REGIONAL FIS HES NEWS
JANUARY, 1973.
L I h ( =PT. OF THE fVRONMEN FISHERIE SHRVICH ert. JOHN'S
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Environment Environnement 14 Canada Canada
F sheries Service NEWFOUNDLAND REGION Service des nches CANADA CHARTERS FREEZER TRAWLER FOR EAST COAST WINTER FISHERY For the first time a Canadian-manned freezer trawler strengthened for operating in ice is fishing for cod in the Labrador-Northern Grand Banks area of the Northwest Atlantic. The British fishing vessel "Boston York" left St. John's during the latter part of January on the first of several experimental and exploratory voyages to the north. She is attempting to take large quantities of groundfish, mainly cod, in an area previously unexploited by Canadians in the winter. It is hoped that as a result of the undertaking Canadian fishing concerns will be encouraged to equip a number of large freezer trawlers to operate in the offshore waters off Labrador. No Canadian ship equipped for such a venture is currently available. The skipper and fifteen crewmen are Canadian with only the mate, engineers, facotry manager and radio operator coming from England with the ship. The "Boston York" will operate from Newfoundland for the newt six months with expected voyages of 28 days or less, depending on the .* volume of the catches. One reason for the Canadian attempt to increase catches from the waters off Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland is to take as large a percentage as possible of Canada's groundfish quota. Last year for the first time quotas of cod were allotted to various countries fishing the Northwest Atlantic by the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries. Canada's quota was set at 71,000 metric tons for the Hamilton Inlet Banks and fishing grounds off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, a potential increase of 50,000 tons over the 1971 Canadian catch for the whole year for that area. To make it possible for Canadians to take advantage of this increased potential, the Canadian and Newfoundland Ministers of Fisheries decided to support the "Boston York's" charter. The 71,000 ton catch now possible will be part of the overall offshore quota of 570,000 tons for all countries in the entire ICNAF area. It is hoped that the offshore quota, in addition to providing protection for the cod stocks as a whole, will also benefit Canada's inshore fishermen whose catches are exempt from quotas. The new winter fishery in the northern area will also enhance Canada's presence in the Northwest Atlantic in the face of competition from other countries. The "Boston York" is a 212-foot vessel with 34 1/2-foot beam, a 2,500 horsepower engine, and a speed of 14 1/2 knots. She has a freezer capacity of approximately 30 tons a day and a hold capacity of about 450 tons of fish and can be operated in ice "Lloyd's rating plus 100 A-1 class 3." The fish caught will be cleaned on board and frozen immediately into 100- pound blocks. Federal scientists, engineers, and fishing specialists will be aboard during her voyages as well as provincial fishery officers and observers from the fishing industry. * * * * * * * * - 2 -
PARTY TOURS SOUTHWEST COAST FISH PLANTS The Fisheries patrol vessel "Cape Freels" sailed for a rendezvous somewhere in the north Atlantic during the week of January 7-13, reappearing early in the week of January 14 at Grand Bank.
On January 16 a Fisheries Service party led by Regional Director L. J. Cowley joined the vessel for a tour of fish plants on the southwest coast to Port aux Basques. Other members of the party were Marvin Barnes of Industrial Development Branch; R. E. Cutting, Resource Development Branch; and F. N. Clarke, Newfoundland Bait Service. According to Mr. Clarke the party visited fish processing plants along the southwest coast, Marystown to Port aux Basques, as well as "the superbly maintained bait depots at Grand Bank, Hermitage and Port aux Basques."
The party returned to St. John's via Deer Lake on Saturday, January 20. The Regional Director wishes to thank the many Fisheries Service personnel stationed in Districts "B" and "C", some of whom he had met for the first time, for their assistance in making his recent tour of the southwest coast fish plants a success. In particular he wishes to express appreciation for services rendered by Acting Captain Russell of the "Cape Freels", District Officer Andrew Hiscock of District "B", and Acting District Officer Lew Crane of District "C".
