GLG
Well-Known Member
Background
In 2012 the sport fishing sector was faced with the very real possibility of a July closure to the Halibut season. Most will re-call the decision to implement the 1 and 2 possession with 1 being 83cm or less. This decision and its timing spawned considerable discussion, and some very good suggestions came from it. As a result of those discussions, a motion was put forward that, in simplicity, requested that things be done in a timely manner to allow for discussion and input at all levels. This motion was passed and consequently we now have numerous management options to consider well before any decisions will be made. The belief that the current allocation of 85/15 does not provide the sport sector with adequate opportunity has not changed. Nor has the commitment to one day see it changed. However it would be irresponsible of us all not to prepare our input on the bases that we will be operating under the same or worse conditions as 2012.
Primary Objective
To make sure the sport sector conducts its halibut season in a manner that will meet the needs of the majority, while keeping conservation as our first priority.
Objective of this post
To obtain input from concerned local anglers regarding possible management measures that could be suggested to DFO. Such a need to make any suggestions is dependent upon the level of our 2013 TAC and the affect it will have on our ability to achieve our primary objective.
Consideration to be given to all possible suggestions
Conservation based: Is the measure a responsible approach that respects the fish and conserves the stock in both the short and long term? Does it present the likelihood of increased incidental mortalities of other species? Does it present the likelihood of increased handling and release mortalities for halibut?
Measurable: Is it possible to quantify the impact of the measure in pounds of catch saved? Can the catch over time be predicted, thereby facilitating an estimate of the potential length of season?
Enforceable: Can the measure be effectively enforced by DFO? Are there legal or practical barriers in place that would prevent its application?
Timely: How long would it take to implement the measure? Is it possible to implement it for the 2013 season?
Possible management measures for consideration
These are suggestions up for discussion and consideration only and have not been implemented.
Max size limit: Last year’s model of limiting the size of one of the two fish, or limiting the size of both fish.
Individual Annual Limit: A set maximum number of Halibut per season per angler. All Halibut harvested to be recorded on license.
Daily and Possession Limit: Go to 1 a day and 1 in possession.
Season Length: Adjust start and or completion dates to ensure “max use times” will remain open.
Time and Area Closures: A series of in-season time and area closures which would, in effect, ration access by preventing anglers from fishing in particular places for stated periods.
Area Allocations: Individual areas would receive individual allocations or area TAC’S.
Restriction on the “Gifting” of halibut by service providers: Prohibit service providers such as charter operators and lodge guides from “gifting” to a customer halibut, which they have harvested on their recreational license. Prohibit Guides and crew members from catching and retaining Halibut on their license while guests are on board.
Other possible suggestions:
You are encouraged to provide your opinion about any of these possible tools and to add any that you may have come up with that have not yet been listed.
Summary
This is our chance to provide our input in regards to any management measures that may be necessary depending on the 2013 TAC, and ultimately our allocation of that TAC. As many of us requested, we have been provided time to have these discussions prior to any decisions being made. This post is intended to start the process of accumulating well thought out opinions and suggestions.
The above text has been taken from the “SFAB Halibut Management Considerations 2013” PDF that has been passed around. It has been condensed so to make it easy to open a discussion on this subject. If you would like me to send a copy of the original, give me a PM with your email address and I will send one shortly. As the local SFAC that originated this motion to have this document created, I feel we need to get this out on this forum. Here in Area 14 we will be holding a meeting mid November to make a decision as to what path is best for our local fishermen. We will consider the above options and what impact it has on all Canadian fishermen not just the ones that live here.
GLG
In 2012 the sport fishing sector was faced with the very real possibility of a July closure to the Halibut season. Most will re-call the decision to implement the 1 and 2 possession with 1 being 83cm or less. This decision and its timing spawned considerable discussion, and some very good suggestions came from it. As a result of those discussions, a motion was put forward that, in simplicity, requested that things be done in a timely manner to allow for discussion and input at all levels. This motion was passed and consequently we now have numerous management options to consider well before any decisions will be made. The belief that the current allocation of 85/15 does not provide the sport sector with adequate opportunity has not changed. Nor has the commitment to one day see it changed. However it would be irresponsible of us all not to prepare our input on the bases that we will be operating under the same or worse conditions as 2012.
Primary Objective
To make sure the sport sector conducts its halibut season in a manner that will meet the needs of the majority, while keeping conservation as our first priority.
Objective of this post
To obtain input from concerned local anglers regarding possible management measures that could be suggested to DFO. Such a need to make any suggestions is dependent upon the level of our 2013 TAC and the affect it will have on our ability to achieve our primary objective.
Consideration to be given to all possible suggestions
Conservation based: Is the measure a responsible approach that respects the fish and conserves the stock in both the short and long term? Does it present the likelihood of increased incidental mortalities of other species? Does it present the likelihood of increased handling and release mortalities for halibut?
Measurable: Is it possible to quantify the impact of the measure in pounds of catch saved? Can the catch over time be predicted, thereby facilitating an estimate of the potential length of season?
Enforceable: Can the measure be effectively enforced by DFO? Are there legal or practical barriers in place that would prevent its application?
Timely: How long would it take to implement the measure? Is it possible to implement it for the 2013 season?
Possible management measures for consideration
These are suggestions up for discussion and consideration only and have not been implemented.
Max size limit: Last year’s model of limiting the size of one of the two fish, or limiting the size of both fish.
Individual Annual Limit: A set maximum number of Halibut per season per angler. All Halibut harvested to be recorded on license.
Daily and Possession Limit: Go to 1 a day and 1 in possession.
Season Length: Adjust start and or completion dates to ensure “max use times” will remain open.
Time and Area Closures: A series of in-season time and area closures which would, in effect, ration access by preventing anglers from fishing in particular places for stated periods.
Area Allocations: Individual areas would receive individual allocations or area TAC’S.
Restriction on the “Gifting” of halibut by service providers: Prohibit service providers such as charter operators and lodge guides from “gifting” to a customer halibut, which they have harvested on their recreational license. Prohibit Guides and crew members from catching and retaining Halibut on their license while guests are on board.
Other possible suggestions:
You are encouraged to provide your opinion about any of these possible tools and to add any that you may have come up with that have not yet been listed.
Summary
This is our chance to provide our input in regards to any management measures that may be necessary depending on the 2013 TAC, and ultimately our allocation of that TAC. As many of us requested, we have been provided time to have these discussions prior to any decisions being made. This post is intended to start the process of accumulating well thought out opinions and suggestions.
The above text has been taken from the “SFAB Halibut Management Considerations 2013” PDF that has been passed around. It has been condensed so to make it easy to open a discussion on this subject. If you would like me to send a copy of the original, give me a PM with your email address and I will send one shortly. As the local SFAC that originated this motion to have this document created, I feel we need to get this out on this forum. Here in Area 14 we will be holding a meeting mid November to make a decision as to what path is best for our local fishermen. We will consider the above options and what impact it has on all Canadian fishermen not just the ones that live here.
GLG