NR-M-98-12E
COMMERCIAL SOFT SHELL CLAM HARVESTERS SUPPORT NEW MANAGEMENT MEASURES
- ACCESS TO NEW LICENCES IS RESTRICTED
May 27, 1998
Halifax -- The Department of Fisheries
and Oceans (DFO) announced that a number of new management measures have
been developed in consultation with the commercial soft shell clam industry.
DFO wishes to advise the public that access
to new licences will be restricted effectively immediately.
A number of other restrictions will be
implemented during 1998 regarding access to specific beds under enhanced
management measures. An overall approach to establishing sustainable harvesting
practices will be implemented during 1998.
Management plans are being introduced for
all areas throughout the Scotia-Fundy Fisheries Sector of the Maritimes
Region where there are concentrations of commercial activity.
Anyone who currently holds a licence or
is interested in fishing soft shell clams commercially in any of these
areas must meet the requirements of the management plan specific to that
area and have the appropriate licence and conditions to authorize their
fishing activity.
For detailed information applicable to
your area or eligibility for licences, contact any one of the following
DFO Licensing Centers:
- Halifax, N.S. - (902) 426-9006
- Sydney, N.S. - (902) 564-2400
- Yarmouth, N.S. - (902) 742-0875
- St. Andrews, N.B. - (506) 529-5850
Recreational access to clam beds will continue
without a licence being required. However, there may be some new restrictions
on the areas where recreational harvesting can take place and there continues
to be daily possession limits and other regulatory restrictions that apply.
If you are unsure what rules apply to the
area you wish to harvest recreationally, check with any of the DFO Licensing
Centers listed above prior to digging any clams in that area.
- 30 -
Related Backgrounders:
For more information:
Jim Jamieson
Fisheries Management, Scotia-Fundy Fisheries
Fisheries and Oceans
Maritimes Region
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(902) 426-8981
Catherine Clute
Communications
Fisheries and Oceans
Maritimes Region
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(902) 426-6595
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