 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 36,000 lbs. up to and including 48,000 lbs. = 40 nets
      • Authorized catch limits greater than 48,000 lbs. = 50 nets
   4. Fall period only (September 14 to April 14, 2026)
      The total maximum authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time is as follows:
      • Authorized trip limit of 24,000 lbs. = 24 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 24,000 lbs. up to and including 48,000 lbs. = 40 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 48,000 lbs. up to and including 72,000 lbs. = 60 nets
      • Authorized catch limit greater than 72,000 lbs. up to and including 96,000 lbs. = 80 nets
      • Authorized catch limits greater than 96,000 lbs. = 100 nets

Longlines

6. NAFO Division 2J: Up to and including August 23, 2025, a maximum of 15,000 hooks are authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time. Commencing August 24, 2025, the total maximum authorized is 20,000 hooks.
7. NAFO Division 3KL: Up to and including September 13, 2025, a maximum of 15,000 hooks are authorized onboard the vessel and in the water at any one time. Commencing September 14, 2025, the total maximum authorized is 20,000 hooks.

7. Licensing policy

1. Vessel leasing: The existing vessel leasing policy will be applied. Under this policy, your current vessel must have been previously active to qualify for a lease arrangement. Leasing is only permitted in cases of mechanical breakdown/structural damage, or complete vessel loss. Proper documentation is required.
2. Substitute operators: Substitute operations are authorized for medical reasons only; and the substitute operator must be in place for a minimum of 30 days.

8. Small fish protocol

1. The minimum size for cod is 43 cm (18 in). Areas will be closely monitored and will be closed to fishing when the number of cod < 43 cm long caught exceeds 15% of the total number of cod caught.

9. Reporting and monitoring

1. As per the Groundfish General licence conditions.
2. Prior to submitting your Groundfish Fixed Gear Logbook for the less than 35’ Vessel Sector, you must keep a copy of each fishing trip for the entire fishing season. Copies must be available for inspection upon request by a Fishery Officer.
3. When landing in ports outside the Newfoundland and Labrador Region you must, at least six 6 hours prior to your estimated time of entry into port, submit by email to DFO at robyn.morris@dfo-mpo.gc.ca, an end of trip summary.

10. By-catch restrictions

1. As per the Groundfish General licence conditions.

11. Closed areas

1. As per the Groundfish General Licence conditions, refer to Schedule 36 - Closed Areas.
2. Closed areas for NAFO Divisions 2J3KL:
   1. Marine refuges across Canada
   2. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across Canada

12. Species at Risk Act (SARA)

1. 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
2. Under subsection 83(4) of SARA and the recovery strategies for northern wolffish, spotted wolffish, and leatherback turtle—and having met the conditions of sections 73(2) to (6.1) for white shark—the licence holder or vessel operator may conduct commercial fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries Act that could incidentally affect these species.
3. Any incidental catch must be returned to its point of capture, and if alive, released in a manner that minimizes harm. All interactions must be recorded in the SARA section of the fishing logbook. Refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions for full details.

13. Marine mammals

1. As per the Groundfish General Conditions, refer to Schedule 38 - Marine Mammal Interactions and Management Measures.
2. Marine mammal interaction reporting: All lethal and non-lethal interactions (e.g., bycatch, entanglements) must be reported using the DFO Marine Mammal Interaction Form or via electronic logbooks.
3. Lost and retrieved gear reporting: Lost gear must be reported within 24 hours of returning to port using the Fishing Gear Reporting System or designated forms. Retrieval of previously reported gear must also be reported within 24 hours.
4. Gear marking and restrictions:
   1. Specific color-coded twine or integrated yarns must be used to mark ropes, indicating region, species, and area.
   2. Buoys must be sequentially numbered and ropes must not float on the water surface.
5. North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) protocols: If NARWs are observed, harvesters must remove gear from designated areas as per DFO notices and cease fishing until the notice is lifted.

14. Indigenous participation

1. Communal licences for commercial access will be issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licence Regulations and will be eligible to participate in the inshore fixed-gear fishery.

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:

• 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.

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:

• 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

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 13, 2018, are required to have a stability assessment completed and onboard and display a stability notice. Vessels built prior to July 13, 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:

• Person Overboard
• Fire onboard
• Abandoned ship
• Pollution
• Any other procedures deemed necessary (e.g. flooding control, propulsion failure response etc.)

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.

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.

Fishing vessels safety procedures and crew familiarization - 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:

• 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

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:

• fixed spars
• bowspirits
• pulpits
• deck extensions

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)

PFDs (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:

• Of a highly visible color
• Fitted with retro-reflective tape
• Fitted with a whistle

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:

• cold shock
• swimming failure
• hypothermia
• post-rescue collapse

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 . 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.

16. Amendments

The following updates and additions have been incorporated into this Conservation Harvesting Plan since its original version:

1. Section 5.d.ii:
   • Mid-season adjustment to catch limits for Regular season 3KL-based harvesters for August 31 to September 13 was updated to 17,000 lbs. biweekly base from 4,000 lbs. weekly base.
   • The catch limits for 3KL & 3K Equivalent harvesters for the fall season (commencing September 14) were updated to 12,000 lbs. weekly base limit from 8,500 lbs. biweekly base.
   • The catch limits for 3KL & 3K Equivalent harvesters for the fall season (commencing November 09) were updated to 20,000 lbs. weekly base from 12,000 lbs. weekly base.
2. Section 5.e.i: The base catch limits for Fall-only harvesters was updated to 24,000 lbs. trip limit from 17,000 lbs. biweekly limit.
3. Section 6.e: Changes to the gear limits for gillnets for 3KL-based harvesters for the last two weeks of the summer season (August 31 - September 13) and for the fall season.