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PSAC LOCAL ELECTS EXECUTIVE
The annual general meeting of Environment Component Local 90001, Public Service Alliance of Canada, was held January 15 in Building 312, Pleasantville. Elected to the local executive for the next year were: Harold Murphy, President; Bill Manning, Vice-President; Ralph Cooper, Secretary; Fred Thomas, Treasurer; Ken Mercer, Vice-President, Engineering and Scientific Support: Basil Sears, Vice-President, Primary Product Inspection; Walter Butler, Vice-President, General Technical and Ships' Crews; Brian Tobin, Vice-President, Administrative Support; Mac Moss, Vice-President, General Labour and Trades; Roy Hart, Assistant to the Secretary.
Bill Manning and Ralph Cooper were appointed to represent the Public Service Alliance of Canada Local on the Labour Management Consultation Committee. The new mailing address of the local is P. O. Box 339, Mount Pearl. -3 -
AROUND THE REGION The National Sea Products deep sea trawler fleet was reduced by one on January 15 when the "Cape Brule" grounded on Seal Rocks, north of St. Pierre. The $2 million trawler was built at Marystown and launched late in the fall of 1972.
Two purse seiners were operating in Placentia Bay at month's end. However, only a fraction of the 7,500-ton quota of herring has been taken to date. The inshore effort has been on a small scale only so far this season.
A pre-season patrol of inland areas turned up a new excuse for an ice fisherman's presence on one of the more popular ponds. His statement was that he was trying out his new ice auger. There was a time when it was rubber boots.
John Emberley of District "A" again made what has become a monthly trip to Ottawa. Was it really a coincidence his visit and the $25 million announcement under proposed amendments to the Fisheries Development Act?
Mr. and Mrs. Arch Pitcher returned from a Toronto vacation during the month. Highlight of Arch's trip was his encounter with half gallon containers of a certain liquid at 52 storeys above the ground. The part of the trip they would both rather forget was his predicament on the C.N. train which resulted in the quick disposal of certain articles of clothing.
The Newsletter may, in future, have its own classified section with such ads as: Reward offered for information leading to the whereabouts of 1 Honda cycle, Serial Number 426028, Plate Number 2290. Contact P. O. Box 546, Corner Brook. Lost 120 tons green herring somewhere between Dildo and Witless Bay. Phone 726-7330.
J. M. King is well known for his green thumb and attempting the impossible. However, District "A" office has adopted a "wait and see" attitude in connection with his attempt to beautify a section of Duckworth Street. While turning up Prescott from Duckworth recently, a faulty tailboard caused King's ballast to break loose and land almost at the feet of the traffic cop. Salvage operations were successful, but only with assistance from two of the citv's finest.
Fishery Officer Mulcahy of District "A" is due to return to duty early in February minus some table muscles. C. Ponnell is awaiting a hospital bed. Nothing serious we hope...... .
Fishery Officer Alphonsus Pittman arrived at his new Placentia Headquarters in late January. Fishery Officers Ralph Randell and Derm rinlay of District "A" visited Halifax for meetings with officers recently involved in an exchange programme between Newfoundland and Maritimes Inspectors.
Fishery Officer Bill Manning suffered a painful accident as a result of a fall and is presently recuperating at home in a standing position.
District "A" Officer George Rendell visited Placentia Bay during the month re herring fishery operations and other parts of the District in connection with controlled fishing areas. He was accompanied by Conservation and Protection Supervisor Bren Paul.
Proposed sign for the office door next to Ken Mercer's: "The Office of the President."
The most severe ice conditions for many years has isolated many communities along the whole northeast coast with resultant fuel and food shortages in several areas, notably Fogo, Change Islands, Long Island, St. Brendan's and Fishot Islands, thereby necessitating air lifts by both commercial and defence aircraft. The ports of Botwood and Lewisporte have been closed for almost a month. However, the ice has slackened considerably with a change in wind direction and a convoy of eight vessels are being escorted into Botwood and Lewisporte. This will give much needed longshore employment in addition to relieving the newsprint congestion at both Grand Falls and the seaport of Botwood.
