Le rate. Management Plan. Iceland Scallop ,iost.Leries:ra,nḍ. Canada LNOPs ICELAND SCALLOP

Transcription

1 dere NAFC Library ,iost.Leries:ra,nḍ Le rate Oceans Canada " A1C 5X -1 DFO - Library Management Plan LNOPs ICELAND SCALLOP Iceland Scallop SH C3 C3 1999/00 c.2 A Fisheries Management Branch Newfoundland Region P.O. Box 5667 St. John's Al C 5X1 Fisheries Peches and Oceans et Oceans Canada

2 LNOPs 'ICELAND SCALLOP INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN NEWFOUNDLAND REGION Department of Fisheries and Oceans Fisheries Management Branch

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY 1 - Participants 1 - Location of the Fishery 2 - Time Frame of the Fishery 2 - Landings and Landed Value 2 - Consultative Processes 3 - Management Style 3 II. STOCK STATUS 4 Ill. MANAGEMENTOBmCTIVES 5 IV. CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES 5 - Area Specific- Total Allowable Catches (TACs) 5 -Seasons 6 - Observer Coverage 6 - Dockside Monitoring 6 - Gear/Effort Restrictions - Inshore SF A Access to Sea Scallops - St Pierre Bank and Core Zone 7 v. MANAGEMENT MEASURES Quotas 7 -Weekly Limits 8 - By-Catch of Sea Scallops 8 - Licensing 8 - Exploratory Fishery 8 - Season/Opening Dates 9 - Logbook Requirements 9 VI. C & P ISSUES AND STRATEGIES 10 VII. INDUSTRY RESPONSffiiLITIES 12 - Dockside Monitoring 12 -Observers 12 FIGURE 1 MAP OF SCALLOP FISHING AREAS 13

4 NEWFOUNDL AND/TERRE-NEUVE 3Ls " 60 RJLNO., 79 i l 3 j-j I 30a s 86 0 F NEW ) j\j L b -::.: ~ (\j E3~ 3LN LCC 3NF CBB PRK EstP WStP Core R3LNO IN10 OFFJO INll OFFll Eastem 3L 3LN Lilly/Carso11 Ca11yo11s Nafo U11it Area 3NF Cape Ballard Ba11k Perch Rock/Keys Eastem St.Pierre Ba11k West St. Pierre Ba11k 3PSCore Rema11i11g 3LNO l11sltore SFA 10 Offshore SFA 10 I11slwre SFA 11 Offshore SF A II 3Nd 3600

5 I. OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY Participants The Iceland scallop fishery in NAFO Divisions 3LNOPs (Grand Banks and St. Pierre Bank) is a limited entry fishery. As well, licenses are restricted in the areas they can fish depending on the fisher's home port area (see following table). Home Port Vessel Valid Fishing No. of Area Size (ft) Area Licenses SEA 1-2 <35 SFA 1 or SFA SFA 2-10 I 5 SFA SFA 2-10 I, 2 14 SFA 3-9 <35 SF A 3-4 or SFA SFA 3-10 I 37 SFA SFA 3-10 I, SFA <35 SFA SFA SFA 3-11 I, 3 66 SFA SFA3-11I' 2 ' 3 12 Total 845 (1) Vessels over 35' can fish 3LNO outside the 200 mile limit. (2) Vessels 45' and over are restricted to South of 47 OO'N while fishing West of 55 30'W and South of 46 57'N while fishing East of 55 30'W in SFA 10. (3) Access to SF A 11 does not include the Core area of St. Pierre Bank. Vessels 45' and over are restricted to South of 47 OO'N while fishing West of 56 30'N and South of 46 45'N while fishing East of 56 30'W in SFA 11. The fishery in the Core area of 3Ps is open to 9 inshore fishers and one offshore license holder who historically participated in the fishery in that area. Under the management measures for this fishery, a maximum of three vessels can fish at any one time. - 1-

