MERRY CHRISTMAS DECEMBER, 1979 No. 13

True friendship is a candle

That brightly burns at night

( /41 all the stars that glow v • And outshines .1%-• • j).. 102t-" Because it is so bright.

•

a ir EDITOR: A. KELLY COORDINATOR: A. THISTLE CONTENTS

Area Management 1 Conservation and Protection, District 3 2 Conservation and Protection, District 4 3 Inspection and Technology 4 Economic Services 4 Small Craft Harbours 5 Fishermans Assistance Plans 6 AREA MANAGEMENT PAGE ONE

1. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, James McGrath announced in the House of Commons a number of short and long term plans which are designed to rebuild dwindling salmon stocks. Highlights of the announcement were: a significant reduction in overall level of commercial fishing: reduced salmon limites for sports fishermen, move against salmon interceptions occuring within Canadian jurisdiction, action against bycatches or accidental taking of salmon; improved record keeping and reporting system into the regulations; department representatives explore the benefits of delegating the federal share of inland surveillance and enforce- ment to the provinces; establishment of an Atlantic Salmon Advisory Board for the whole Atlantic region; creation of management zones. Some of these highlights will come into effect in 1980. More information on implementation of the foregoing will become available in the months ahead. 2. Northeast Coast Herring Management Working Group met in St. John's on November 20. Attending were representatives from the area Pass Island - Cape Race - Cape Norman. Most of the discussion centered around resource allocations for White Bay and Notre Dame Bay. A number of changes to the existing policy were made to senior management. Final policy or management plan should be available in January at which time it will be distributed to field staff.

3. A meeting was held with the Labrador Resources Advisory Council and the Provincial Department of Fisheries at Goose Bay on November 7. The future role of the Labrador Fisheries Development Committee was discussed. It was decided that the Committee should continue for the present and a further meeting be held in January of 1980. At that time a mandate for the committee will be formulated if it is to continue. 4. The Department has agreed to provide financing to the Labrador Resources Advisory Council to conduct a rock cod seminar at Goose Bay on January 30. Topics to be covered at the seminar are

1. Extent of the resource 2. Options open for processing, e.g. whether there is potential for freezing operations 3. Harvesting - appropriate gear and the necessity for gear limitations. 4. Necessity to restrict licences 5. Should fishing activity be restricted to locally based fishermen.

Other issues will no doubt come up during the course of the Seminar. CONSERVATION & PROTECTION PAGE TWO DISTRICT 3

Fishery Officers were advised late in November that positions now classified in the General Technical category at the GT-2 level have been upgraded to the GT-3 level. In line with this, Super- visory positions now at the GT-3 level have been upgraded to the GT-4 level. The Personnel Branch is still working towards upgrading of Warden positions in the region. Fishery Officers, G. Marsh, G. Hapgood, and W. Roberts left Newfoundland on November 12 to attend RCMP Training Course at Regina. All officers should be back in the District by mid-December.

Around November 15, a giant squid, approximately ten feet in length was taken by a fisherman at St. Brendans, Bonavista Bay. Capture of the squid was reported to Dr. Aldrick of the Biology Department, Memorial University, who arranged for transportation of the squid to the University for scientific purposes. This is one of a number of giant squids that have made an appearance along the Northeast . Coast of the Province over the past fifteen or twenty years. A resident of Buchans who was convicted for breach of Section 10(2) of the Newfoundland Fishery Regulations and sentenced to serve 14 days in jail without option of a fine earlier this year but had the conviction over ruled in an Appeals Court which ordered a retrial,was convicted in Magistrate's Court at Gander on November 27 and fined $1,000.00. Nineteen charges were heard in Magistrates Courts throughout the District during the month of November. The mackerel and squid fisheries came to a close towards the end of the month as many fishermen gave up fishing for the season. Some fishermen are still handlinina for cod which is put in salt and sold for local consumption. Fixed gear herring quotas fcr Bonavista, Notre Dame and White Bays still remain open and it is doubtful if they will be taken by December 31. An investigation is continuing into the dumping of slash and stumps into Tulk's Brook, a tributary of the Exploits River watershed by Price Newfoundland Limited. Officers have taken statements from several individuals employed with the Company. Senior officials of the Company have been contacted and they have agreed to clean up the brook. At this point in time, it has not been decided if there is enough evidence to take the matter to Court.

