Notices to Fish Harvesters

Gaspé – July 10, 2023

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the implementation of the Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program for 4RST Atlantic halibut for the Gaspé Peninsula fixed gear fleet of less than 13.71 m – Lobster Group.

This ITQ Program, developed in partnership with representatives of the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du Sud de la Gaspésie (RPPSG), First Nations (the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag and the Mi'gmaq Government of Listuguj) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), was the subject of a consultation with all 105 licence holders in the fleet, who were invited to express their position on the Program.

At the end of this consultation, 79 licence holders holding 83 licences expressed their position, representing a participation rate of 75%. Seventy-five percent of fleet members (62 licence holders) were in favour of the ITQ Program, while 25% (21 licence holders) were against it.

Considering the results of the consultation, which were very favorable to the Program, DFO announces the implementation of the 4RST Atlantic Halibut ITQ Program for the Gaspé peninsula fixed gear fleet of less than 13.71 m – Lobster Group – and of its management rules as of today.

Management measures for the Atlantic halibut fishery will be specified shortly in a separate Notice to fish harvesters, as well as in the 4RST Atlantic Halibut Conservation harvesting plan for the Gaspé fixed gear fleet of less than 13.71 m – Lobster Group – for the 2023-24 season.

For further information, please contact:

Resource management

Gaspé – Lower St. Lawrence area

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

418-368-5559 / Toll free 1-877-898-5559

For additional information

Please visit our website at the following address: Commercial Fisheries