6 There are currently 269 enterprises between 35 & 65' licensed for scallop in Divisions 3LNO. Other enterprises less than 35' are licensed for Division 3L only. A total of 442 enterprises are licensed for scallop in Division 3Ps. During 1998 approximately 28 enterprises from 35' to 65' participated in the offshore 3LNO scallop fishery, compared to 3 0 in A small number of enterprises are dedicated solely to the scallop fishery but most are multi-species enterprises, with other licenses such as crab and shrimp. There are four >65' enterprises eligible for exploratory scallop licenses for outside the 200-mile limit. Location of Fishery In 1995 area specific.quotas controlled two defined areas (Eastern 3L and Lilly/Carson Canyons). Specific area quotas were also introduced in Eastern 3LN in 1996 and 3Nfin Another area (Cape Ballard Bank) came under quota control in The remaining areas of Divisions 3LNO are open to fishing with a preemptive quota. In 3Ps three areas were defined (Perch Rock/Keys, Eastern St. Pierre Bank and NW St. Pierre Bank) and came under quota control in The CORE area has been managed by quota for a number of years with 30% allocated to Canada and 70% to France. The remaining areas of Sub-division 3Ps are opened to fishing with a preemptive quota. Time Frame of Fishery Traditionally the scallop fishery commences in early April and continues through to late October. There have also been some landings recorded in November. Landings and Landed Value Total landings of scallop from NAFO Divisions 3LNO increased from 3,555 tin 1994 to 9,838 mt in The increase in catches in this time frame can be attributed to increased fishing effort in traditional and new exploratory areas. -2-

7 Catches declined to 3,987 mt in 1997 and declined further to 1,310 mt in The reductions can be attributed to lower quotas and decreased effort (redirection of effort to northern shrimp). The fishery in 3Ps (other than in the Core area) commenced in 1989 when 5,863 mt was landed. Catches declined to 2,774 mt in Decreased fishing activity in defined offshore areas on St Pierre Bank combined with quota closures in the inshore areas attributed to these decreased landings. Recent landings (round weight) and value are as follows: Area Landings Value Landings Value Landings Value (tonnes) ($000's) (tonnes) ($000's) (tonnes) (OOO's) 3Ps ,863 9,370 2,774 4,430 3LNO 9,838 14, ,382 1,310 2,079 Total 10,527 $15,624 9,850 $15,752 4,084 $6,509 Catch IS based on landed meat weight multiplied by a conversion factor of9.2. Prices paid to fishers averaged from $5.65 to $6.68 per pound of meat during 1995 to Consultative Process The annual consultative meeting with 3Ps based fishers was held at Marystown on January 14, This meeting included license holders, representatives from FF A W, F ANL, Provincial Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture and local buyers The latest scientific advice was presented followed by a discussion of current management issues, which are identified herein. It was agreed with industry that there were no outstanding issues to warrant the annual meeting of the 3LNO committee in Consultations on the "Core Area" in 3Ps are addressed through bipartite meetings between Canada and France. Management Style The current management style is based upon input controls such as limited entry and quotas. Quotas are assigned to specific management areas and fished on a competitive basis. -3-

8 In 1998 there were five specific management areas in 3LNO: Eastern 3L, Eastern 3LN, Lilly/Carson Canyons, 3Nf and Cape Ballard Bank. The quota for Cape Ballard Bank area was divided equally between vessels less than and greater than 45ft. The remainder of3lno was managed as separate area with a preemptive quota. There were four specific management areas in 3Ps: Core area, Perch Rocks/Keys area, Eastern St Pierre Bank, and NW St Pierre Bank. The quota for the Perch Rocks/Key's area was equally divided between vessels less than and vessels greater than 45 ft. The remainder of SF A 10 and SF A 11 were managed as separate areas with separate preemptive quotas. As new scallop beds of commercial quantities are found they are designated as new management areas with specified quotas depending on scientific advice. II. STOCK STATUS 3LNO: The catch of 1,310 tonnes in 1998 represents a 67% decrease from Most of the catch (86%) came from NAFO Division 3N. Catch rates in the Lilly and Carson Canyons have declined by 1 0% in each of the last three years and a trend to wards higher meat counts continued in The fishery in each of the areas appears to have been driven by an accumulated virgin biomass consisting largely of cohorts of old, possibly well separated year classes with little potential for further growth. 3Ps (Non-Core): The overall1998 catch dropped by 50% compared to the previous year (2,763t vs. 5,245 t). The greatest decline occurred in the eastern aggregation first fished in 1997, which experienced a drop of 99%. The western aggregation also experienced a 66% decline. Declines also occurred in the nearshore aggregations off Cape St. Mary's/Perch Rocks where a drop of33% was observed. However, catch rates in this area remained unchanged. Based on the probable size of these aggregations, relative to the northern edge of the Bank, the declines in catch rates already evident in the first year of exploitation and the - 4-

