Process commences for new entrants
July 17, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario
Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced today that the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for offshore Arctic surf clam will increase from 38,756 tonnes to 52,655 tonnes on the Banquereau Bank and Grand Bank creating more jobs and economic activity in Atlantic Canada. The new TAC begins with the 2016 fishery.
With this increase in TAC, the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan provision for new entrants has been triggered and, as such, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is commencing a process to introduce a new entrant or new entrants to the fishery. This process includes consultation with the current licence holder, industry and First Nations and will conclude in the coming weeks. Licence holders will be required to engage in, and contribute to, the expansion of the science basis for enhanced management of this fishery, including costs.
This increased TAC will not only allow a new entrant or new entrants into the fishery, but it will also allow for additional access to additional quota for the existing quota holder in 2016.
To safeguard the sustainability of the fishery, departmental officials will also work with industry to establish a robust scientific program, as well as a rotational spatial management system for the fishery starting with the 2016 season. This approach was recommended by two independent expert analyses commissioned by the Department last year.
The Offshore Arctic surf clam fishery has been operating on the Scotian Shelf since 1986, and on the Grand Bank since 1989. The surf clam fishery is estimated to be worth over $60 million. The expansion of this fishery provides a significant economic opportunity for the Atlantic Canadian fishing industry and a better understanding of the fishery through enhanced science and stronger regulation.
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-15-41E
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