News
After 3 years working for the BCTFA, Tiare Boyes will be leaving her position as Executive Director at the end of May 2021.
The Directors of the BCTFA wish to thank Tiare for her dedication and hard work on behalf of the tuna fleet over these years and wish her all the best on her future endeavours.
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada Albacore Tuna in U.S.A. Waters - 2021 Licence Issuance Information 2021 Albacore Tuna (USA68 1 – 45) licence issuance is now available through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS) Harvesters will use the National Online Licensing System (NOLS) to go online to view, pay for and print their commercial fishing licences, conditions of licence, and receipts. In accordance with the Service Fees Act, annual licence renewal fees will be adjusted by the annual rate of inflation determined by Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by Statistics Canada. 2021-2022 commercial licence renewal fees: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/licence-permis/fees-frais-21-22-eng.html A reminder that all licence renewal fee payments must be made through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS). Upon the Department receiving the required payment the licence will be issued and notification will be sent via email to advise licence holders/vessel owners that a change has been made to the licence holder's online account. The licence document, licence conditions, Observer Letter, and receipt will be available to be printed at that time. The list of authorized USA68 vessels will be posted online at: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/pelagic-pelagique/tuna-thon-eng.html As per Conditions of Licence, all tuna vessels must meet the monitoring requirements for the tuna fishery, including submission of harvest logbooks and compliance with hail requirements. Please contact the Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation at (250) 658-0179 to arrange for purchase of logbook, data keypunching, hail, data transmission and other services prior to fishing for tuna. To ensure that you receive email notifications, be sure to update your email address under your profile in the NOLS. Instructions on updating email addresses may be found at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sdc-cps/products-produits/user-manual-utilisateurs-eng.htm Please refer to Section 2.3.1: Profile, Personal Information and click on 'Modify'. The Department also provides client support and assistance on how to use the system via e-mail at fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by calling toll-free at 1-877-535-7307 Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:00 AM to 19:00 PM Eastern Time. For transactions that are not yet available in the National Online Licensing System (e.g. Vessel replacements and nominations), licensing services will continue to be available either through telephone (1-877-535-7307)or by e-mail (fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca). Please be sure to visit the Pacific Region Licensing website and subscribe to fishery notices for updates on the National Online Licensing System and licensing services: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/licence-permis/index-eng.html.
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada Subject: FN0443-May 15 deadline for requests to transfer USA68 licence eligibilities #1-45 Vessel owners are reminded that requests for vessel replacements of Albacore Tuna (Category USA68) commercial license eligibilities number 1-45 must be received by DFO no later than May 15, 2021 in order to be processed in advance of the fishing season. For DFO to approve the commercial vessel replacement, the replacing vessel must not be larger than the initial vessel, must also already hold a USA68 eligibility (1-179), must have a history of fishing in the USA EEZ, and must have an acceptable enforcement history. Note that under the terms of the Canada-USA Tuna Treaty, the inclusion of a vessel on the annual list must be approved by a Canada-USA Joint Review Committee. This committee meets in late May each year. The annual list of Canadian vessels authorized to fish for tuna in USA waters must be approved and finalized before June 1 each year, and must remain fixed until the end of the fishing season (i.e., no transfers of USA68 #1-45 eligibilities can take place between June 1 and September 15). Applications for commercial vessel replacement may be submitted via: National online licensing system (NOLS), or fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca (specify “Pacific Region” in subject line). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Brad Langman, Resource Manager, Tuna and Sardine, 604-679-2949 or bradley.langman@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0443 Sent May 4, 2021 at 11:18 Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Category(s):
General Information,
COMMERCIAL - Pelagics: Tuna
Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0360-Commercial Albacore Tuna in Canadian Waters (CT) - 2021 Licence Issuance Information
The 2021/2022 Commercial Albacore Tuna in Canadian Waters by hook and line licence issuance is now available through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS)
For those eligible vessels that held a 2020, Schedule II Tuna, category CT licence, the 2021 licence fee is available for payment in the Vessel owners National Online Licensing System (NOLS) account.
If you are a new applicant, please log onto NOLS and navigate to the 'Submit a Request' menu selection
A reminder that all licence renewal fee payments must be made through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).