To accurately determine and maintain catch levels within recommended quotas for Canadian vessels greater than 100 feet LOA fishing for cod in 4T, it was necessary to implement licencing procedures. Any vessels now fishing for cod in 4T will require a conditional licence which must be authorized by Regional Office. The quota established for 4T for vessels greater than 100 feet is not expected to last long. CONSERVATION & PROTECTION PAGE THREE DISTRICT 4

The codfishery along the entire coast of Labrador showed a remarkable increase over the last few years. In fact landings will surpass last year. The codfishery did not however have the catch effort that was prevelent in the 50's and 60's. If the catch effort had been directed toward the cod as in the mid 50's landings would be double for this year. The area where the effort was least directed was North of Smokey especially in the Iron Bond Islands area. In the past this section was fished partly by Newfoundland crews as was the Cape Harrison area. Things have changed now and cod traps are used very sparingly in fact almost not at all. The bulk of landings North of Smokey was by jigger. Reports indicate the abundance of cod along this entire area. Next year could see a more directed catch effort in this area. Two Fishery Officers, Brenton and Quinton from this District are presently attending a Fishery Officers Law Enforcement course at RCMP Academy in Regina.

Violations have been on the increase with 51 reported to date. All but two have been disposed of. Fourteen involved seizures from persons unknown. In all other cases convictions were registered with fines ranging from $50.00 to $200.00 and where applicable all items seized were forfeited to the Crown. District Office held another meeting recently with the Indian Band Council from North West River. This is part of an ongoing process to educate then in the area of Conservation and Protection.

District Protection Officer A. Pittman is presently at the RCMP Academy in Regina where he is acting as co-ordinator for the Fisheries Law Enforcement Course. INSPECTION PAGE FOUR

The squid fishery is virtually over for the season. Processors enjoyed a successful year with a greater volume and better quality of production. The flurry of activity with dried squid caught some unawares. While at the start of the season there were quality problems when production got into full swing the producers (fisher-men-women-children-processors) learned how to dry them properly and by the end of the season a large percentage was excellent quality. The dried squid are being exported tel qual save that tainted, decomposed or unwholesome squid are being dumped. It is hoped that as an incentive to protecting the market grade descriptions will be put in place for dried squid. If this is done the product will come to demand our premium quality and give a better return for the fish produced. This scenario has taken place with our production of pickled herring fillets in the last few seasons.

ECONOMIC SERVICES

We fully realize that at this time of year our field staff is drastically reduced in number. Most seasonal staff are struck off strength and many full time staff are attending courses etc. However, despite our never ending problems, national and international organizations such as NAFO and CAFSAC still require our regular statistics reporting to continue.

In many areas there is still some activity with inshore fisher- men involved in herring, mackerel and dried squid and some plants trucking fish from others areas for processing. In particular we should carefully watch fisherman-pack herring and mackerel for community statistics purposes and we must maintain regular reporting. I apologize for any extra work load that may be placed on our field staff and can only say that it is a very necessary duty that we must perform. Many of you I will not see for some time to come thus I will take this opportunity to thank you for your co-operation during the year and to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS PAGE FIVE

It appears that approximately 40 marine job creation projects will be approved for central Newfoundland this winter. Those approved to date are listed below:

Community Project Funding Rencontre East Breakwater Reconstruction $ 39,664 Fishermen's Wharf 72,000 Boxey Slipway Repairs, Groyne Const. 50,967 Wreck Cove Slipway & Wharf Extension 50,967 Sandyville Breastwork Construction 26,096 Pool's Cove Slipway Reconstruction 25,620 Slipway Construction 25,821 Salvage Wharf & Plant Extension 86,406 Lushes Bight Fishermen's Wharf Extension 78,780 Norris Arm South Community Wharf Extension 63,102 Botwood Small Craft Wharf Completion 25,000 Stoneville Fishermen's Wharf Construction 60,000 Purcell's Harbour Fishermen's Wharf Construction 65,000 Badger's Quay Mooring Wharf Construction 83,000 Wareham Longliner Wharf Construction 75,000 Braggs Island Fishermen's Wharf & Stage 72,000 Stag Harbour Wharf Replacement 84,945 Virgin Arm Wharf Replacement 65,000 St. Chad's Wharf Repairs 32,464 Island Harbour Wharf Extension 84,945 Frederickton Wharf Completion 55,146 Main Point Slipway Construction 30,000 Little Burnt Bay Wharf Reconstruction 60,000 Cull's Harbour Fishermen's Wharf Construction 48,000 Glovertown Wharf & Launch Construction 45,000 Musgrave Harbour Wharf Construction 60,839

Further approvals will be listed in next month's newsletter. No funds have been approved for Small Craft Harbours involvement in these projects to date. From tle staff of Small Craft Harbours - Christmas Greetings and a Happy New Year. F.A.P. PAGE SIX

The Subsidy Committee recently approved a number of vessels under the Vessel Subsidy Program and word is expected from Ottawa shortly on who will be given the final approval. Most shipyards are in need of extra construction contracts for the coming spring, and it is my understanding that the Fisheries Loan Board is having some problems, which in turn may affect construction in that funds are not available from this source. Many vessels under the program are now nearing completion and there will be a short period before new vessels are started, which could mean lay-offs for some shipyards. The vessel insurance. program is going strong with many requests again for insurance coverage. Anyone requiring marine insurance can contact myself or Fred Bishop through the Grand Falls office. 44

JANUARY 1980 No. 14 Editor: A. Kelly Coordinator: A. Thistle

CONTENTS 44_ 1 Area Management 1 Conservation & Protection District 3 4 2 Conservation & Protection District 3 Inspection and Technology 4 Fisherman's Assistance Plans 5 Economic Services. 6 Small Craft Harbours 6 Personal - AREA MANAGE'4ENT PAGE ONE

1. As part of an annual review and evaluation exercise, Research and Resource Services are planning to hold an inter-departmental review session on January 7, 1980. An overview of research programs is to be presented which will be followed by a discussion period.

2. Mr. Wayne Thistle, LLB, Registrar or Memorial University of Newfoundland, has been appointed to chair a Special Committee to review existing policy for the licencing of the crab and herring fishery for the east and northeast coast of the province. Dr. C. R. Barrett, president of the College of Fisheries and Mr. Aidan Maloney, Chairman of the Fisheries Prices Support Board, will serve as members. Both fisheries have undergone substantial development in recent years and the special committee will examine among other things, whether stocks are adequate to support additional licences or whether the total fishing effort should be contained.

3. Herring Advisory Committee met at the Board Room, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre on December 11, 1979 to discuss the herring management plan as it pertains to St. Mary's, Placentia and Fortune Bays. This meeting was a result of a recommendation by the Northeast Coast Working Group who met on November 20, 1979. Topics-covered were, resource projections, economic considerations, 1980 management plan, TAC's and resource allocations. As a means of attaining some of the manaoement objectives requested by Gulf based interests, the following measures will be introduced in 1980.

(a) Fixed gear allocations are to be managed the same way in 1980 as in the past, that is allowances rather than quotas.

(b) Following consultations, mobile quotas will be further sub- divided on a seasonal basis where necessary. When quotas are reached, the directed fishery will he closed.

(c) Effective Janaury 1, 1981 a minimum mesh size of 130 mm, irrespective of material will be is 71e7lented and enforced for all parts of all towed groundfish fishi- gear.

