NR-M-98-05E

1998 SOUTHERN GULF SCALLOP MANAGEMENT PLAN

April 17, 1998

MONCTON -- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Maritimes Region, today announced the 1998 Southern Gulf Scallop Management Plan for Scallop Fishing Areas 21, 22, 23, and 24. Scallop Fishing Area 21 includes the waters off New Brunswick in Chaleur Bay and the Acadian Peninsula coastline. SFA 22 represents the portion of the Northumberland Strait between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. SFA 23 includes the waters north of Prince Edward Island while SFA 24 encompasses the Northumberland Strait area between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

The 1998 Scallop Management Plan continues to address and reduce fishing pressure on local scallop populations by promoting conservation practices and stock rebuilding. The Department supports the discussions currently ongoing among fishers´ organizations on scallop enhancement initiatives.

Both DFO and the industry reiterate their mutual commitment to scallop conservation through regulations and responsible fishing practices. The following management and conservation measures have been developed as a result of the consultations held with the industry.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES - FISHING SEASONS

Beginning in 1998, mandatory weekly reporting of scallop landings will be introduced to obtain more accurate data on landings. Fishers will be required to maintain a record of their estimated catches in a logbook prior to entering port. These logbooks will be forwarded weekly to DFO by individual fishers.

DFO Science plans to conduct, in 1998, a baseline survey of existing scallop resource in Area 21, in an effort to assess the current status of the stock and ascertain future stock recruitment potential. This is the continuation of the scientific work carried out in 1997 in Area 22 with the objective to extend to other SFA´s in the future.

In all Scallop Fishing Areas, the 3" ring size in the scallop drag construction will be applied in 1998.

AREA 21

The fishing sub-zones introduced in 1996 to limit exploitation levels are maintained.

• Meat count : 39 per 500 gm.
• Drag size : maximum scallop drag width of 20' (outside measurements).
• Fishing seasons : 21A - May 24 to August 15 and September 16 to November 1.
• 21B - May 1 to August 15 and October 1 to November 15.
• 21C - June 24 to September 13.
• In Area 21A and 21B, fishing will closed from August 16 to September 15 in order not to disrupt the scallop spawning period. Fishing restrictions on Sundays and night fishing will apply again this year.
• Scallop fishers in sub-zones 21A have agreed to restrict their activities to water depths greater than 7 - 8 fathoms to protect lobster grounds and create a buffer zone for enhancement projects.

AREA 22

• Fishing season : May 4 until June 6, 1998.
• Day fishing : between 05:30 hours and 20:00 hours daily. The fishery will be closed on Sundays.
• Drag size : maximum scallop drag width of 20' remains in effect.
• Meat count : 52 per 500 gm of meat.

In consideration for 1999, the industry representatives are currently reviewing the possibility of increasing the ring size to 3¼". A decision will be forthcoming on this matter in the near future.

AREA 23

• Fishing season : June 22 to September 9 and from November 2 to December 31.
• Day fishing : between 06:00 hours and 20:00 hours daily for period June 22 to September 9. The fishery will be closed on Sundays.
• Drag size : maximum scallop drag width 20' will be in effect.
• Meat count : 52 per 500 gm of meat.

AREA 24

Beginning in 1998, this fishery is a fall fishery only. The decision to close the spring fishery in Scallop Fishing Area 24 was originally announced last year following extensive consultations with the industry. The season in the spring was shortened in 1996 and 1997 to allow for a period of adjustment for fishers. This measure is aimed at reducing the fishing effort in order to contribute to conservation and sustainability in this fishery.

• Fishing season : October 13 until December 31, 1998.
• Day fishing : between 06:00 hours until 18:00 hours daily. The fishery will be closed on Sundays.
• Drag size : maximum dimension 16 feet 8 inches (outside measurements).
• Meat count : 52 per 500 gm of meat.

For information:

Robert (Bob) Allain
Area Manager, Eastern N.B.
Fisheries and Oceans
Tracadie-Sheila, N.B.
(506) 395-7702

Hank Scarth
Area Manager, P.E.I.
Fisheries and Oceans
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
(902) 566-7810

John Hanlon
Area Manager, Gulf Nova Scotia
Fisheries and Oceans
Antigonish, N.S.
(902) 863-5670