9 experience from adjoining areas also recently exploited, a very cautious approach is recommended. T AC 's in each of these areas should be pre-emptively set at hundreds rather than thousands of tonnes. St. Pierre Bank is one of the few areas where recruitment pulses have been detected. Sustained production is probably achievable here albeit at low annual yields. 3Ps (Core): From the available data, the natural mortality is still very high, the estimated value having increased from 0.7 to about 0.9. Starfish continue to thrive on the beds and impact negatively on the overall condition of this resource. The biomass is estimated to be only 1 0% of what it was in In view of this continuously increasing rate of natural mortality, the prognosis remains poor. As in the past few years there has been no directed fishery in this area. III. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES The long-term management objectives of the scallop fishery are: To implement management measures that will protect and conserve the scallop resource while maximizing benefits to participants. To improve reporting practices by fishers, that would enhance the quality and quantity of data available for scientific assessments. IV. CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES Area Specific Total Allowable Catches (TACs) Industry generally supported the proposed TACs for the 3LNO and 3Ps areas. For 1999 in 3LNO, a rollover of 1998 quotas and areas is proposed in the absence of new scientific advice. In 1999 for 3Ps it is proposed to maintain management areas on Eastern StPierre Bank, Western St Pierre Bank, and Perch Rock/Keys area. The remainder of SF A 10 and 11 would be split into inshore and offshore areas North and South of 46 30'N, respectively. Quotas would be established for offshore areas in the remainder of SF A 10 and 11 (South of 46 30'N); while the inshore areas (North of 46 30'N) in the remainder of SF A 10 and 11 have no assigned quota for 1999 and

10 Management measures including the T AC for the "Core Area" which are presented in this document are developed cooperatively between Canada and France. Seasons For the 3Ps area it has been proposed that the inshore area of SFA 10 (North of 46 30'N) open on Jan 1 with other areas not opening until April 1. In the 3LNO area all areas with the exception of Cape Ballard Bank to open April 1. Cape Ballard Bank to open Jan. 1. Observer Coverage Industry has been advised that Observer coverage will be mandatory in 1999 for all vessels 35 ft and greater in the scallop fishery. A $500 Observer fee must be paid to the Observer Company (Seawatch) and fishers subject to observer coverage must obtain a "Letter of Arrangement" from the Observer Company in order to validate their 1999 scallop licenses. Fishers and the FF A W have advised DFO that generally they do not see the need for observers in this fishery and are opposed to the implementation of the $500 observer fee. Dockside Monitoring Industry has been advised that because of the requirements to monitor catches and quota levels in the various management areas established in 3LNO and 3Ps there will be mandatory dockside monitoring of all scallop vessels (both> 35 ft and< 35 ft) participating in the 1999 scallop fishery. Fishers generally accept this requirement. Gear/Effort Restrictions Inshore SFA 11 Fishers with small vessels in the under 45 ft fleet have suggested that limits be placed on the size of drags (max. 8ft drags) or weekly limits on scallop meats ( lbs. per week) in the inshore part of SFA 11. Fishers with larger vessels in the under 45 ft fleet have suggested that 8 ft drags are too small. These fishers have proposed 10-ft. drags and/or weekly limits of 1000 lbs. of meats in this area. -6-