The heavy ice conditions in District "D" have prevented landsmen from taking any seals except in the Little Bay Islands area where good kills have been reported up to mid January. Smaller numbers were taken in the LaScie-Nipper's Harbour area.
The trout angling season opened on January 15 and some enthusiasts from District "D" were seen at their favourite ponds but there are no reports of any great angling efforts or catches.
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After several weel-s of intense preparation, the Ryan Salmon Policy expedition finally sailed at the first of the new year. Purchasing will confirm that there is no possibility of any of the members suffering from either climatic conditions or transportation difficulties. Officers at St. Anthony report that the expedition spent several days in that frigid area before retreating to the more liveable conditions in the southern part of District "D" leaving Fred Clouter to go it alone in the north.
Two of our Seasonal Wardens in District "D" are in the running for the award for the least productive trappers of the year. Greg Johns and 5 - 5 -
Horace Gillingham reported in for two and three rabbits respectively after seven days of hunting in the northwest Gander area. This is really changed times from the great hunters, trappers and outdoorsmen to be found in that neck of the woods in former years. Perhaps Ron Green will take pity on the poor families by providing a few Gambo rabbits, which are reported to be better than a rock in the pot.
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT NOTES
Several biologists attended the Committee for Canadian Freshwater Fisheries Research conference in Halifax January 3-5.
R. E. Cutting toured the south coast with the Regional Director in mid January. The prupose was to view fish processing facilities and meet plant managers.
Most groups are engaged in report writing and making plans for the next field season. Field work was limited and most staff are confined to office work at headquarters.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hart on the birth of a baby boy January 13.
6 REGIONAL FIS I E NEWS
FEBRUARY _ 1 973
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Environment ,Environnement I+ Canada Canada NEWFOUNDLAND REGION Fisheries Service Service des Peches EXTENSIVE SHIP BUILDING PROGRAM PLANNED FOR FISHERIES AND MARINE SERVICE
A new, five-year $50 million vessel construction program to modernize and increase the effectiveness of Canada's fishery protection and research fleets was announced recently by Fisheries Minister Jack Davis. Plans were also announced for construction of new vessels to support increasingly important requirements for ocean mapping and geophysical surveys, particularly related to offshore exploration for oil and other minerals, as well as Arctic pollution hazards. "If Canada is to effectively manage the renewable and mineral resources of our vast offshore territory, it's apparent that our scientific and fisheries patrol vessels must be capable of operating 100 miles and more off the coasts for extended periods," said Mr. Davis. "This in turn demands greater seaworthiness and, consequently, larger vessels with higher speeds to carry out the task." Several factors underline the need for expanding the Fisheries and Marine Service fleet. The 1970 decision by Canada to establish a 12-mile territorial sea and exclusive fishing zones on the East and West Coasts has created a much larger area for surveillance to guard against foreign fishing fleet encroachment. This area will be increased considerably if Canada is supported before the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference later this year for international recognition of the responsibility of coastal states for effective management of the continental shelf resources. In Canada's case, this would involve supervision of coastal waters up to 300 miles offshore. In addition, the recent decision by member countries of the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries (ICNAF) to implement national catch quotas for herring, cod and other species, has resulted in increased offshore activity for fisheries research and patrol vessels. Another contributing factor calling for expanded activity is the increasing task of the Canadian Hydrographic Service in undertaking the mapping of the entire continental shelf. "Our protection and scientific vessels are going to be busier, and operating farther off our coasts than ever before," said Mr. Davis. "It's important that we have the ships and equipment to support our national and international commitments." The total amount provisionally budgetted for replacement or construction of new vessels in the Fisheries and Marine Service over the next five years is approximately $53 million. The projected vessel construction program of the Fisheries and Marine Service of Environment Canada is as follows: 2 - 2-
Fisheries Conservation and Protection:
Top priority will be given to construction of a $4.15 million 200-foot offshore patrol vessel for Newfoundland, with a 1975-76 completion date. Work will also start on plans for two similar vessels, one for the Pacific and one for the Atlantic coast, with completion expected by 1978.
