INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA

Effective 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION
• BIOLOGICAL SYNOPSIS

1. OVERVIEW OF THE ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY
2. STOCK STATUS
3. CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES
4. LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES FOR THE FISHERY
5. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
6. MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE DURATION OF THE PLAN
7. ENFORCEMENT MEASURES
8. PERFORMANCE REVIEW

• ANNEX I: ATLANTIC LARGE PELAGICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
• ANNEX II: NEWS RELEASE
• ANNEX III QUEBEC REGION MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS
• ANNEX IV NEWFOUNDLAND REGION MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS
• ANNEX V GULF REGION MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS
• ANNEX VI MARITIMES REGION - SCOTIA-FUNDY MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

INTRODUCTION

This is an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for the Canadian bluefin tuna fishery.

This IFMP is in effect for the 2002 fishery and future seasons until such time as significant changes to the current management regime require publication of a new management plan.

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BIOLOGICAL SYNOPSIS

1. Bluefin tuna are distributed from the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland in the west Atlantic, from roughly the Canary Islands to south of Iceland in the east Atlantic, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
    
2. Bluefin tuna fished in Atlantic Canada are part of the west Atlantic stock.  Because of their migratory nature, bluefin are managed under the jurisdiction of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).  Canada is one of 32 Contracting Parties at ICCAT.
    
3. ICCAT conventional tagging data have shown that a number of fish tagged in the west have been recaptured in the east and vice versa.  The recent electronic tagging data from bluefin tagged in the west provide new and exciting information on movement paths with several western released fish of spawning size transiting to the east Atlantic.
    
4. Atlantic bluefin tuna can grow to over 300 cm in length and weigh more than 650 kg.  Bluefin tuna in the west Atlantic generally reach a larger maximum size compared to bluefin caught in the east Atlantic.
    
5. In the west Atlantic, bluefin tuna are thought to spawn from mid-April into June in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Florida Straits.  Juveniles are thought to occur in the summer over the Continental Shelf, primarily from about 35ºN to 41ºN and offshore of that area in the winter.

© Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, IATTC

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus, L

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1.         OVERVIEW OF THE ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY

1.1       Participants

In 2002, there are 598 bluefin tuna licences in the Gulf Region, 66 licences in the Maritimes Region, 55 in the Newfoundland Region and 54 in the Quebec Region.

Of the 55 Newfoundland licences, 13 are regular Atlantic-wide licences, 12 are regular 3LNO licences, 26 are rotational 3LNO licences and four are "charter vessel" rod and reel only licences.  The rotational 3LNO licences are issued annually to a list of eligible fishers, which was established through a 1991 draw process.

Of the 66 licences in the Maritimes, 24 are trapnet licences held by 4 fishers in St. Margaret's Bay and 10 are rod and reel only licences restricted to 4Wd.  The remaining 32 licences are rod and reel/tended line valid Atlantic-wide.

The table below reflects licence distribution by bluefin tuna management area.  Commercial communal licences are included in the bluefin tuna management area totals.

*    Includes 10 licences transferred from the Gulf Region to 4Wd in 1994.  In 2001, approval for an additional 10 licences to be transferred to 4Wd was given, however, only one has been transferred as of early 2002.

1.2       Location of the Fishery

In Canada, the major bluefin tuna fisheries (Figure 1) are off southwest Nova Scotia (Hell Hole between Browns and Georges Banks); Bay of Fundy (off Grand Manan, NB); St. Margaret's Bay (south shore of NS); Canso, NS (south of Canso Causeway); Gulf of St. Lawrence (off Cap George in the eastern part of Northumberland Strait, off North Cap and East Point in PEI and in St. Georges Bay, north of the Canso Causeway); and off Newfoundland (tail of Grand Banks and Virgin Rocks).  Since 1996, bluefin have also been taken in a broader area off the coast of Nova Scotia between the Hell Hole and Canso fisheries, and particularly off Halifax.  A small amount of bluefin is taken from the edge of the Scotian Shelf by the Canadian offshore longline vessel, which directs towards tuna species other than bluefin.

Bluefin tuna are at the northern edge of their range in Canada and often show unpredictable and changeable distribution.  This, combined with their schooling behavior, the patchiness of their prey, and age-specific preference for waters of particular temperatures associated with annual variability in hydrographic/oceanographic conditions, accounts for the considerable year-to-year variation in fishing location.

FIGURE 1

1998 Fishery

1999 Fishery

Figure 1.  Canadian bluefin catch from log record data aggregated by 10 minute rectangles for the 1998 and 1999 fisheries.  St. Margaret's Bay trap catches are not shown on this plot.

1.3       Timeframe of Fishery

The commercial fishery is influenced by availability and fat content of the bluefin as well as market conditions.  Usually, the bluefin tuna fishery commences in late July and can conclude in late November assuming there is quota available.

A hook, tag and release fishery may be permitted outside the commercial catch and retain season for existing licence holders who have undertaken Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science endorsed training.

1.4       Landings/Value/Markets

Bluefin tuna landings of 524t in 2001 represented an approximate landed value of $13 million (preliminary).  Landings were first recorded the last week of July and continued until the fishery was closed on October 16, 2001.

Table 1 summarizes Canadian bluefin tuna landings for the period 1968-2001.

Graph 1 illustrates landings compared to quotas for 1982-2001.

Graph 2 shows Canadian landings by fleet sector.

1.5       Consultative Process

Bluefin tuna stocks throughout the Atlantic Ocean come under the jurisdiction of ICCAT.

The Atlantic Large Pelagics Advisory Committee (ALPAC) serves as the primary vehicle through which the AtlanticBluefin Tuna Management Plan covering the Maritimes, Quebec, Newfoundland and Gulf Regions is developed.  Members of the Committee include DFO fishery managers and biologists, bluefin tuna fishers, representatives from fishermen's associations, processors and provincial governments.  ALPAC also provides advice to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on matters related to bluefin tuna including: allocation of the resource among fishers, methods of harvesting, research needs, enforcement requirements, licensing policy and economic analysis of fishing enterprises.

Issues specific to individual Regions must be reviewed by regional Advisory Committees and Working Groups or through meetings of fishers who make direct recommendations to ALPAC.  To the extent possible, members should come to the ALPAC table with well-developed proposals/recommendations focusing on inter-regional issues.  Local issues should be dealt with at the sectoral level.

• Table 1: ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA LANDINGS (MT) (.PDF)

Graph 1

Graph 2

1.6       Management Styles

From 1989-2000, the fishery had been managed on a competitive basis using a complicated allocation system known as the Inshore Tuna Allocation System (ITAS).

