The Licensing Policy for the marine fisheries of Eastern Canada is a crucial element of several federal initiatives aimed at restructuring commercial fisheries to ensure they are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. This policy aims to reduce capacity, enhance the economic viability of those involved in commercial fishing, and prevent future increases in commercial fishery capacity. The document is designed to provide fishers, corporations, Indigenous organizations, and other interested Canadians with a clear and consistent statement of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) policy regarding the registration of commercial fishing enterprises and vessels, as well as the issuance of fishing licenses in Eastern Canada. It also establishes objectives to assess the relevance and effectiveness of these policies.This policy applies to the registration of fishers, fishing enterprises, and vessels, as well as the issuance of fishing licenses for commercial fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, the NAFO Convention Area, and commercial freshwater fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. It does not extend to commercial freshwater fisheries in Quebec or to commercial fishing for anadromous or catadromous fish within the tidal waters of Quebec. Additionally, it does not cover licenses issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations. The "Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for Eastern Canada" is founded on principles that include aligning with DFO’s core mandate following a program review, balancing fishing capacity with resource availability, and promoting environmentally sustainable harvesting practices. It also seeks to enhance the economic viability of the fishery sector, foster industry self-reliance, develop partnerships with a professional group of harvesters, and streamline the administration of licensing. The document is structured into eight chapters and seven annexes. The second chapter outlines the general policy framework, including the application of the policy and definitions of terminology used throughout. The third chapter provides the policy guidelines, detailing vessel registration rules, the categorization of license holders, leasing provisions for foreign vessels, and key inshore policies. Rules for vessels are covered in separate chapters based on their length overall (LOA): vessels less than 19.8 meters are addressed in chapter 4, while those greater than 19.8 meters are covered in chapter 5. Chapter 6 focuses on the seal licensing policy specific to Eastern Canada. The appeal process and procedures are detailed in chapter 7, and chapter 8 outlines the policy amendments.
كندا · 2024-01-30