In accordance with the Service Fees Act, annual licence renewal fees will be adjusted by the annual rate of inflation determined by Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by Statistics Canada. 2021-2022 commercial licence renewal fees:
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/licence-permis/fees-frais-21-22-eng.html
Harvesters will use the National Online Licensing System (NOLS) to go online to view, pay for and print their commercial fishing licences, licence conditions, and/or receipts.
Upon the Department receiving the required payment, the licence will be issued and notification will be sent via email to advise vessel owners that a change has been made to the licence holder's online account. The licence documents, licence conditions and receipt will be available to be printed at that time.
As per Conditions of Licence, all tuna vessels must meet the monitoring requirements for the tuna fishery, including submission of harvest logbooks and compliance with hail requirements.
The industry selected service provider to arrange monitoring services for 2021 is the Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation (CHMSF), 4829 Maplegrove Street, Victoria, BC, V8Y 3B9, (250) 658-0179.
Please contact the CHMSF to arrange for purchase of logbook, data keypunching, hail, data transmission and other services prior to fishing for tuna.
All vessels must be on the IATTC Regional Vessel Registry prior to commencing fishing. The vessel owner shall ensure that the vessel information provided for the purpose of inclusion on this registry be kept up to date and include an International Maritime Organization number.
NOTE: To be placed on the IATTC Regional Vessel Registry the licence holder must complete the RFMO Registration Form and submit this to the Tuna Resource Manager (bryan.rusch@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
To obtain a copy of the current Pacific Region Integrated Fisheries Management Plan please contact Bryan Rusch bryan.rusch@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or visit the following link: http://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/40948171.pdf
The Department also provides client support and assistance on how to use the system via e-mail at fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by calling toll-free at 1-877-535-7307 Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:00 AM to 19:00 PM Eastern Time.
Please visit the Pacific Region Licensing website and subscribe to fishery notices for updates on the National Online Licensing System and licensing services: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/licence-permis/index-eng.html
To ensure that you receive email notifications, be sure to update your email address under your profile in the NOLS. Instructions on updating email addresses may be found at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sdc-cps/products-produits/user-manual-utilisateurs-eng.htm. Please refer to Section 2.3.1: Profile, Personal Information and click on ‘Modify’.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0360
Sent March 31, 2021 at 12:53
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
If you would like to unsubscribe, please submit your request at: http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=manage_subscription
If you have any questions, please contact us via e-mail to: DFO.OpsCentreFisheryPacific-CentreOpsPechePacifique.MPO@canada.ca
Doug Mavin, owner of the FV Pacific Ambition and Pacific Ambition Seafoods is a volunteer with the Powell River Salmon Society (hatchery). Doug is soliciting donations to the hatchery which has been running since 1982 and produces 3 main species, chinook, coho and chums.
Smolt production for the 3 species are as follows: Chinook 810-830k, coho 280-290k and chum 700-720k. The hatchery in Powell River is one of the top producing community based systems in BC.
The hatchery needs your help. Government support for the hatchery through the DFO SEP program has remained fixed since 1982 at $188k.
The hatchery has a need for a longer term funding strategy. They are currently working on a walkway to allow for wheelchair access to viewing part of the spawning channel and hatchery facility using engraved pavers.
The plan is to build the walk way and engrave donators names on the paving stones in recognition of their contributions.
The hatchery is requesting financial donations to purchase the initial pavers.
Please contact dmavin@shaw.ca or prsalmon@telus.net if you have any questions.
Article Link: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-proposed-rule-food-traceability
The FDA is proposing to establish additional traceability recordkeeping requirements (beyond what is already required in existing regulations) for persons who manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods the Agency has designated for inclusion on the Food Traceability List. The proposed rule, “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods” (Food Traceability Proposed Rule) is a key component of the FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint and would implement Section 204(d) of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The proposed requirements would help the FDA rapidly and effectively identify recipients of those foods to prevent or mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks and address credible threats of serious adverse health consequences or death. The comment periods for the proposed rule and information collection provisions have been extended and will now be available for public comment until February 22, 2021.
At the core of this proposal is a requirement for those who manufacture, process, pack or hold foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL) to establish and maintain records containing Key Data Elements (KDEs) associated with different Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). While the proposed requirements would only apply to those foods on the FTL, they were designed to be suitable for all FDA-regulated food products. FDA would encourage the voluntary adoption of these practices industry-wide.
The Launch Online Grant program provides funding to B.C.-based business to create an online shop and/or improve their e-commerce experience to attract new local customers and expand to new markets. The grant will pay for up to 75% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $7,500 per business.
