Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – June 28, 2024 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is announcing the Gulf New Brunswick (GNB) Bluefin tuna fleet Conservation and Harvesting Plan (CHP) for the 2024 fishing season. Details of the fishing plan are enclosed in the CHP: 2024 - Gulf New Brunswick Bluefin Tuna Fleet Conservation and Harvesting Plan.
The total interim available Bluefin tuna allocation for 2024 is 41.028 metric tons (mt). This consists of the initial 2024 Bluefin tuna allocation for the GNB fleet of 38.651 mt, to which is added the uncaught quota of 2023 of 2.377 mt. The Mexican quota will be announced when available and will be added to the Fleet allocation. The list of individual allocations can be found in Annex 1 of the CHP. The final allocation will be announced in a subsequent Notice to Fish Harvesters.
The opening date for the Bluefin tuna season in Gulf home waters (4RST and 4Wd) and in Ex-sector waters is July 11, 2024. The fishery will remain open until December 31, 2024 or until the quota is harvested, which ever comes first.
For the purpose of tag distribution in 2024, the average tuna weight in Gulf home waters (4RST and 4Wd) and Ex-sector waters will be 238 kg (525 lb).
Fleet to fleet temporary quota transfers will continue to be permitted in 2024, subject to the GNB fleet and DFO approval. Details are described in the CHP.
In order to receive licence conditions and tags, licence holders are required to contact the Department at 1-506-395-7705. At the time of registration, starting on July 8, each licence holder will have to identify the vessel that will be used, the fishing area where they will fish, advise if they intend to fish in partnership and provide a telephone number to arrange for their tuna tag(s) payment. Tuna tag(s) will be sent to the licence holders by Canada Post – Xpresspost three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), and licence conditions will be available through the DFO online licensing system.
Catch and Retain Fishery - Since 2020, commercial licence holders conducting charter activities are authorized to use their initial individual allocation of tags to retain a Bluefin tuna with clients on board the vessel. Interested participants must contact the undersigned for additional information or to obtain a Tuna Catch and Retain Licence.
New in 2024
Mackerel Bait: For the 2024 season, all Atlantic Bluefin tuna licence holders are permitted to catch and retain 20 live mackerels per fishing trip for bait purposes and to retain the unused ones aboard or attached to the vessel. This will be reflected in conditions of licence.
All shark species, including the Blue sharks, shall be released in the water.
Management Measures in Place for the 2024 Fishing Season
Temporary transfers of quota between licence holders: Temporary transfers of individual allocations between licence holders will be authorized in 2024. Details are described in the CHP.
Mid-season reallocation of quota: As for the past four years, a mid-season reallocation of quota will NOT take place in 2024. Fishermen will consequently have the entire season to catch their individual allocation. Landings will be closely monitored by DFO during the course of the season.
Management measures to minimize interactions with North Atlantic right whales: The management measures to protect the right whales are available at the following Internet address: 2024 fishery management measures.
Telephone numbers for the hail out requirement
4RST
Licence holders fishing in the 4RST Divisions are required to contact the DFO's contracted Vessel Hail System « Answer 365 » at 1-833-699-2013 or at 1-506-431-3223 (satellite phone only) at least 3 hours before departing for each fishing trip.
4Wd and Ex-sector
Commercial licence holders fishing in Maritimes Region (Divisions 4VWX and 5, including 4Wd) are required to contact the DFO « Just Talk » hail-out system at 1-866-665-4451 prior to departure for any fishing trips.
Indigenous groups fishing in the Maritimes Region (Divisions 4VWX and 5, including 4Wd) are required to contact the DFO « Just Talk » hail-out system call center at 1-902-426-0005 prior to departure for any fishing trips.
For all other applicable measures, please refer to the CHP.