TOAD CRAB EXPLORATORY LICENCES ANNOUNCED FOR GULF NOVA SCOTIA

Antigonish, N.S. - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announces that applications for Toad Crab (Hyas sp.) exploratory licences are now being accepted. DFO will issue up to 15 new exploratory licences for toad crab to selected applicants from the Gulf Nova Scotia area.

Only inshore fishermen who meet the core criteria, as defined in the new DFO Licensing Policy for Atlantic Commercial Fisheries, and Aboriginal communities from the Gulf Nova Scotia area will be eligible to apply for the new exploratory licenses. Snow crab licence holders are not eligible.

These new exploratory licences drawn will augment the existing five toad crab exploratory licences in Gulf Nova Scotia. Applicants must clearly demonstrate their willingness to pay the full cost of dockside monitoring, science and observer coverage, as required. The issue of adjacency will be considered in the draw with priority going to those core fishermen in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 26B and the portion of LFA 27 in the Gulf Fisheries sector. A condition of licence will state that all fishing must take place in water depths of between 20 and 40 fathoms.

Applicants must register in person at the DFO Licensing Service Centre in Antigonish prior to 4:00 p.m. on July 24th, 1996 A public draw will be held at the Claymore Motel in Antigonish starting at 1:30 p.m. on August 2nd, 1996. An eligibility list will be set up from this draw and will be valid for three years from the date of the draw.

For information:

Leroy MacEachern
A/Chief, Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans
Gulf Nova Scotia Area
Antigonish, N.S.
(902) 863-5670

Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans
Maritimes Region
Gulf Fisheries
Moncton, N.B.
(506) 851-7747