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The Canadian offshore scallop fleet and the Province of Nova Scotia are in disagreement over the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans' decision in 2005 to allow a directed fishery of 50 tonnes (t) of sea scallops by the Newfoundland and Labrador inshore scallop fleet on the St. Pierre Bank (fishing area 3Ps) off the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
From 1989 to 1999 the NL inshore scallop fleets were issued scallop licences not specific to sea or Icelandic scallops. A 10% by catch of sea scallops was put in place in 1999 for the NL fleet.
The NL fleet has requested a quota of sea scallops based on adjacency and the demise of Icelandic scallops, which occurred in the late 1990s due to starfish predation.
In 2004 the 10% by catch was eliminated and in 2005 the NL inshore fleet was granted an interim quota of 50t of sea scallops.
In light of these differing positions, a decision was made in 2005 to conduct an independent review to assess the situation and recommend a future management approach. The review was to be completed in advance of the 2006 scallop fishing season.
The independent reviewer, Mr. David Hooley, relied on existing documentation and reports as well as consultations with affected stakeholders in preparing his report. The report was completed in December, 2005. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has now sent the report to the affected stakeholders, requesting feedback by mid-April, 2006.
This feedback, in conjunction with the department's analysis of the report, will be considered in a recommendation to be put forward to the Minister for decision in advance of the fishing season.
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