In 2001, changes were made to the domestic allocation process in an effort to improve the management of the fishery (2001 News Release, Annex II-b).  The previous system had become overly complicated in attempting to ensure that the Canadian quota was taken and that all seven fleet sectors had an opportunity to participate.  This was difficult given the highly migratory nature of the species, which shows unpredictable and changeable distribution year to year.

The new system was adopted based on catch history and established harvest "caps" for each of the seven fleet sectors.  This is discussed further in the "Quota Allocation" section.

The 2002 Bluefin Tuna Fishery News Release (Annex II-a) indicates that the Department will be conducting industry consultations to review the allocation process with a view to developing fleet quotas for the 2003 season.

1.7       Links with Activities under the Oceans Act and Other Planning Initiatives

Linkages of this plan with other activities and initiatives pursuant to the Oceans Act are under development.  Such linkages may include the creation of offshore ocean management and marine protected areas.  The proposed Species at Risk Act legislation, when enacted, may also have linkages.

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2.         STOCK STATUS

2.1       Biology, Environment, Habitat

Present fisheries for Atlantic bluefin tuna are distributed from the Gulf of Mexico to Newfoundland in the west Atlantic, from roughly the Canary Islands to south of Iceland in the east Atlantic, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea.  In 1982, ICCAT established a line for separating the eastern and western Atlantic management units (Figure 2) on the basis of separate spawning sites (Gulf of Mexico in the west and the western Mediterranean for the east).  ICCAT conventional tagging data have shown that a number of fish tagged in the west have been recaptured in the east and vice versa.  The recent electronic tagging data from bluefin tagged in the west provide new and exciting information on movement paths with several western released fish of spawning size transiting to the east Atlantic, and one of these fish subsequently returned to the west Atlantic.  Bluefin released in southern Spain can migrate to the North of Norway, and south to the Canary and Cape Verde Islands.  None of the 12 successful recoveries of electronic tags in 1998 or 1999 from fish tagged in the east demonstrated transatlantic migrations during a period of time under eight months, but much more tagging is needed to reach preliminary conclusions.

Atlantic bluefin tuna can grow to over 300 cm in length and weigh more than 650 kg.  The oldest age considered reliable is 20 years, based on an estimated age at tagging of 2 years and about 18 years at liberty, although it is believed that bluefin tuna may live to older ages.  Bluefin tuna are, thus, characterized by a late age at maturity (thus, a large number of juvenile classes) and a long life span, which make it well adapted to variations in recruitment success, but more vulnerable to fishing pressure than rapid growth species such as tropical tuna species.  Bluefin tuna in the west Atlantic generally reach a larger maximum size compared to bluefin caught in the east Atlantic.  Bluefin in the west are assumed to first successfully spawn at age 8 compared to ages 4 to 5 in the east.  Distribution expands with age; large bluefin are adapted for migration to colder waters, such as in Canada.  Bluefin tuna are opportunistic feeders, with fish, squid and crustaceans common in their diet.

Figure 2

In the west Atlantic, bluefin tuna are thought to spawn from mid-April into June in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Florida Straits.  Results of satellite tagging studies have shown bluefin of spawning size, which were tagged in the west, were present in the central Atlantic during the presumed spawning period, though this should not be considered as conclusive evidence of spawning.  Juveniles are thought to occur in the summer over the Continental Shelf, primarily from about 35oN to 41oN and offshore of that area in the winter.  In the east Atlantic, bluefin tuna generally spawn from late May to July, depending on the spawning area, primarily in the Mediterranean, with highest concentrations around the Balearic Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea and central Mediterranean where the sea-surface temperature of the water is about 24C.

2.2       Species Interactions

By-catch of bluefin tuna in herring weirs and purse seines, and on swordfish longline have been issues in the past, and some measures have been taken to avoid these problems in the future.  Experiments using grates and daytime closure of herring weirs have been conducted.  From 1995 to 1998, the swordfish longline fishery did not open until August 1 west of 65o30'W, in order to avoid bluefin by-catch.

As noted above, there are few natural predators of large bluefin, so predation has little influence on bluefin abundance.

2.3       Assessment

Stock assessments for west Atlantic bluefin tuna are conducted by ICCAT's Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS).  Due to the highly migratory nature of bluefin tuna and their high individual value, scientists rely primarily on data derived from the commercial fishery.  Canada, as a member of ICCAT, is obligated to provide catch, catch-at-size and catch-per-unit-effort information to ICCAT annually.  The Canadian Regional Advisory Process (RAP) ICCAT Working Group is responsible for reviewing Canadian Atlantic Zonal information on tunas and swordfish (including incidental catch of these fisheries) in preparation for the scientific stock assessment meetings of ICCAT.  This information is used by ICCAT scientists to conduct stock assessments during the ICCAT Bluefin Tuna Species Group meetings.  Full stock assessments for bluefin tuna are conducted every two years.  Canada participates in the ICCAT stock assessment process.  The most recent bluefin tuna assessment was conducted in 2000.

2.4       Research

The focus of the Canadian bluefin tuna research program in 2001-2003 is to continue to improve the quality of the input information (both catch and catch-per-unit-effort) for the assessment.  A priority continues to be updating and improving the indices of relative abundance for the Canadian fishery using the most recent commercial catch rate data.

The bluefin tuna tagging project using pop-up satellite tags, co-operative with the fishing industry and the USA, will continue in 2001-2003.  In co-operation with the USA, Bermuda and Japan, Canada will be participating in research in the central north Atlantic involving exploratory fishing to sample larvae and spawning size bluefin tuna.  Further research in 2002 and beyond will use both exploratory fishing and research vessels to sample for oceanographic features and bluefin tuna larvae.

2.5       Prospects

The most recent assessment of west Atlantic bluefin tuna (2000; Figure 3) showed estimated recruitment was generally higher from 1970 to 1976 than it has been since 1995, with the exception of recent values.  However, the ICCAT SCRS cautioned that there is high uncertainty associated with these recent estimates.  The assessment shows the spawning biomass (age 8+) declined between the early 1970s and 1990, and has since then remained stable.  The 1999 age 8 and older mid-year biomass was about 19-21% of the corresponding estimate for 1975.  The current estimate of fishing mortality rate is estimated to be at its highest level and to be more than three times higher than F0.1.

