Fishery Notice

The 2018/2019 Crab by Trap Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) has been 
approved by the Regional Director General, Pacific. The Draft IFMP was posted 
on January 4, 2018 for a 45 day review period (FN0006).

Key management changes this year include:
Delay in Commercial Licence Area Selection
The Department will be delaying area selection for one year (to 2020). The 
intent of delaying commercial area selection is to provide an opportunity to 
address First Nations interests in the commercial crab fishery and ensure this 
is communicated to commercial harvesters considering a change in fishing areas.

Commercial Logbook Conditions of Licence
Starting in 2018, Conditions of Licence for logbooks will change so that one 
record must be recorded for all gear within a Pacific Fisheries Management Sub-
Area on a single day, where all traps have the same soak time and depth 
(separate records within a Sub-Area are required where the soak time or depth 
is different). Previous licence conditions stated that one record must be 
recorded for each string or group of traps within a 1km radius within a PFMA 
Sub-Area on a single day where all traps have the same soak time and depth. 
Additionally, vessel masters will be required to print their name and provide a 
signature and FIN for every line entry. Please see Appendix 5 of the IFMP for 
an example of the new logbook format.

Crab Management Area E-Tofino and G Commercial Trap Limits
The Department is working with five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, (within Area 
E) pursuant to the rights found by the courts, to "fish for any species of fish 
within their Fishing Territories and to sell that fish, with the exception of 
geoduck". Discussions around what crab fishing opportunities will look like are 
ongoing and the Department is creating space for potential access within the 
area trap limits that helps ensure conservation of the resource.

Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reefs - New Voluntary Avoidance Areas
In September 2017, DFO requested that Food, Social, and Ceremonial (FSC), 
Commercial, and Recreational harvesters voluntarily avoid bottom contact 
fishing (including crab by trap) around 13 additional glass sponge reefs in 
Howe Sound (Area 28). Letters with maps were distributed to stakeholders and 
First Nations. Additional research and consultations will take place in 2018. 
More information is available in Section 5.7.5 of the main IFMP and in fishery 
notice FN0279.

To request an electronic copy of the IFMP, please contact Jen Gordon at 250-627-
3477 or jennifer.gordon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jen Gordon
A/Regional Crab Lead
250-627-3477
Jennifer.gordon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0293
Sent April 11, 2018 at 1159

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on December 15, 2025 at 1526