Plans are already well advanced for a new 95-foot protection vessel for the Atlantic region. This is due for completion in 1974-75 at an estimated cost of $700,000. Work will proceed on replacements for three 48-foot Newfoundland-based patrol vessels, in addition to a number of smaller craft. In all, 17 medium-sized patrol vessels operating on the East and West Coasts and in the Northwest Territories are to be replaced by new vessels over the next five years at a total estimated :ost of approximately $4.1 million.
Fisheries Research:
Planning will start immediately on an ice-stregthened offshore research vessel for the Atlantic region, to be built at an estimated cost of '7.0 million. Construction is expected to be completed in 1974 of a $1.0 million, 85-foot research vessel for East Coast operations and a start will be made on replacements for two smaller Atlantic-based research vessels at a combined cost of approximately $550,000. Plans are also to be prepared for a $2.6 million continental shelf experimental trawler. Construction planned over the next five years includes a $4.0 million major research vessel, a 90-foot experimental halibut fishing vessel for the West Coast and 10 other specialized research vessels, ranging from a 40-foot launch to a 75-foot barge.
Marine Sciences:
Priority will be given to the planning and construction of scientific vessels at an overall cost of about $8.0 million, spread over the next five years, to support hydrography and oceanography programs. Construction will begin this year on a $400,000 85-foot monitorira vessel for the Great Lakes.
The Service's existing fleet consists of 117 vessels of nine tons or more, of which 32 exceed 70 feet in length. The largest number (78) is engaged on fisheries patrol work, 18 are operated by the Fisheries Research Directorate and 21 are attached to the Marine Sciences Directorate.
TRAWLER CAPTAIN FINED $500
The Captain of a Canadian fishing trawler was ordered to pay a fine of $500 or spend six months in jail when he appeared in Magistrate's Court at Port aux Basques February 27 on a charge of fishing inside the 12-mile limit.
The penalty was imposed on Captain George LeLievre of the Magdalen Islands mid-water trawler "G. C. Harve Aubert". The defendant was charged with a breach of Section 51(3) of the Fisheries Act. - 3 -
The trawler was intercepted February 15 by the Federal Fisheries Patrol Vessel "Gander Bay", under the command of Captain George Parsons, nine miles from Cape Anguille.
The case was heard before Magistrate J. LeClair.
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AROUND THE REGION
Supervisory Conservation and Protection Officer Bill Davis of District "A" attended a course at Memorial University entitled "Dynamics of Supervision." Watch out! while in the city, Bill took time out to attend the local cinema for a showing of "Swedish Fly Girls." Immediately after the movie, his wife was summoned to St. John's.
A certain eating establishment in District "B" advertises on its menu "Poached Salmon." Perhaps a visit by Conservation and Protection officers in the district is in order.
Inspection officers from around the region gathered in St. John's to attend a Pickled Fish Course. The course was chaired by Basil Sears with the assistance of Fred LeDrew. All inspectors indicated an informative session.
Derm Finlay remains a patient at St. Clare's Hospital recuperating from a bout with pneumonia.
Conservation and Protection Officer Fred Fleming will be accompany- ing the M.V. "Carina" to the ice this season.
Recent heavy rains provided some anxious moments for a couple of District "A" staff. B. J. Emberley arrived St. John's from one of his regular Ottawa visits in time for the opening of his new living room swimming pool complete with a carpet bottom. Mother Nature decided that J. M. King's pool would be in his basement. Competition for design between King and Emberley was keen. However, King won on water depth.