In its report, the SCRS provided a wide range in the estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and made important assumptions about future recruitment, which have far-reaching implications for future management.  One model assumes that future recruitment increases with spawning stock biomass (SSB) and estimates an MSY of 7,700t.  An alternative model assumes that future recruitment does not increase with spawning stock biomass, and MSY is estimated to be only 3,500t, a level of production only somewhat above the current harvest levels.  These scenarios were referred to as the high recruitment and low recruitment scenarios, respectively.  Previous analyses, based on a longer time series of spawner-recruit estimates, indicated that the biomass level in 1975 is a reasonable proxy for BMSY.

According to the most recent assessment, maintaining the annual catch at about the current TAC level (2,500t) gives at least a 50% probability of allowing rebuilding to the 1975 biomass by 2018, for both recruitment scenarios (Figure 4).  For the low recruitment scenario a constant catch of 2,500t per year has about a 56% probability of allowing rebuilding to the 1975 stock size by 2018.  For the high recruitment scenario, a constant catch of about 2,500t per year has about a 74% probability of allowing rebuilding to the 1975 stock size by 2018.  However, there are uncertainties associated with the recruitment estimates and the projections.  The Committee reminded the Commission that west Atlantic bluefin tuna catches have remained similar since 1983 (the range over this period is 2,114 to 3,114t).  Since the late 1980s, estimated stock size has been relatively stable as well.  Thus, over an extended period of time, catches around recent levels have maintained stock size at about the same level, but have not resulted in rebuilding of the stock.

Figure 3: West Atlantic bluefin tuna spawning biomass (t), recruitment (in number of fish), and fishing mortality rates for fish of age 8+, estimated by VPA base case run.

FIGURE 4: Median projections of spawning stock biomass (SSB) with various levels of constant annual catches for west Atlantic bluefin tuna, expressed in absolute terms, for the low (top) and high (bottom) recruitment scenarios.

The Committee has cautioned that the conclusions of the stock assessment analyses do not capture the full degree of uncertainty in the assessments and projections.  The immediate rapid projected increases in stock size are strongly dependent on estimates of high levels of recent recruitment, which are the most uncertain part of the assessment.  Inspection of past assessments indicates that these recent recruitments are less well estimated than indicated by the statistical uncertainty modeled in the assessments.  Also, the Committee had some concern that the method used to estimate the probabilities of achieving rebuilding targets might be too optimistic.  The implication of mixing between the eastern and the western management areas is not entirely clear, but it adds to the uncertainty.  The Committee also noted that while its assessments have been stable over time in terms of the trend in abundance, projections of the future direction of the stock have been much less stable from one assessment to the next (e.g., the projections performed in 1996 were less optimistic than they were in 1994, and in 2000 the projections are more optimistic than they were in 1998).

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3.         CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Development of a workable long-term quota allocation system acceptable to all fleet sectors is desirable.  The Department will be reviewing the allocation process with a view to developing fleet quotas for 2003.  These consultations will need to seek input on issues such as quota transferability between sectors and carry-over of quota from one season to another.

The provision of accurate and complete logbook data, in acceptable format to departmental science personnel, has been an issue in the past.  Industry has made significant improvement in recent years in ensuring timely accurate data submission.  This data is essential to the stock assessment process and Canada's multilateral obligations.

By-catch of bluefin tuna in the pelagic longline fishery has been the focus of increasing scrutiny by bluefin tuna licence holders since ICCAT adopted a rebuilding program in 1998, which requires discard mortalities to be deducted from Canada's national allocation.

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4.         LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES FOR THE FISHERY

ICCAT has stated a goal of rebuilding to biomass levels that would support MSY with a 50% or greater probability by 2018 for west Atlantic bluefin.  This is the goal of the 20‑year rebuilding program first implemented in 1999.

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5.         SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

5.1       Conservation/Sustainability

In support of the ICCAT stated goal of rebuilding to biomass levels that will support MSY, Canada develops an integrated fisheries management plan to ensure that its annual allocation from ICCAT is not exceeded.

5.2       International Considerations and Obligations

Bluefin tuna are highly migratory, and Canada fishes from the west Atlantic stock.  ICCAT was formed in 1966 as an international body responsible for consolidating scientific advice on tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic, and based upon that advice, makes recommendations on management measures for those fisheries.

Over-fishing in the late 1960s and 1970s caused a great deal of concern for the health of west Atlantic bluefin stock.  Since the early 1980s, ICCAT has set quotas for the west Atlantic bluefin tuna.  In 2002, these are as follows: United States (1,387t), Japan (453t), Canada (573t), Bermuda (4t), and St. Pierre and Miquelon (4t).  There is also an allowance for dead discards (79t).

5.3       Domestic Considerations

a)         Aboriginal Fishery

It is the policy of DFO to encourage Aboriginal participation and integration into coastal commercial fisheries.

There are currently twenty-one (21) tuna licences that are issued to Aboriginal groups in Atlantic Canada.  These licences are part of a number of different fleets and as such, fish under the same licence conditions as those fleets.

b)         Recreational Fishery

A hook, tag and release fishery may be permitted outside the commercial season for existing licence holders who have undertaken specialized training in the handling of tuna (see Sec. 6.1(b)).  This fishery enables fishers to operate outside the commercial catch and retain season, and at the same time tagging will enhance scientific knowledge.

c)         Commercial Fishery

An ALPAC meeting in early 2002 was used as a forum to consult with stakeholders regarding specific objectives for the commercial fishery.  Stakeholders were divided into four groups and asked to develop clear and measurable objectives for the biological, social and economic elements of the fishery. 

The following common objectives were identified:

1. The plan should contribute to ICCAT's objective of maintaining populations at levels that will support MSY by ensuring that the annual quota allocated to Canada is not exceeded.  (Further biological objectives were not considered since ICCAT already has a stated goal of MSY.)
    
2. The plan should allow for the participation of all seven fleet sectors.
    
3. The plan should allow for full utilization of the annual TAC, while at the same time maximizing value from the resource.
    
4. The plan should ensure that data are collected from the fishery, which will contribute to the ongoing effective assessment of the stock.

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6.         MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE DURATION OF THE PLAN

6.1       Fishing Seasons

1. The bluefin tuna commercial fishing season runs from January 1 through December 31 each year.  Within this season individual tuna management areas may decide when to start their respective fishery, based on resource availability and market conditions.
    
2. A hook, tag and release fishery may be permitted when the commercial season is not operating, provided certain conditions with respect to tagging and training, have been met.
    
3. A hook, tag and release fishery will not be permitted during the commercial fishery in any given area (i.e. 4VsW, 4X, 4Wd, 4RST and 3KLNOPs).  Participants in the hook, tag and release fishery must be existing licence holders and receive industry-funded DFO/Science authorized and standardized training prior to commencing fishing.  This program will be run as an industry initiative.  The hook, tag and release/charter operation will be limited to the home sector tuna management area of the licence holder.
    