11 Access to sea scallops - St Pierre Bank and Core Zone As there is only a 50 t quota for sea scallops identified for the Nova Scotia Offshore scallop fleet in the St Pierre Bank area; no directing for sea scallops is permitted in this area by Nfld. based fishers. DFO proposes to introduce a license condition on all 1999 scallop licenses that would restrict the by-catch of sea scallops when fishers are directing for Icelandic Scallop in offshore areas of St Pierre Bank. V. MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR and 2000 Quotas In 1998 the total quota for Divisions 3LNO was 6,800 t split into various management areas. The 1999 and 2000 quotas are roll overs of the 1998 quota levels in this area. In 3Ps quotas have been established at 3,530 t (including the CORE area) for 1999 compared to a 1998 quota of 5,130 t. The following table outlines the quotas by area. 1999/2000 Quotas for 3LNO and 3Ps Quota Area 1998 Quota (t) 1999/2000 Quota (t) Eastern 3L 1,000 1,000 Eastern 3LN 1,500 1,500 Lilly/Carson Canyons NF Cape Ballard Bank Remainder of 3LNO 2 2,500 2,500 Total- 3LNO 6,800 6,800 Core area - Canadian Quota (T AC)* 630 (2,100) 30 (100) Perch Rocks/Keys Eastern St. Pierre Bank NW St. Pierre Bank Remainder of 3Ps ,000 Total- 3Ps 5,130 3,530 GRAND TOTAL 11,930 10,330 * Determined for 1999 only- Subject to Canada-France Negotiations - 7- \

12 (1) Divided 50/50 for vessels less than 45' and vessels 45' and over. (2) Not more than 500 t can be fished from any one concentration. (3) Not more than 300 t can be fished from any one concentration. In 1998 this quota was split 50/50 between SF A 10 & 11. ( 500 t for the remainder of SF A 10 and 500 t for the remainder of SF A 11.) For 1999 this quota will be split t for the remainder of SF A 10 South of 46 30'N and 1000 t for the remainder of SFA 11 South of 46 30'N. Weekly Limits A weekly limit of750 lbs. of meats will apply North of 46 30'N in SFA 11 in By-Catch of Sea Scallops- St Pierre Bank and Core Zone A 1 0% by-catch of sea scallops will be in effect in SF A 10 & 11 South of 46 30'N, when directing for Icelandic Scallops. Licensing There will be no new access to the scallop fishery in Those fishers who were eligible in 1998 will be eligible to fish in Exploratory Fishery Four exploratory licences were issued for vessels > 65' to fish in areas outside 200 nm in Divisions 3LNO in 1995, 1996 and This exploratory fishery continued in However, no new exploratory licences will be issued in

13 Season/Openin2 Dates The following seasons will apply for the duration of this plan: 3Ps SFA 10 Eastern StPierre Bank Offshore SF A 10 (South of 46 30N) Perch Rock/Keys area Vessels < 45 ft Vessels > 45 ft Inshore SF A 10 (North of46 30N) Inshore SFA 10 (North of46 57N) SFA 11 Western StPierre Bank Offshore SF A 11 (South of 46 30N) Inshore SFA 11 (North of 46 30N) Inshore SFA 11 (North of 47 25'N) Core Zone 3LNO Cape Ballard Bank Eastern 3L 3LN 3NF Lilly/Carson Canyons Remaining 3LNO April 1 - Dec 3 1 Jan. 1- Dec. 31 April 1 - Oct 3 1 Jan. 1 - Oct. 3 1 Jan 1- Dec 31 April 1 - Dec 3 1 Logbook Requirements All fishers with vessels 35ft and greater are required to complete logbooks under Section 61 of the Fisheries Act. Logbooks must be completed accurately in accordance with the instructions provided. - 9-