The District Officer and the Conservation and Protection Supervisor from District "A" plus a distinguished guest in the person of Mr. L. Riche were burning the midnight oil recently while attending cod trap fishery meetings. There was also an odour of burnt rubber in the Bauline area as a result of difficulty in reaching agreement between parties involved in the dispute. Fishery Officers Davis and Cram were also engaged in heavy combat in the northern section of the district. - 4 -
Fishery Officer William P. Davis and Conservation and Protection Supervisor Paul were invited to the Fisheries College for talks on regulations connected with the fisheries. Fishermen attending the session showed an interest in this type of "get together" and instructors hinted that such talks may be scheduled regularly.
Snowfall this season in District "C" has to be the highest on record with over 208 inches having fallen so far this year. Accompanied on times by freezing rain, the district now has layers equal to concrete and anything less than a jackhammer serves very little purpose in snow removal. The severity of the storms caused schools to be closed on occasion and local roads, as well as the Trans Canada Highway became blocked to traffic.
When weather conditions permitted fishing operations were carried out in the Port aux Basques and Rose Blanche areas. Some good catches resulted with longliners averaging from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds per day. Herring, however, were quite scarce and ten or twelve seiners tied up at Port aux Basques was a common sight.
Throughout the month constant coastal patrols were carried out in the Port aux Basques-Bay St. George area by the "LOMOND", "GANDER BAY" and "CAPE FREELS" as a number of local and foreign trawlers were quite active in the area. One mainland mid-water trawler was apprehended inside the limit by the "GANDER BAY" on February 15, and with charges having been laid on February 20, the court hearing was set for Tuesday, February 27, 1973.
During the week February 19 to 23 a number of personnel from District "C" attended courses at Regional Office. While one of these dealt with pickled fish the other was entitled "Dynamics of Supervision." Officers attending were D. Denny, J. Cheeseman, J. Vavasour and E. Collins. Officer Ken May was also scheduled to attend but unfortunately was forced to enter hospital at St. John's for an operation on the same day as the course was to commence. We are not sure as to the nature of Ken's illness but we wish him a speedy recovery.
Active these days throughout District "C" is Fishery Officer B. Parsons. Bud has by now made the acQuaintance of a number of former salmon fishermen who greet him with open arms and wide grins. Good old St. Nicholas was never more welcome than Bud at some fishermen's homes.
A welcome visitor to District "C' during the third week of the month was Miss Cathy O'Brien. Between both radio and television stations Cathy had a very busy three days and her taped shows are to be seen on T.V. in the near future.
5 Another welcome visitor was veteran Arch Thornhill. On matters involving provincial fisheries Skipper Arch spent an afternoon at District Office and after spending 43 years on the Grand Banks and the past 12 years with government he is still in his own words "as fit as a fiddle."
Warden C, Butt was taken on strength in District "C" February 19.
After the record cold spell in District "D" during January, the weather improved during the first half of February and everyone thought that the winter was over and summer not too far away. However, since mid-February high winds and heavy snowfalls have been the order of the day, especially in Central and Northern Newfoundland and at present there is a greater accumulation of snow than for many years.
Ice conditions around the whole northeast coast are also the worst in recent years and the ice breakers are having great difficulty in escorting ships to the ports of Botwood, Lewisporte and Bale Verte. Airlifts are continuing to Pogo, Change Islands and St. Brendan's, bringing in fuel and foodstuffs which are in short supply.
Extremely poor weather and the ice blockade has greatly hampered sealing operations by landsmen, with very few seals taken to date except in the Green Bay and LaScie area, where longliners have taken advantage of the few days when ice moved a few miles offshore and these were successful in taking approximately 1,500 seals, mostly bedlamers.
All District "D" staff are grateful for the small tax concessions granted by the recent budget but no one stands to gain more than a certain genial Fisheries Warden in Sub-District D-4, who can now get all his attire at greatly reduced prices after the provincial and federal remission of the sales tax on children's clothing.
All District D" office staff are in perfect physical condition after the daily snow shovelling exercises of the past few weeks.
It is being reported by Santa's emissary, Hayward Ryan, that two of the reindeer are to be rechristened Fred and Jim before the next Christmas journeys begin.
GREAT HAPPENING: Who was the official seen walking to work in District "D" after a recent snow storm?