4. No bluefin fishing activity will be permitted in sub-Division 4Vn.

6.2       Control and Monitoring of Fishing Activities

The following management measures are important elements used to control and monitor the fishery.

Observer Coverage

Observer coverage is required in the bluefin tuna fishery for the collection of scientific data and to monitor fishing activity at-sea.

Industry-funded observer coverage is required and fishers will be required to carry an at-sea observer at the request of DFO.  The fishing industry is responsible for funding a base level of observer coverage as determined necessary for each sector.  Arrangements must be in place with a contracted observer company before the fishery opens.

Dockside Monitoring

Dockside monitoring is required for the verification and provision to DFO of accurate catch and landings data and for monitoring and reporting incidents of non-compliance such as with log book reporting and tagging provisions.

An industry-funded dockside monitoring program (DMP) must be in place for the tuna fishery in each sector before the fishery opens.  It is the responsibility of the licence holder to ensure that dockside observers who monitor the offloading are certified by DFO.  Instructions for the monitoring of offloading at dockside are outlined in the licence conditions.

Log books

Completion of a fishing log book is required as a condition of licence for all vessels fishing for tuna.  Information collected in fishing log books is used for assessing catch and effort, collecting scientific data and as a compliance monitoring tool.

Log books must be completed (see Attachments 1 and 2) and forwarded as per condition of licence and must account for all fishing trips including those where bluefin tuna are not caught.

Tags

Tagging of all bluefin tuna caught is required under the Atlantic Fishery Regulations.

Tags are the principle control for determining whether or not a tuna has been caught legally.  Tags assist in compliance monitoring and allow individual fish to be tracked from the point of harvesting to the market place.

Tags are also integral to the quota allocation and monitoring process and are a principal requirement of the ICCAT Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document Program (Attachment 3).  This program allows for the authorized export of bluefin tuna to markets.

Tags are used for determining licence fees on a user pay basis at a cost of $150 per tag.  Fees for unused tags are non-refundable.  The Department will only replace tags at a cost of $150 per tag.  These tags will only be available at DFO Licensing Centres during working hours.

When moving from one fishing sector to another, fishers will be required to turn in unused tags to a DFO licensing centre.  A "credit tag voucher" will be issued, which will enable the original tag holder to acquire an equal number of tags without further payment, for the purpose of fishing in another sector.

Unused tags must be returned to a DFO licence service centre in accordance with licence conditions.

2002 bluefin tuna tags may only be used when the bluefin tuna fishery is open.  Possession of tags does not convey any commitment by the Department for their use other than that stated in Conditions of Licence.

Specific instructions concerning regional requirements are detailed in Annexes III, IV, V and VI.

6.3    Quota Allocations

A new allocation system was adopted for the 2001 season and continues to be in effect for 2002.  This system is based on fleet sector harvest "caps" outlined in the table below.  News Releases which outline these changes are included as Annex II-a and II-b.

2002 ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY

The assigned harvest "caps" range from 105t to 180t based on previous catch history.  They will remain in place until October 4, after which all fleets may fish the remaining quota as long as ex-sector limits (35t) are respected.  Ex-sector limits of 35t continue to be in place, as in past plans, in order to ensure the availability of quota for traditional fisheries in local areas. 

A fleet "cap" is not a guarantee of the quantity of fish a fleet may harvest.  The availability of Canadian quota will determine how long the fishery continues.  The Department monitors the fishery on an ongoing basis and closes the fishery as soon as the overall Canadian quota has been reached.

A by-catch allocation of 20t is provided to a Canadian offshore vessel licensed to fish tunas other than bluefin.

6.4       Other Relevant Elements

a)         Licensing

1. Tuna licensing provisions as outlined in the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada apply.
   
   Bluefin tuna licences will be issued separate from the licence conditions.  When licences are issued, they will be annotated as follows:
   
   "NOT VALID UNLESS LICENCE CONDITIONS ARE ATTACHED."
    
2. The short-term leasing of vessels owned or registered by fishers from another DFO Region, for use in the bluefin tuna fishery, is not permitted.  A vessel may only be used once in the ex-sector fishery.

b)         Gear

Under regulations, two methods of catching tuna are authorized:  tended line and angling.  Angling gear is defined as a rod and reel to which is attached a single line with only one hook.  Tended line is a line equipped with only one hook, attached at all times to a fishing vessel, but does not include angling gear.  The amount of tended lines and angling gear is limited by condition of licence.  Other methods of fishing are authorized by licence conditions.  Pelagic longline is used in the offshore tuna fishery.  Electric harpoons are permitted in the inshore fishery upon request.  Tuna trapnets are used in the St. Margaret's Bay area of Nova Scotia, where there are 24 licensed trapnet sites.

One buoy per line must be on board the vessel when tended lines are used.

Requests to entertain different types of gear will be evaluated according to the Exploratory Bluefin Tuna Licence Provisions (Annex VI - Appendix 2).

c)         Small Fish

No person shall have in their possession any bluefin tuna that weighs less than 30 kg.

d)         The ICCAT Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document Program

The ICCAT Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document (Attachment 3) is a form, which must be completed by all exporters wishing to have bluefin tuna imported into any ICCAT country.  Previously, fishers were requested to fill out this form, however, it is not a form required by DFO and plays no role in the monitoring of our fishery.

It is the responsibility of the buyers/exporters to fill out the form, which must accompany any shipment of tuna.

However, fishers still need to provide certain information required on the form, in particular the type of gear used to catch the fish.  It is not necessary to include the name of the fishing vessel on the form, providing the tuna tag numbers are included.

Although fishers are no longer required to fill out this form, it must be remembered that buyers/exporters could have difficulty getting shipments into the US or Japan if the forms are not filled in correctly.

e)         Key Legislation

• Fisheries Act
• Fishery (General) Regulations
• Atlantic Fisheries Regulations, 1985
• Oceans Act

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7.         ENFORCEMENT MEASURES

The purpose of conservation and protection strategies is to ensure adherence to the provisions of the management plan and regulations for the tuna fishery.

A number of strategies are used to achieve compliance in this fishery.  These include a proactive communications strategy through contact with fishers and other industry stakeholders to ensure a full understanding of legal requirements pertaining to this fishery.  In addition, fishery officers conduct monitoring, control and surveillance through dockside inspections and vehicle inspections, at-sea surveillance and boardings of fishing vessels, air patrols and covert operations.