The program supports a rapid response for businesses and is accepting applications from businesses ready to start and finish their online shop within 12 weeks.
Up-to 25% of funds will be reserved for Indigenous businesses and businesses operating outside of the lower mainland and greater Victoria.
The funds must be used to hire B.C.-based company(ies) to do the online store development.
Eligibility:
BC businesses are eligible – including seafood.
Sole or primary operations in BC
Currently operating in BC
Employ less than 149 BC residents
Pay taxes in BC
Maintain a Business licence number, GST number, PST and WorkSafeBC number (where applicable)
Must have generated sales of more than $30,000 in 2019 or the year proceeding the application.
Have repeatable products
Either don’t have an online store or have an online sore with no more than 3 of the following:
Customer registration and information security features
Shopping cart and order management capabilities
Payment processing options including application of appropriate taxes and shipping costs at time of ordering
Product catalogue, search and inventory status
Website analytics and reporting capabilities
Contact for the program is info@launchonline.ca; 844-487-1266
Notice of Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the BC Tuna Fishermen’s Association will be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, for the following purposes:
1. To approve the minutes of the March 6th, 2020 annual general meeting (minutes attached to this message).
1. To receive the financial statements of the Association for the 2021 financial year.
2. To receive the report of the Directors/Executive Director.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Due to COVID-19 the BCTFA 2021 AGM will be an online virtual meeting. BCTFA members can participate online or by telephone. Members are encouraged to join the meeting using their computer, tablet or smartphone so they can view the online presentations.
Members will identify themselves with their VPN numbers to log in. Please have your VPN number readily available to facilitate log-in process.
How to join:
1) Join the meeting on your computer, tablet or smartphone:
2) Join by calling in
Please email the office of the BCTFA if you have any questions: tiare@leewardltd.com 250 208 9193
OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 9, 2020 /CNW/ - The inshore fisheries on Canada's East Coast are often family run businesses that drive the local, regional, and national economies. They are the pride of their communities and it is imperative that we support their continued growth and stability, now and into the future.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada published amended regulations, taking further action to preserve and protect the independence of licence holders in commercial inshore fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and ensuring that the economic benefits from fishing stay with harvesters and within their communities.
Under the authorities granted by the modernized Fisheries Act, which received royal assent on June 21, 2019, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has amended the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 and the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations to clarify the rules governing inshore licences and create new enforceable requirements.
The regulatory amendments announced address a longstanding request from independent fish harvesters to formalize a variety of policies that had been developed over the years to govern inshore licences. This includes:
ensuring the licence holder retains the benefits generated by fishing, and is the one fishing under that licence;
supporting the Fleet Separation Policy by prohibiting certain types of corporations from holding licences in the inshore sector; and
an eligibility criteria that will prevent the Minister from issuing inshore licences to Independent Core licence holders that have transferred the use or control of the rights and privileges conferred by the licence to fish to a third party.
The publication of these regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, is a clear commitment of support from the Government of Canada to independent fish harvesters in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and the communities they represent.
Link to original article: https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/432403/plea-for-pacific-tuna-regulator-to-call-emergency-session
The failure by the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission means tuna stocks in the eastern Pacific are facing an unprecedented threat.
The IATTC manages tuna stocks throughout the eastern Pacific but at its recent meeting the members failed to reach agreement on quotas, closed seasons and so on.
This has left no controls on tuna fishing in the region.
The director of international fisheries for The Pew Charitable Trusts, Amanda Nickson, said in a statement, "for the first time in its 70-year history, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission has completely withdrawn from management of tropical tunas".
Pew's Grantly Galland, who sat in on the virtual meeting, believed it could be turned around if the members agreed to an emergency session before the 1 January deadline.
"This is an unprecedented situation but given the situation certainly anything is possible," Galland said.
"We would have preferred that they kept the meeting open until they were able to reach consensus agreement on something while everyone was together, but if it is a matter of the chair and the officers calling an emergency session between now and the end of the year that's something we would certainly support."
Pew hoped the allied fishing management organisation, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, did not follow the path of its regional colleague.
Galland was concerned the Western and Central Commission, which is meeting this week, might adopt the same strategy.
"We hope that over the course of this five day meeting that they will take notice of what happened at IATTC and recognise that we can't really play politics with these fisheries and stock management, and so we are just looking to ensure that this doesn't happen in the west," he said.