Deepest sympathy is extended to Fishery Officer Maldyn Crummey of Springdale whose father passed away during the weekend of February 10-11. - 6 -
INSPECTION BRANCH NOTES
A course dealing with pickled, marinated and spice-cured fish products was held at Regional Headquarters in February. Workshop aspects of the course were carried out under the supervision of Basil Sears and Fred LeDrew.
The training consisted of a review and discussion of regulations as they relate to existing and proposed legislation, It also dealt with practical physical examination of various classes and grades of pickled, marinated and spice-cured herring products as well as pickled mackerel, salmon and Arctic char.
Fisheries Inspection Officers attending the course were: E. Pardy, •aScie J. Cheeseman, Stephenville R. Dawe, Lewisporte A. Stone, Burgeo F. Hounsell, Valleyfield J. Vavasour, Corner Brook R. Cramm, Old Perlican H. Rumbolt, Heart's Desire R. Andrews, Carbonear L. Dalton, Catalina
John Emberley visited Ottawa in February to co-ordinate informa- tion provided by all regions on proposed standards for fishing vessel certifica- tion under the Fish Inspection Regulations. This program will hopefully materialize in 1975 when it is expected that all vessels catching or trans- porting fish will have to meet certain minimum requirements.
Mr. G. Anderson, Assistant Director of the Inspection Branch, Ottawa, visited the region February 21 to review bacteriological standards with laboratory personnel.
Dave Clark resigned during the month from the Inspection Laboratory and was struck off strength February 28.
Congratulations are extended to Bob and Mary Lou Mills on the birth of a baby girl February 6.
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COMMERCIAL BAN ALLOWS RECOVERY OF ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKS
Atlantic salmon stocks on Canada's Atlantic coast are showing definite signs of recovery after a season closed to commercial fishing.
Scientific assessments of 1972 salmon runs in major Maritime rivers, released by Fisheries Minister Jack Davis, show that numbers of salmon reaching spawninq- areas of New Brunswick's Miramichi, Restigouche and St. John watersheds were two to three times larger than in 1971. Commercial fishing in the estuaries of these watersheds, and in the Port aux Basques area of southwestern Newfoundland, was banned last spring because of declines in Maritime salmon stocks. An increase in the proportion of large salmon, fresh from two full years at sea, has resulted in spawning egg deposits four to five times that of 1971, Mr. Davis said.
The size of the spawning stock of :,,tlantic salmon in these rivers in 1972, although still low when compared with earlier years, has reversed the downward trend over the past decade.
Commercial salmon fishermen affected by the commercial fishing ban have been assisted financially by the federal government.
Adjustment allowances for income loss, or compensation for redundant gear, have been made' to 1,119 fishermen in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Newfoundland. Payments to date total $2,093,993.
The program offered to fishermen significantly dependent upon fishing for their livelihood a choice: Either to accept payment for their salmon fishing assets and cancellation of their salmon fishing licences, or to accept compensation for loss of income from salmon fishing, and to remain eligible to re-enter the fishery when it re-opened. Fishermen not significantly dependent upon fishing for their livelihood were eligible to be paid only for their salmon fishing assets.
Payments for fishing assets turned over to the Department were calculated at 100 per cent of original cost, pro-rated to time used in salmon fishing in relation to time used for other purposes, without depreciation; and, for items retained by fishermen, at 75 per cent of original cost pro-rated to time used in salmon fishing.
Income loss allowances were based on fishermen's average gross income from salmon fishing, as calculated for their best three consecutive seasons in recent years. Income compensation payments are to continue annually, to a maximum of five years, while commercial salmon fishing is prohibited.
Income compensation payments total $1,389,103 to date, while $704,890 has been paid for salmon fishing assets. Further payments.are to be negotiated in individual cases, including about 1,500 fishermen in Newfoundland who are not significantly dependent upon fishing for their livelihood.
8 REGIONAL FIS I LIES NEWS
MARCH 1973.