14 I. CONSERVATION & PROTECTION ISSUES AND STRATEGIES![ENFORCEMENT APPLICABLE BJ&;(>RCEMENT PLANNED TASKS LEGISLATION... ' *strategy / ~' ' COWRAGB Licencing - Vessel Checks to be carried out Sub-section 22(1) Fishery Officers will All large vessels >35' to be I 100% compliance at sea/dockside to ensure FGRs carry out on-site checked. 50% of small participants hold valid Sub-section 13(1) inspections. boats < 35' to be checked. registration. AFRs Cross-reference with Catch not to exceed Reconciling with Area Section 61 Fleet monitored at sea 13Ps & 3LNO- Grand I 100% compliance TAC Statistical Co-ordinator Fisheries Act and at dockside. Banks to verify landings. Spot Monitor catch checkin at Dockside. statistics Unlicenced Fisheries At sea and dockside Sub-section 13(1) Concentrate on I Regular patrols of 3Ps & I 90% compliance checks of AFR problem areas. 3LNO area. Use licence rintouts. Closed Areas At sea surveillance prior Sub-section 63(1) AeriaVSea surveillance 13Ps & 3LNO - Grand I 90% compliance to and during the fishery AFRs Banks offshore and near where the season is oven shore areas

15 CONSERVATION & PROTECTION ISSUES AND STRATEGIES (CON'T) Sale of Scallops by On land checks. Vendor Sub-section 35(2) Follow-up on I All of 3Ps & 3L area. I 90% compliance Recreational Licence checked by Fishery FGRs complaints by the Holders Officer general public. Check local vendors. Gear Conflicts At sea checks by program Section 53 and 54 Fishery Officers to Concentrate on known I 90% compliance patrol vessel. Fisheries Act carry out general problem areas and areas Aerial surveillance by surveillance grounds. where complaints are Fishery Officers Respond to complaints registered. from fixed gear fishers. Improper Gear At sea checks by program Section 68 AFRs Fishery Officers to I All of 3Ps & 3LNO I 100% compliance patrol vessel. carry out at sea scallop area. inspections of the fleet. 11-

16 VII. INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILITIES Dockside Monitoring Beginning in 1996, licence holders were required to have all scallop dockside monitored. This requirement will continue in for all vessels with all costs being the responsibility of individual fishers with the following exemption: Dockside monitoring will not be required for scallop landed by <35' vessels while fishing in that portion of SFA 10, north ofthe Perch Rocks area and that portion of SF A 11, north of Point Rosie. Observers The fishing industry will be responsible for 10-12% observer coverage in Fishers will be required to carry observers at the request of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

17 Eastern 3L 47 JON SOJOW 47 JON 48 JOW 46 SON 48 JOW 46 SON SOJOW ICELAND SCALLOP AREAS PS&3LNO E3L Lily/Carson Canyons 45 JON 4940W 45 JON 48 JOW 4440N 48 JOW 4440N 4940W LCC 3LN 3LN 46JON 4940W 46JON 47 JOW 45 JON 47 JOW 45 JON 4940W 3NF 3NF 4J JON SOOOW 43 JON 46JOW 4200N 46JOW 4200N SOOOW Cape Ballard Bank 4654N 5259W 4654N 5251W 46J7N 52 SIW 46J7N 5259W Perch Roclr/Keys 46S1N S432W 46S1N 5416W 4627N S416W 4627N S4J2W CBB PRK Eastern St. Pierre Bank 4611N SS S9W 4611N SS 40W 45 SON SS40W 45 SON SS S9W EStP

18 -2- North West St. Pierre Bank 4608N 5702W 46 08'N 56 46W 45 53N 5646W 45 53N 57 02W WStP 3PS Core Core N 57 28W N 56 29W 46 30N 5629W 4630N 5728W Remaining 3LNO R3LNO All remaining areas in Nafo Divisions 3LNO outside the designated scallop areas listed above. Inshore SF A 10 lnl 0 Fishing zone 10 north of Offihore SFA 10 0/fl 0 Fishing zone 10 south of /nshoresfa 11 Inll Fishing zone 11 north of Offihore SF A 11 0/fll Fishing zone 11 south of April I, 1999