At-sea observers and dockside observers also monitor the fishery and observe, record and report on incidents of non-compliance while collecting scientific data and landings data for quota control.

Fishery officers will also respond to complaints of illegal activity and investigate incident reports provided by at-sea and dockside observers.  Review of landings data and fishing logs will also be conducted.  Fishery officers will take enforcement action when there is evidence of non-compliance.  Enforcement activities can include search, seizure, arrest and the collection of evidence.  Resulting legal action can be in the form of warnings, prosecutions, forfeitures and/or licence suspensions.  DFO will publish notices of convictions for conservation related offences.

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8.         PERFORMANCE REVIEW

8.1       Management Plan Evaluation Criteria

1. Quota levels not exceeded. 
2. Participation by all seven tuna management areas. 
3. Maximizing economic returns by fully utilizing the Canadian TAC in a manner maximizes returns from the fishery (quantity and value).
4. Essential data to assess the health of bluefin in Canadian waters is collected and supplied to Science for analysis and input to stock assessment at ICCAT.

8.2       Conservation and Protection Plan Evaluation Criteria

1. Number of incident reports.
2. Number of boardings (at-sea/dockside).
3. Number of dockside checks.
4. Number of vessel sightings.
5. Number of violations.
6. Number of violations as a result of vessel patrols.
7. Number of violations as a result of air patrols.
8. Results of client surveys.
9. Feedback from fishery officers.
10. Feedback from advisory groups.

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ANNEX I: ATLANTIC LARGE PELAGICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE

Purpose

The purpose of the Atlantic Large Pelagics Advisory Committee (ALPAC) is to provide advice to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on the management and development of the fisheries for tuna, swordfish, porbeagle shark and other large pelagic species of Atlantic Canada.  In doing so it will replace the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Advisory Committee (ABTAC) and Atlantic Swordfish Advisory Committee (ASAC).

Regional committees, similarly structured, will provide input to the Atlantic committee.  Membership for the Atlantic committee will be drawn from those regional committees.

Scope

The Committee will provide the opportunity for consultation between various parties with interest in, or jurisdiction over, the industry.  Membership will include the federal government, provincial governments, fishers and processors.

Advice from the various Regional Advisory Committees will be consolidated by the ALPAC.

The Committee will provide input on annual management plans which may include, but is not restricted to, advice on:  quota allocations, regulatory amendments, enforcement efforts, licensing policies, seasons, size limits, gear restrictions, administration of enterprise allocation programs, allocation of foreign quotas and developmental activities.

The Committee will take into consideration biological, marketing and other relevant information when formulating its advice.

Chairman

The Committee chairmanship will be held by a DFO official.

Sub-committees

Ad hoc subcommittees and/or working groups can be established to review and assess specific policy options and management measures.

Meetings

Meetings will be held at the call of the Chairman and there will be no less than one meeting convened each year.  Additional meetings may be necessary as determined by the Committee.

Meetings may be held in any of the participating Regions or at National Headquarters in Ottawa.  When feasible, meetings will be held at times and places convenient to the membership.

Attendance

If a member cannot attend, an alternate may be nominated and the Chairman notified as far in advance of the meeting date as possible.

The proceedings of the Advisory Committee meetings will be open to the public and media representatives unless a majority of Committee members say otherwise before a meeting begins.  Observers will sit away from the table and not take part in discussions unless asked by the Chairman.  Numbers of observers may be restricted, at the discretion of the Chairman, in a case of limited space in the meeting facility.

Administration

Effective January 1, 1994, the Department will no longer reimburse expenses for attendance at meetings.

No formal voting procedures will be entrenched in the conduct of the Committee, but rather it will seek to operate on a consensus basis.

Summary results of each meeting will be prepared and distributed by DFO.

Membership

Membership of the Committee shall be made up of those industry sectors having major involvement in the harvesting and processing/marketing of the resource, as well as representatives of provincial governments and DFO.

DEPARTMENTAL CONTACTS

ATLANTIC LARGE PELAGICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

FISHERS

TUNA

Commercial (two each per Tuna Management Area)

• Quebec
• Gulf N.B.  
• P.E.I.
• Gulf N.S.
• Southwest N.S.
• St. Margaret's Bay
• Newfoundland

Charter

• PEI

Offshore

• Nova Scotia

SWORDFISH

Longline

• Scotia-Fundy

Harpoon

• Scotia-Fundy

SHARK

Offshore

• Scotia-Fundy

Inshore

• Gulf
• Newfoundland
• Scotia-Fundy

FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATIONS

• Newfoundland Tuna Fishermen's Association
• Maritime Fishermen's Union
• Eastern Fishermen's Federation
• P.E.I. Fishermen's Association
• Assoc. des pêcheurs-propriétaires des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
• Fédération des pêcheurs semi-hauturier du Québec
• SWNS Tuna Fishermen's Association
• Nova Scotia Swordfishermen's Association
• Newfoundland Fish, Food and Allied Worker's Union

PROCESSOR/BUYER

• Gulf
• Scotia-Fundy
• Newfoundland

ICCAT COMMISSIONERS (2)

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS

• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• P.E.I.
• Newfoundland
• Nova Scotia

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Chairman, Director, Resource Management Branch - Atlantic, Fisheries Management

• Barry Rashotte

Resource Management Branch - Atlantic, Ottawa (Secretary)

• Mike Calcutt

ANNEX II: NEWS RELEASE

• THIBAULT ANNOUNCES QUOTA FOR THE 2002 BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY
   
• DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT
  OF BLUEFIN TUNA

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ANNEX III QUEBEC REGION MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

1.   General

If fishermen express an interest in fishing ex-sector elsewhere than in Scotia-Fundy (i.e. Newfoundland) tags will be put aside at the initial allocation that will be done in the Scotia-Fundy Region.  However, they will not be eligible to the draw of extra tags that could be available if the number of fishermen allows it.

2.   Fishing plans and season

Fishing plans

Fishermen wishing to participate in the ex-sector fishery in 2002 must express their interests to their own Area office on Thursday, June 27 at the latest.

Fishermen must also indicate where they intend to fish and how they will meet the at-sea hail requirements from those areas.  For example, when fishing the Hell Hole, will they be using their own communications equipment and if so, what is it; or will they be using Biorex Inc. to relay the at-sea hails.

Fishing season

The fishery is expected to begin on August 9.  All fishermen must be present in Scotia-Fundy with their vessels on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8.  A meeting will be held in Dartmouth, at the DFO Scotia-Fundy Regional office starting at 13:00 hours on August 8 with all participants in the ex-sector fishery.

