Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – June 20, 2023 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the opening dates and management measures for the commercial scallop fishery in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 21, sub-area 21C, for 2023.
Fishing Seasons
In 2023, the fishery will be open from 5:00 a.m. on July 10th to 8:00 p.m. on August 4th. The fishery will only be authorized between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily, and will be closed from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 5:00 a.m. the following Monday.
Management measures in place
The following management measures will remain in effect for the 2023 fishing season. Further details are available in the scallop licence conditions.
Meat count: In sub-area 21C, a maximum of 39 meats per 500 g is required.
Logbook: Fish harvesters are required to maintain a record of their estimated catches in the Scallop Logbook (GLF VERSION 2020) prior to entering port. Logbooks must be returned to DFO no later than two weeks following the closure of the fishing season.
Drag size: Maximum cumulative width of 6.09 m (20 feet) (outside measurements).
Ring size: The authorized minimal ring size in the bucket construction is set at 82.6 mm (3¼ inches) with the exception of the first row of buckets where 76.2 mm (3 inches) rings may be used.
*Note that starting in 2024, the authorized minimal ring size in the bucket construction will be set at 88.9 mm (3½ inches) with the exception of the first row of buckets where 76.2 mm (3 inches) rings may be used.
Washers: A maximum of two steel washers may be used to join two bucket rings together. When rubber washers are used to join bucket rings, a maximum of one rubber washer may be used and in this case, in the vertical position only. The maximum outside diameter of rubber washers must not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches). Rubber flappers are allowed when only steel washers are used to join bucket rings. With the exception of the authorized rubber washers and rubber flappers, no other type of chaffing gear can be used.
Offloading Requirements: All scallops must be shucked prior to entering port. No person shall land (off-load) any other part of the scallop except for the adductor muscle (no roe or other internal organs of the scallop may be retained).
Mandatory reporting of interactions between vessels or fishing gear and marine mammals: Any accidental contact between marine mammal and a vessel or fishing gear must be reported.
Reminder - Licence conditions
To obtain licence conditions for the 2023 season, licence holders are required to contact the DFO Licensing division by email at the following address : gulfinfogolfe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by phone at the following number : 1-855-634-2355.