CONSERVATION & PROTECTION DISTRICT 3

The following herring quotas were announced on December 21, 1979. Area TAC P.S. R.N. B.S. Gillnets & Traps

Fortune Bay 1000 MT 100 0 800 100 Placentia Bay 1400 MT 100 900 100 300 St. Mary's Bay 1100 MT 0 650 150 300

. .2 -2-

No quotas have been announced for the East and Northeast Coast of the Province. However, the season for fixed gear including bar seines opened on January 1, 1980. While no announcement has been made concerning the purse seine or ring net fishery it is anticipated that the season will not commence until April 1. An interim arrangement for haddock in sub area 5 has been agreed to with large vessel owners. For the month of January vessels greater than 100' will be restricted to a maximum catch of 80,000 lbs. under the terms of a special licence. During January a meeting will be held to work out a Haddock Management Plan for the remainder of 1980.

The final draft of the Atlantic Groundfish Management Plan for 1980 was announced late in December. A 180,000 MT quota of cod was announced for ICNAF Division 2J, 3KL. This quota is of prime interest to fishermen along the Labrador and Northeast Coasts of the Province. Of this amount, 110,000 MT went to the inshore fishery with the remainder going to vessels greater than 65' LOA. The greenland halibut quota 2 + 3KL which is also important to eastcoast fishermen was sat at 34,000 MT. Of this amount 25,000 MT went to inshore fishermen. There will be no directec: fishery for cod on the Grand Banks until at least March of 193. 7).is was announced by Fisheries and Oceans Minister, James McGratfi December 21, 1979. The announcement came about as a result of a recommendation made by scientific staff. Until then cod will C7111' '72 taken as a 10 per cent by-catch of other species being fished in te area. Also for 1980, all mobile gear used in taking groundfi ill he under quota control. In 1979 quota controls did not to vessels less than 65'. Details to standardize mesh size in groundfish gillnets are to be announced shortly. It now appears that there will be a minimum mesh size of 140mm - ( 5 1/2 incThs) implemented by January 1, 1981. It is felt that as groundfish stocks recover serious consideration will be given to increasing the minimum mesh size to 152mm (6 inches)_.

Sub-District Supervisor, D. Decker, who was formally located at Twillingate has now been re-located to Gander. Supervisor Decker took up the position on December 15, 1979. Three officers attending the Training Seminar at the RCMP Academy, Regina, returned to the District and took up active duty around mid-December. CONSERVATION & PROTECTION DISTRICT 4

SECOND IN A SERIES OF LASRADOR COMMUNITIES

MARY'S HARBOUR The return of the seal and salmon fishery on the Labrador for 1784-5 claims Mary's Harbour had two residents in the salmon fishery at that time. Mary's Harbour residents have long used nearby Battle Harbour as their summer fis:11_ residences. The business firm at Battle Harbour is one of th_ oldest on the coast, first established in 1775. CO'IMUNITY INFORMATION

Location: 204 air miles from Goose Bay Population: 450

Power: Local generator/Newf•dland and Labrador Hydro Water: Individual wells

Fuel: Available from General - :ore.

Transportation: Air - Labra Airways

Marine - C..7c', Coastal Boat

Local - and Boat Communication: Telephone - ioundland Telephone (DDD) Radio/TV - Cfrom Newfoundland Mail - local 'I.Dst office

Facilities/Services - 1 Fis7-: -- cessing plant 1 IGA _..ing Station, 1 nurse Education: 6 room school, --tachers

RCMP Detachment: 1 regular :er and on special constable. Federal Fisheries: 1 six mori -arden

Resource Industry; Fishery of Forestry. Summer Fishing Stations: Battle Harbour, Indian Cove, Matthew's Cove Camp Islands, Carrol's Cove and Henley Hr. —

INSP7CTION PARASITES IN GROUNDFISH

Production of groundfish is often affected by infestation of various parasites in the fish flesh. Three species generally affected to varying degrees are cod, perch, and flounder. The cod worm or seal worm known scientifically as Porrocaecum decipiens is the most familiar and affects mostly cod but also flounder where concentrations of the parasite are high. The worm is approximately one inch in length, colored creamy white to dark brown and is usually coiled within the fish flesh. It is usually found in most • inshore fish as well as heavily infesting cod and flounder caught in the Southern Gulf Region. Studies have shown that landed fish which has been gutted do not contain as high numbers of parasites as do round fish. The worm has been known to cause a health problem in man and is aesthetically offensive to the consumer. -4-

The parasite is killed by 72:::er freezing, salting etc. and when the fish is properly cooked. The dead worms present no health hazard.

