Fishery Notice

The Groundfish Management Unit and Conservation and Protection are concerned 
with the number of undersize Sablefish being retained and offloaded at 
designated landing sites by the Groundfish Trawl fleet. Vessel Masters are 
reminded of the following regulatory sablefish size limits:
    a. 55cm in length, measured from the tip of the nose to the fork of the  
tail; or
    b. where the head has been removed, 39cm in length, measured from the 
origin of the first dorsal fin to the tail.

All releases of  Sablefish must be recorded in your fishing logbook.

It is important to do everything possible to avoid intercepting undersize 
Sablefish and to ensure that any undersized sablefish incidentally caught are 
returned to the water in the least harmful manner. In consultation with 
representatives of the Groundfish Trawl industry the Department is encouraging 
Vessel Masters to;
    a. Avoid fishing in areas of high juvenile sablefish bycatch. 
    b. If juvenile sablefish are caught in a tow do not set another tow in that 
area. Move to another area before setting another tow.   
    c. Communicate to other Groundfish trawl vessels the location of high and 
low bycatch of juvenile sablefish. 
    d. If undersized sablefish are caught, ensure appropriate sorting and 
handling practices are being followed and fish are returned to the water as 
soon as possible and in the least harmful manner to maximize survival of 
released sablefish.
    e. Record the steps taken to avoid juvenile sablefish bycatch in your 
fishing logbook. 

Enforcement action may be taken if vessels continue to land undersized 
sablefish.

If you have questions and concerns please contact:
Rob Tadey, Groundfish Trawl Coordinator, 604-666-3991
Ann Bussell, Fishery Officer, Groundfish Enforcement Coordinator, 604-666-4162

Thank you for your cooperation.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0359
Sent May 4, 2018 at 0854

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