News Release

DETAILS OF THE 2001 SCALLOP FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN - SFA 24

Moncton -- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Gulf Region, today announced the details of the 2001 Scallop Fisheries Management Plan for Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 24. The fishing season will begin at 06:00 hours on Monday, October 29, 2001 and will end on Saturday, December 15, 2001. Scallop Fishing Area 24 encompasses a portion of the Northumberland Strait area between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

The department advises fishers of the following management measures:

• For 2001, mandatory weekly reporting of scallop landings will continue to allow for 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 to DFO no later than December 31, 2001.
• The 3" ring size will apply in 2001. DFO wishes to advise fishers that beginning in 2002 the ring size will increase to 3¼". This conservation measure has been adopted in consultation with the industry as a further step to reduce juvenile scallop catches.
• Drag size: maximum dimension 16 feet 8 inches (outside measurements).
• The fishery will take place between 06:00 hours until 18:00 hours daily, and closed on Sundays.
• Meat count: 52 per 500 gm of meat.
• Buffer zones: the buffer zones in place in 2000 will be maintained as a measure to protect major lobster grounds along the PEI and Nova Scotia coastlines. Fishers and the Department will continue to assess the significance of any potential displacement of fishing effort before considering additional requests to change these buffer zones.

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For information:

Internet: : http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html