Official notice from DFO: DFO advises Newfoundland and Labrador Seal harvesters based in Sealing Areas 4 to 8, that the fishery for Seals will re-open in Sealing Areas 4 to 8 and 12, at 0600 hours on Sunday, April 12, 2015.
This fishery will open for Front Longliners, Areas 5 to 8 Small Boats and Speed Boats, all Area 4 vessels, and Personal Use. This includes License Classes N100 to N106, N300 to N302, and N400.
DFO advises Newfoundland and Labrador Seal harvesters based in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, that the fishery for Seals will re-open in the Gulf, in Sealing Areas 9 to 23, and 25 to 27, at 0600 hours on Sunday, April 12, 2015. The fishery will open for Gulf Longliners, Gulf Small Boats, Gulf Speed Boats, and Personal Use. This includes License Classes N200 to N204, and N401.
DFO further advises Seal harvesters having a homeport located between Big Brook to Noddy Bay inclusive, operating from vessels less than 40 feet, License Classes N203 and N204, that a portion of Sealing Area 5 will also open for Seals at 0600 hours on Sunday, April 12, 2015.
This “buffer zone” lies inside lines extending from:
The land at 51°18″ North, 55° 36″ West, to
51°18″ North, 54°30″ West, to
51°42″ North, 54°30″ West, to
51°42″ North, 55°27″ West, to
The land at 51° 30″ North, 55 26″ West.
Seal harvesters are advised to check with their buyers to confirm a market for their Seals before going Sealing.
Fishers are reminded that licences and licence conditions are available through DFO’s National Online Licencing System.
Additionally, all Commercial and Personal Use Sealers are reminded that landings must be hailed in daily, as per licence conditions.
Finally, DFO reminds all Commercial Sealers that Humane Harvesting Training on the three-step process is mandatory for all Commercial Seal licence holders prior to participating in the 2015 season, and in any future Sealing seasons.
In order to renew a Sealing licence for the 2015 Seal harvesting season, all Sealers must have renewed their 2014 licence, and also must have successfully completed the mandatory Humane Harvesting Training on the three-step process.
The total allowable catch (TAC) for this years harvest is expected to be 400,000.