Fishery Notice

This notice amends FN1044 to inform harvesters that the Emergency Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program for at-sea monitoring in response to COVID-19 (FN1125) may continue to be deployed as an alternative mitigating management measure for all Option A groundfish trawl vessels. The full amended fishery notice follows.

Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has postponed the full reinstatement of the At-Sea Observer Program (ASOP) in light of the continued health and safety concerns raised by harvesters and some coastal communities about the recent increases in cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia. DFO acknowledges that while Public Health authorities and WorkSafeBC have outlined the manner in which vessels can safely fish in the context of COVID-19, and that at-sea observer deployment procedures should be able to satisfy these requirements, the situation is changing rapidly and requires further consideration.

DFO continues to work closely with stakeholders and the catch monitoring service provider to refine the safe work procedures that will enable full  at-sea observer deployment on all option A vessels at a later date. Key considerations include minimizing risk of infection transmission between vessel crew and at-sea observers, and ensuring that the ASOP service provider can complete observer training and meet the staffing requirements of the fishery. 

Option A trawl vessels may elect to carry an at-sea observer, subject to at-sea observer availability, rather than utilize the emergency EM program. When at-sea observer services are used, harvesters and the ASOP service provider will be expected to follow all applicable provincial COVID-19 guidelines. Public Health authorities and WorkSafeBC have outlined the manner in which vessels can safely fish in the context of COVID-19.
For trawl vessels to accommodate an at-sea observer, the vessel shall have safe work protocols and procedures in place that are consistent with Provincial Health Authority guidelines. These safe work protocols and procedures shall be available for inspection by the service provider and DFO. The service provider may refuse to provide ASOP services if these protocols and procedures are deemed to be inconsistent with the Provincial Health Authority guidelines. 

If a harvester desires to use an at-sea observer to fulfill their at-sea monitoring requirements, please contact the Trawl Coordinator at Deirdre.Finn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca to discuss at-sea observer deployment criteria and opportunities.

The emergency EM program implemented in the absence of at-sea observer services has served as an important stopgap management measure, but is not yet an effective, long-term replacement to the ASOP. In the continued absence of a fully reinstated ASOP, DFO is working closely with the Canadian Groundfish Research Conservation Society (CGRCS), Deep Sea Trawlers Association (DSTA), Archipelago Marine Research (AMR) and Vericatch to improve the reporting and data management procedures of the current emergency EM Program. Further information about this program will be published within the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Groundfish.


Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry
Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments.

Visit our website to find out more: 
http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-industrie/index-eng.html

The 24 hour toll-free phone-in line for fisheries notices is 1-866-431-3474.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Deirdre Finn
Trawl Coordinator
Email: Deirdre.finn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Phone: 236-330-4139

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1226
Sent November 10, 2020 at 1159

Return to Main Menu

Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 28, 2024 at 1911