3.   Licence Conditions and Reporting Requirements

In order to get their licence conditions and tags, fishermen must show proof of having a contractual arrangement with both:

• A designated local dockside monitoring company

AND

• Biorex Inc., to ensure deployment of observers at sea and effective communications for at-sea hails, where applicable.  A total of 16 sea-days must be done in 2002.

4.   Initial allocation of tags

The number of available tags has been calculated using the average weight of fish caught in 2001 and it is established at 144.  Those tags will then be distributed to the fishermen present. If equal sharing is not possible, a draw will take place in order to allocate the remaining tags.

As in 2000, a fisherman must buy a minimum of 2 tags and a maximum of 6 tags to start with.

In 2002, the transfer and the banking of your tags will be permitted.  To be eligible, you must have caught at least one bluefin tuna.

As with last year, you must have at least 2 tags on board before going to sea.

5.   Reallocation dates

In 2002, the first reallocation should take place at the end of August.  The date will be established in consultation between DFO and the 2 representatives designated by the fishermen.  Contacts will be established on or around August 20 to assess the fishing pace.

New reallocations could take place every 2 weeks, pending the fishery evolution.  Decisions will be made in collaboration with the representatives designated by the fishermen.

It is the responsibility of the ex-sector participants to contact their own Area office or their representatives to learn the exact date of any reallocation.

Fishermen who received a smaller number of tags at the initial allocation will be the first eligible for new tags issued at reallocation.

6.   Vessel leasing and minimum length

Vessel leasing will be authorized in 2002.  Fishermen from the Quebec Region will be authorized to lease a vessel which:

• is registered at DFO in the Quebec Region (commercial fishing licence);

OR

• is not registered at DFO in the Quebec Region but is owned by a person who has had their main residence in the Quebec Region since January 1 of the current year;

AND

• who has not participated to the current year's ex-sector tuna fishery, meaning that the fisherman has not obtained tags for the ex-sector bluefin fishery.

Fishers wishing to participate in the ex-sector fishery in 2002 must use a vessel of a minimum of 25 feet LOA.

7.   Identification of spokespersons in 2002

Fishermen's representative

During the August 8 meeting, two representatives (one English and one French) will be identified by the fishermen.  Contacts between DFO and fishermen shall go through the identified representatives.

If one of the representatives leaves the ex-sector fishery, it is the fishermen's responsibility to ensure that the remaining fishermen identify a new representative and that they inform DFO Scotia-Fundy (Maritimes) of their choice.

DFO representative

DFO Scotia-Fundy will inform fishermen of the name of its representative for the current year, prior to the beginning of the ex-sector fishing season.  All requests made to DFO Scotia-Fundy by the fishermen's representatives shall go through DFO's representative.

The representative for the Quebec Region at the initial issuance of conditions and tags will be identified later.

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ANNEX IV NEWFOUNDLAND REGION MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

1.   Licensing

Fishers who held a commercial bluefin tuna licence or a Rod & Reel "Charter Vessel" bluefin tuna licence in the preceding calendar year are eligible to renew that licence in the current year.

The 26 "rotational" 3LNOP licences issued in the Newfoundland Region will continue to be issued to the established list of eligible fishers on a rotational basis.

All of the 3LNOP bluefin licences are subject to reduced access to the fishery in respect of both area to be fished and level of activity.

Licence conditions will be required for the bluefin tuna fishery and will be issued separate to licence renewals.  Licence holders may obtain licence conditions (and condition amendments) at DFO Area Licensing Offices or Detachment Offices in Eastern Newfoundland during regular business hours.

Commercial tuna licences, including rotational bluefin tuna licences, may only be reissued to eligible fishers as per the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada.  In respect of the Newfoundland Region, licence reissuance (licence transfers) may only occur between the following parties:

1. as part of a complete enterprise from Core to Professional Level II fishers.
2. as a distinct licence from Professional Level I or II, to Core Enterprise fishers.
3. as a distinct licence from Core Enterprise to Core Enterprise fishers.

Newfoundland fishers eligible for a rotational 3LNOP licence may exchange their "positions" on the eligibility list in order to receive a rotational licence in any particular year.

The four (4) Rod & Reel "Charter Vessel" bluefin tuna licences in Newfoundland may be reissued to non-Core and non-registered fishers resident within the Newfoundland Region and may be reissued only for charter vessel purposes.  These licences cannot be reissued as "regular" commercial bluefin tuna licences or for use with any gear type other than angling gear (rod & reel).  However, charter vessel catches may be sold commercially.

Registered commercial fishers may not hold a commercial bluefin tuna licence and a "Charter Vessel" bluefin tuna licence concurrently.

Other licensing provisions as outlined in the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada will apply to the commercial bluefin licences.

2.   Gear

The four Newfoundland Region "Charter Vessel" bluefin tuna licences are limited to angling gear only with a maximum of 2 rods & reels (with one hook per line) per licence.  Newfoundland commercial bluefin tuna licence holders are eligible to use a maximum of two tended lines (one hook per line), two rod & reels (one hook per line) and one electric harpoon.  Tended line and angling gear may be fished at the same time up to a maximum of four lines.  No more than two tended lines may be used at any time.

3.   Dockside Monitoring Program

All bluefin tuna licence holders are required by licence conditions to adhere to a Dockside Monitoring Program, the provisions of which will be outlined in the Dockside Monitoring Schedule attached to the fishing licence.

4.   At- Sea Observer Coverage

The Bluefin Tuna fishery is subject to at-sea observer coverage and licence holders fishing in the Newfoundland Management Area must make arrangements for coverage through the Newfoundland observer contractor.  Bluefin tuna licences are not valid unless a "Letter of Arrangement" has been issued by the observer contractor and attached to the licence.

5.   Season

The commercial bluefin tuna fishing season for Newfoundland Management Area will open on July 15 unless there is a consensus by the Newfoundland fleet to have either an earlier or later opening date.  As well, an earlier opening date may be considered for charter purposes only within the bays i.e. not more than 12 nautical miles from land. A limited number of tags will be available for this purpose.

6.   Tags

Licence holders operating in the Newfoundland Bluefin Tuna Management Area will be required to purchase a minimum of two Bluefin tags for their first fishing trip of the season.  Thereafter, licence holders will be required to maintain one valid (unused) bluefin tag to remain active in the fishery.

Bluefin tags may be purchased at DFO Area Licensing Offices or Detachment Offices in eastern Newfoundland during regular business hours.

All unused tags must be returned to the Department within 7 days of ceasing Bluefin Tuna fishing or by December 31, 2002, whichever occurs first.

