Fishery Notice

In response to recent COVID-19 related health and safety concerns regarding the reinstatement of at-sea observer services on groundfish trawl Option A vessels, Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be delaying the resumption of the At-sea Observer Program (ASOP) on Option A vessels with receiving tanks, as described in FN0947. An updated fishery notice will posted by September 30, 2020.

This delay will allow for further refinement of safe work procedures and of Emergency Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program protocols to address outstanding concerns raised by the Groundfish Trawl Advisory Committee (GTAC). Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and take additional actions as may be required. Comprehensive, independent catch monitoring is an essential component of sustainable fishing practices, and DFO remains committed to reinstating the ASOP, as long as it is safe to do so.

Until notified by DFO via Fishery Notice, the emergency EM program for At-sea Monitoring in response to COVID-19 (FN0379) will continue to be in place for all Option A vessels. In the absence of the ASOP, DFO continues to work closely with the Canadian Groundfish Research Conservation Society (CGRCS), Deep Sea Trawlers Association (DSTA), Archipelago Marine Research (AMR) and Vericatch to develop reporting processes and procedures that aim to improve the current emergency EM Program.


Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry
Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments.
Visit our website to find out more: 
http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-industrie/index-eng.html
The 24 hour toll-free phone-in line for fisheries notices is 1-866-431-3474.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Deirdre Finn
Trawl Coordinator
Email: Deirdre.finn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Phone: 236-330-4139
Fax: 604-666-8525

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1002
Sent September 22, 2020 at 1655

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 18, 2024 at 1429