Fishery Notice

Category(s):
COMMERCIAL - Invertebrates: Prawn and Shrimp by Trap
Subject:
FN0352-COMMERCIAL - Prawn and Shrimp by Trap - Designation and licencing of a Commercial Vessel to Fish Prawns for Food, Social and Ceremonial purposes


Commercial prawn and shrimp trap licence eligibility holders and vessel owners 
are reminded of the following: 

DFO is requesting details about the use of a commercial fishing vessel and 
commercial fishing gear prior to authorizing its use to harvest prawns for 
food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) purposes. First Nations who may be 
interested in using your commercial fishing vessel or commercial fishing gear 
to harvest prawns for FSC purposes may be directed to the local DFO Resource 
Manager to discuss the details and to obtain a supplemental communal FSC 
licence that authorizes the use of a Commercial Fishing Vessel or Commercial 
Fishing Gear to harvest prawns for FSC purposes. A licence must be obtained 
prior to fishing. Contacts are provided in Section 14 of the Integrated 
Fisheries Management Plan for Prawn and Shrimp by Trap. 

For the purposes of this management initiative, commercial gear is defined as 
power assisted gear commonly used in the commercial fishery including, but not 
limited to, hydraulic gurdies and trap haulers, powered drums, blocks or live 
rollers. FSC prawn harvest opportunities using non-commercial vessels and gear 
will continue to be provided under the regular communal (FSC) licence. DFO is 
implementing this approach while discussions with First Nations continue on 
longer-term management measures to ensure an orderly and manageable FSC prawn 
fishery and conservation and sustainability of the resource.

As well, every person fishing under authority of a communal licence must be 
designated by the First Nation that holds the licence. The designation must be 
made in writing and include the person's name and reference the communal 
licence. The designation must be carried on-board and be produced on request of 
any Fishery Officer. 

Refer to the 2019/20 Prawn and Shrimp by Trap Integrated Fisheries Management 
Plan at https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/40780454.pdf  for the 
detailed commercial harvest plan, First Nations harvest plan, and contact 
numbers for further information or clarification. 


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Laurie Convey 250-756-7233
David Fogtmann 250-339-3799
Mike Kattilakoski 250-756-7315
Marisa Keefe 604-666-6390
Coral Keehn 604-627-3021

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0352
Sent April 15, 2019 at 1325