Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – July 8, 2022 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is announcing the Gulf New Brunswick (GNB) Bluefin tuna fleet Conservation and Harvesting Plan (CHP) for the 2022 fishing season. Details of the fishing plan are enclosed in the attached document.
The total interim available Bluefin tuna allocation for 2022 is 46.104 metric tons (mt). This consists of the initial 2022 Bluefin tuna allocation for the GNB fleet of 42.459 mt, to which is added the uncaught quota of 2021 of 3.645 mt, which is equivalent to 10% of the initial quota received by the fleet in 2021. 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 attached 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, 2022. The fishery will remain open until December 31, 2022 or until the quota is harvested, which ever comes first.
For the purpose of tag distribution in 2022, the average tuna weight in Gulf home waters (4RST and 4Wd) and Ex-sector waters will be 250 kg (500 lb).
Fleet to fleet temporary quota transfers will continue to be permitted in 2022, subject to the GNB fleet and DFO approval. Details are described in the enclosed 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, 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 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 2022
Mackerel Bait
For the 2022-23 season, all Atlantic Bluefin tuna licence holders are permitted to catch and retain 20 live mackerels per fishing trip for bait purposes. This will be reflected in conditions of licence.
Management measures in place for the 2022 fishing season
Temporary transfers of quota between licence holders: Temporary transfers of individual allocations between licence holders will be authorized again in 2022. Details are described in the enclosed CHP.
Mid-season reallocation of quota: On June 23, 2022, GNB fleet members agreed that a midseason reallocation of quota will NOT take place in 2022. 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: 2022 fishery management measures.
For all other applicable measures, please refer to the attached CHP.