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ANNEX V GULF REGION MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

1.   Licensing

Fishers who held a permanent commercial bluefin tuna licence in the preceding calendar year are eligible to renew that licence in the current year.

Bluefin tuna licences will be issued separate to the licence conditions.  Licences will be annotated as follows:

"NOT VALID UNLESS LICENCE CONDITIONS ARE ATTACHED"

Licence Holders may obtain licence conditions (and condition amendments) at DFO Area Licensing Offices during regular business hours.

Commercial tuna licences may only be reissued to eligible fishers as per the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada.

Fishers from New Brunswick who want to obtain a temporary vessel replacement or lease a vessel must do so using a vessel already registered in Eastern New Brunswick.

2.   Gear

Electric harpoon may be used.  Also, angling gears and tended lines may be used for a maximum of four lines of which no more than two (2) lines may be tended lines.  The maximum number of hooks per line is one.

3.   Dockside Monitoring Program

All bluefin tuna licence holders are required by licence conditions to adhere to a Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP).  Requirements concerning hailing in and out to the local dockside monitoring company will be specified in the condition of licence.  Detailed provisions of the DMP, which are outlined on the conditions of the licence, must be attached to the fishing licence.

Also as a condition of licence, the catch and effort data for all bluefin tuna fishing trips must be entered by a dockside monitoring company in the DFO Gulf Region database.  The entry of the data must be made on a real time basis and in a format approved by DFO.  The final data entry must be completed within 2 weeks of the conclusion of the fishery.

4.   Concurrent Licences

If you are also the holder of a shark longline licence or a shark recreational licence, the period of validity of which is concurrent with these licence conditions, you are not permitted to fish pursuant to both licences during the same fishing trip.

5.   By-catch of Shark

The retention of an incidental catch of shark is authorized.  However, special provisions, which are outlined on your licence conditions, will apply.

6.   Season

Each Management Unit will determine the season for their respective fleet in home waters and ex-sector.  Each Management Unit must formally advise, via letter or fax, the DFO Halifax Licence centre (fax no. 902-426-9683) at least three weeks in advance of intending to participate in the ex-sector fishery, the names of the vessels, and the vessel's registration number.

7.   Tags

Licence holders operating in the Gulf Region Bluefin Tuna Management Area will be required to purchase a minimum of two bluefin tags for their first fishing trip of the season.  Thereafter, licence holders will be required to maintain one valid (unused) bluefin tag to remain active in the fishery.

Bluefin tuna tags may be purchased at DFO Area Licensing Offices in the Gulf Region during regular business hours.

BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY IN THE GULF (4T)

Pursuant to subsection 22 (1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations, the following conditions apply:

LICENCE CONDITIONS WHEN FISHING BLUEFIN TUNA IN 4RST:

1.            Logbook

2.            Monitoring

3.           Incidental Catch

4.            Gear

5.            Other

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ANNEX VI MARITIMES REGION - SCOTIA-FUNDY MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS

OVERVIEW OF MARITIMES REGION - SCOTIA-FUNDY SECTOR BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERIES

The bluefin tuna fishery throughout the Martimes Region -Scotia-Fundy Sector has, during recent years, occurred in three principle areas (refer to charts shown in Appendix 5):

1. The Hell Hole (a five square nautical mile area 80 km SW of Yarmouth, NS on the southern edge of Brown's Bank and the Fundian Channel).
    
2. Bay of Fundy and eastern coastline of Nova Scotia including Halifax, Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne counties.  Most notably Chebucto Head near the entrance to Halifax Harbour and SW along the outer line of St. Margaret's Bay.
    
3. The 4Wd area encompassing the Maritimes Region - Scotia-Fundy sector regulated herring and mackerel fishing area off of Canso Nova Scotia

All seven inshore bluefin tuna sectors fish throughout the Scotia-Fundy Fisheries in addition to an offshore tuna licence.  During recent years, approximately 110 vessels from ex-sector fleets fished in the 4WX waters outside 4Wd.

In 2001, approximately 270t of the total Canadian catch were caught in all Scotia-Fundy waters by all fleets.

As a consequence of a combination of:

• a large number of licensed tuna vessels fishing along hundreds of miles of remote coastline;
• often with inclement weather;
• relatively small bluefin tuna quotas per sector;
• fluctuating average weights; and
• high prices for bluefin on the international markets; there is a requirement for strict conservation controls.

These controls include;

• limits on the number of vessels (such as by requiring that each vessel have a minimum of two tags per vessel);
• Conditions of Licence detailing type of gear used when and where fishing can occur;
• registration and daily computer monitoring of  bluefin tuna tags per vessel;
• industry funded Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP);
• hails from sea and prior to each trip;
• at-sea observers; and
• provision by ex-sector fleets of a CHP annually to fish in 4WX.

MARITIMES REGION - SCOTIA-FUNDY SECTOR BLUEFIN TUNA OPERATING PROVISIONS 2002

The following operating provisions will be applied to bluefin tuna licensed vessel fleets while fishing in Scotia-Fundy Fisheries waters.

All Areas

• Conservation Harvesting Plans must be submitted by all fishers or fisher groups proposing to fish in Scotia-Fundy waters annually to the Scotia-Fundy office in Halifax, NS for approval prior to the end of each year.  These Plans must:
   
  • commit the fishers to being able to provide proof of valid contracts for the year in question (before licence conditions are issued) for both dockside monitoring and for at-sea observers for the bluefin tuna fishery in Scotia-Fundy for coverages similar to previous years;
  • must indicate the general areas to be fished and how the at-sea hails will be made from these areas;
  • must indicate the intended start date and number of vessels and nominate a fleet representative;
  • must indicate available technology and ability to comply with all Hail requirements.
     
• These Plans will be reviewed by the Maritimes Region - Scotia-Fundy Sector, Resource Management Branch and Conservation and Protection Branch staff prior to the opening of the fishery to the various sector fleets.

Area 4VN

• This area remains closed to all bluefin tuna fishing.

Area 4WD

• All bluefin tuna licensed vessels will be subject to specific 4WD Conditions of Licence issued from a Scotia-Fundy Sector, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) licensing center (St. Andrews, NB, Yarmouth, Halifax and Sydney, NS) or from the Antigonish, NS licensing center in the Gulf.
• Bluefin tuna licensed vessels fishing 4WD will be limited to fishing angling (maximum four rods and reels) only.  While licensed to fish bluefin in 4WD, vessels are not permitted to have any fishing gear other than angling gear on board.
• Conditions of Licence will specify that vessels must have at least two valid bluefin tuna tags on board the licensed vessel before commencing fishing in 4WD, but may fish down to one tag before being required to obtain a subsequent set of tags.
• Vessels must hail out and hail in to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company each time area 4WD is fished.
• Vessels must hail to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company, the weight and length of bluefin tuna and tag number used to tag the fish, immediately as the fish are caught.
• All tuna must be offloaded in 4WD.