Most plants make an effort to remove the parasite to give a more desirable product. The fillets are "candled" i.e. passing the fillets over plexiglass sheets through which fluorescent light is passed, showing the worm as a dark spot in the fillet. The worm is then removed using anything from a pair of forceps to a bent fish hook. This process is very labour intensive and results in a poorer product since the fillet is torn and ragged and has to be used in the production of fish blocks. Perch is another species affected by parasites, the most visible of which is the Syphyrion lumpi. The parasite resembles a berry hanging from the flesh by a sting. The head is embedded beneath the skin in the flesh. It is 77:ost prevalent in northern fishing zones such as 2J and does not therefnre affect much of the landings of perch on the South Coast. The parasite is very difficult to remove and consequently most fish affec -: - T are discarded. FISHERMA'E :,:.SSISTANCE7PLANS

The FAP Branch has recently E, . a number of vessels under the Subsidy Program. These vessel:. should be completed in 1980, however some of the wooden vessels not be completed until early 1981. There may be other contract: vessel construction but this remains undecided at this time proms d-le to the Federal election, which is now underway.

The Insurance Program contin as usual, although requests for coverage have been slow. i again should pick up in the Spring as fishing activity and gooc'l -,3ather starts to improve almost everything. ECONOMIC SERVICES

Preliminary figures for fish landings in Labrador for 1979 shows' a significant increase over 1978. This is particularly true for groundfish species.

Shown below are comparison figures for 1979 and 1978 by species in round weight. Please note that these are not the official statistics from Regional Office but rather figures collected direct from buyers. Official statistics will appear in the Central Area Annual Report which will be prepared during the next few months.

SPECIES 1979 1978 COD 21056018 15908036 ROCKCOD 826353 (included with cod) SALMON 66940E 1027149 CHAR 511139 685181 TROUT 57L40 58587 TURBOT 2273935 10860 HERRING 410324 682152 SCALLOPS 14649 CATFISH 37779 FLOUNDER 12028 HALIBUT 1868

TOTAL 25736678 18373006 -6-

Small Craft Harbours

The following marine job creation projects have been announced for Central Newfoundland. These are in addition to those listed in last month's Newsletter.

Community Project Funding Coomb's Cove Wharf Reconstruction $58,248 Newstead Wharf Construction 83,000 Joe Batt's Arm Wharf & Plant 50,000 Tilting Wharf Repairs 40,000 Point Leamington Slipway Construction 20,865 South Brook Wharf Reconstruction 76,154 Beachside Wharf Extension 90,720 Harry's Harbour Wharf Extension 65,983 Ming's Bight Wharf Reconstruction 90,400 Little Bay Wharf Replacement 60,000 Middle Arm Wharf Extension 46,710

Small -Craft Hartou:.s, District 3, has been allocated $240,000 to assist the 50 projects approved to date. Fourteen of the projects are on the Bonavista Peninsula and have not been listed. This amount is approxi- mately one-third what is required. Unfortunately, many projects will be left uncompleted or will be scaled down with more than the usual amount of labour wasted as a result.

PERSONAL

Congratulations are extended to Ron and Dot Dewling on the birth of a daughter on ,7 anuary 9, a sister for Vanessa.

Allyson Fleck is now on maternity leave and will not return until August 15. A replacement has been found for her.

Mr. Ryan and family have just re_turned from a three week vacation in the States.

Al Moraze is the new Sub-District Supervisor for the Central Area. His headquarters will be located in Gander.