Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – June 6, 2024 – 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 21B, for 2024. Opening dates and management measures for the scallop fishery in the sub-area 21A and 21C will be published in a subsequent Notice to Fish Harvesters.
Please note that following an industry request, a change has been made to the fishing season format and management measures for sub-zone 21B.
Fishing Seasons
21B - In 2024, licence holders will be able to choose a maximum of 20 calendar days for fishing. Fishing will be open between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM from June 17th to August 2nd (summer season) and between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM from November 4th to November 29th (fall season).
Management measures in place
NEW in 2024
Ring size: The authorized minimal ring size in the bucket construction is set at 89 mm (3½ inches) with the exception of the first row of buckets where 76.2 mm (3 inches) rings may be used.
Hail-Out: Scallop licence holders in sub-zone 21B must make a hail-out call before each fishing trip.
The toll-free phone number 1-833-699-2013 or 1-506-431-3223 (for satellite phones only) should be used to make hail-out calls, modify calls, and cancel calls.
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS): In sub-zone 21B, the use of a vessel monitoring system approved by the DFO will be mandatory starting in 2024. The reporting interval for the VMS unit must be every five minutes.
Other management measures in place
The following management measures will remain in effect for the 2024 fishing season. Further details are available in the scallop licence conditions.
Meat count: In sub-area 21B, 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 each fishing season (summer season and fall season).
Drag size: Maximum cumulative width of 6.09 m (20 feet) (outside measurements).
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).
Buffer zones: The coastal buffer zones for the protection of lobster habitat and the ecosystem will continue to be applied by licence condition and/or variation orders.
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 2024 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.