Area 4VsW, 4X and 5

• Vessels licensed to fish 4VsW, 4X and 5 are subject to Conditions of Licence issued from a Scotia-Fundy Fisheries Licensing Center located in St. Andrews, NB and in Sydney, Yarmouth or Halifax, NS.
• Vessels from all sectors will be limited to a minimum of two tags and a maximum of six tags per vessel per trip.
• Ex-sector vessels are requested to advise, via letter or fax, the DFO Halifax Licensing center (fax no. 902-426-9683) the names of the vessels, and the vessels' registration numbers as soon as those are known, preferably two weeks in advance of their intended start of fishing, or submit with fishing plans by June 30.
• Ex-sector fleets are eligible to receive up to 144 tags per fleet, which is equivalent to approximately 35t round weight of allocation per ex-sector fleet.
• Once all ex-sector tags are used and accounted for and it is substantiated that additional tags are required to catch the 35t ex-sector quota, a DFO Scotia-Fundy Fisheries Licence Center can allocate the specific number of tags sufficient to catch the remaining portion of the 35t quota.  The determination as to which ex-sector vessels will be eligible to receive additional tags will be the responsibility of the ex-sector fleet.
• Individual ex-sector 35t quotas will not be allowed to be overrun.
• Vessels authorized to fish 4VsW, 4X and 5 will not be permitted to commence fishing with less than two valid (unused) bluefin tuna tags on board that vessel, when fishing west of 64º 30'W
• Vessels authorized to fish 4VsW, 4X and 5 will be permitted to commence fishing with one tag when fishing east of 64º 30'W
• Vessels licensed to fish 4VsW, 4X and 5 will be authorized to fish up to a maximum of two lines, either two tended lines or two rod and reels or any combination (refer to Atlantic Fisheries Regulations, Section 101).  Electric harpoons are also permitted.
• Vessels using the above types of gear will not be permitted to fish in St. Margaret's Bay inside a line drawn from Cross Island, located at 44º 18' 40" N, 64º 10' 01" W and Pennant point located at 44º 25' 51" N, 63º 39"00" W.
• Vessels will be required to hail out and hail in to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company each time they intend to fish 4VsW, 4X and 5.
• Vessels are required to hail the weight and length of bluefin tuna and the bluefin tag number used to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company immediately after each fish is caught.
• Swordfish longline licences may be fished concurrently with bluefin tuna licences in accordance with the additional reporting and monitoring requirements in the licence conditions.

St. Margaret's Bay

• All bluefin tuna licensed trapnets are required to obtain a St. Margaret's Bay Bluefin Tuna Trapnet Condition of Licence from a designated DFO Scotia-Fundy licensing center prior to commencing to catch tuna.
• Registered trapnet berth sites inside a line drawn between Cross Island located at 44º 18' 40" N, 64º 10' 01" W and Pennant Point located at 44º 25' 51"N, 63º 39" 00" W are eligible to be registered as bluefin tuna trap net berth sites for the purpose of catching and retaining bluefin tuna.
• Bluefin tuna trapnet licence transfers between registered berth sites must be requested (accompanied by a Licence Berth Transfer Document) by licence holders to the DFO office in Bridgewater, NS at least 24 hours prior to any authorization for licence transfer. Licence transfers between registered berth sites will not be considered retroactively, i.e., after tuna have entered into trapnets.
• Conditions of Licence stipulate that licence holders must be present during the harvesting of all directed and licence berth transfer (joint venture) harvesting of all bluefin tuna.
• Conditions of Licence require that licence holders shall be responsible for hailing tuna weights and lengths and tag numbers directly to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company immediately when fish are caught.
• By-catches of St. Margaret's Bay bluefin tuna by mackerel trapnets operating inside a line stipulated by the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, Section 103 (see Appendix 5) that are not licensed to catch tuna, will be limited to 7% of the total directed St. Margaret's Bay bluefin tuna quota.  By-catch bluefin tuna must be harvested directly in the presence of a DFO Fishery Officer. The by-catch trapnet operator is required to purchase a tag from DFO and must immediately hail directly to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company the weight, length and tag number of the tuna caught.  The by-catch trapnet operator is subject to all industry funded DMP requirements, including compiling logs and direct data entry.
• Should licence holders intend to hold live tuna in a registered tuna trapnet berth site, the estimated weight and tag numbers credited against individual bluefin tuna must be immediately hailed to a DFO registered dockside monitoring company and weights of the bluefin tuna reconfirmed with that dockside monitoring company when the tuna are harvested.

EXPLORATORY BLUEFIN TUNA LICENCE PROVISIONS

The Maritimes Region, Scotia-Fundy sector has approved the following process to enable eligible bluefin tuna licence holders to apply new and innovative methods of tuna fishing.

1. The process requires a legitimate bluefin tuna licence holder to provide a formal proposal to the Maritimes Region, Scotia-Fundy Fisheries offices for review by the Atlantic Large Pelagics Advisory Committee followed by a review of DFO Science, Enforcement and Fisheries Management personnel
    
2. Industry-funded observer coverage is a prerequisite for the project to proceed.
    
3. Once the project has been completed, the original DFO panel will evaluate the conclusions with the proponent and determine whether or not the project can proceed under an Exploratory Licence and, if so, under what terms and conditions.
    
4. If a vessel is authorized to apply new gear or fishing methods, etc., an exploratory licence must accompany the vessel while operating under these terms.  In addition, an industry-funded observer may be required throughout the period of operation.
    
5. Once a thorough evaluation of the operation of the experimental licence has occurred, the conclusions and any proposals for formal adoption will be directed to the Maritimes Region, Scotia-Fundy Fisheries Large Pelagics Advisory Committee and subsequently to the Atlantic Large Pelagics Advisory Committee (ALPAC) for consideration.

TAG DOCUMENT FOR MONITORING COMPANY

• Tuna3_e.pdf (Adobe Acrobat)

FLANK LENGTH/DRESSED LENGTH MEASUREMENTS REQUIRED FOR HAIL-INS

The above illustration demonstrates the correct flank length and dressed length measurements required for hail-in purposes.

BLUEFIN TUNA FISHERY AREA 4Wd

ST. MARGARET'S BAY LINE

THE HELL HOLE

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