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- FINED FOR VIOLATING FISHING LIMIT The captain of a Canadian fishing trawler was fined $600 or six months in jail when he appeared in Magistrate's Court at Port aux Basques April 6 on a charge of fishing inside the 12-mile limit.
Joseph Geonet, skipper of the Caraquet, New Brunswick, trawler "Scotia Cape" was charged with a breach of Section 51(3) of the Fisheries Act. The trawler was intercepted March 24 by the Fisheries patrol vessel "Cape Freels" about 9 3/4 miles from Cape Ray off Port aux Basques. The case was heard before Magistrate J. LeClair.
Meanwhile the skippers of four other Canadian trawlers are scheduled to appear in court at Port aux Basques April 27 to answer similar charges.
DISAPPOINTING SEASON FOR CANADIAN SEALING VESSELS It has been a rather disappointing season for most of the Canadian vessels participating in the 1973 seal hunt on the Front.
There are six Canadian vessels taking part in this year's seal harvest and up to press time between them they had taken only 31,000 seals, slightly more than one-half the Canadian quota of 60,000. Only one of the Canadian ships, the "Arctic Endeavour" under the command of veteran sealing skipper Jim Gillett, experienced any amount of good fortune. For the other five it has been a frustrating season at the Front to say the least. The 50-man crew of the "Endeavour" has managed to kill approximately 14,000 harp seals up to the time this issue of the newsletter was being compiled. However, the other five Canadian sealers -- "North Star VI", "Theron", "Carino", "Theta" and "Tem" -- had taken only about 17,000 between them.
It was a short-lived and extremely disappointing season for the crew of the "Lady Johnson", the only Newfoundland vessel involved in the 1973 seal fishery. The "Lady Johnson", a late departer for the ice fields, became jammed in heavy ice off Cape Bonavista shortly after setting sail for the hunt and was forced to return to her home port of Catalina without a single pelt on board.
Ten Norwegian vessels are participating in the annual harvest and up to press time they had taken an estimated 54,000 harp seals, just 6,000 short of the quota, and about 6,000 hooded seals. Of course, there is no quota on hood seals. Meanwhile, landsmen in sections of Notre Dame Bay are meeting with exceptional success this sealing season. At last report sealers in this area operating longliners and speed boats had taken between 19,000 and 20,000 seals.
2 The 1973 seal hunting season on the Front for vessels over 65 feet in length closes April 24. There is no season for landsmen. - o - o - o -
FISHERY OFFICER RETIRES
Philip Keating, Fishery Officer with Conservation and Protection Branch in District "B", retired from the Fisheries and Marine Service in March.
Born and educated at Grand Bank, Mr. Keating was employed with Grand Bank Fisheries with whom he served as a full-time culler, packing and grading salted cod fish and acting in the capacity of checker.
He joined the Department of Fisheries March 20, 1950, as an Inspection Officer and served in that capacity until conversion of classes and grades on July 1, 1967, when he was attached to Conservation and Protection Branch. He served with Conservation and Protection Branch until his retirement on March 11, 1973.
We wish to extend to Mr. and Mrs. Keating best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
AROUND THE REGION
The commercial fishing activity in District "A" is mainly an offshore effort and has maintained full time production at the freezing plants. Herring landings in the catch quota areas have been light during the month. Preparations for the 1973 inshore fishery are well underway. Most of the fishing berths have been drawn, disputes settled and the issuing of commercial fishing licences continues. The arrival of the northern ice has also increased the demand for sealer's licences.
While it is too early to forecast any change in the number of lobster fishermen who will participate in the 1973 fishery, we are certain of a reduction by two in the Brigus area as a result of a recent directive from Headquarters. This is not expected to affect the overall Conception Bay catch, as their operation was considered a feeding "Bait the Ground" effort rather than one of earnest catching.
Many Conservation and Protection personnel, Newfoundland area, attended ICNAF meetings at Halifax during the month. Included from District "A" were District Officer G. Rendell, B. A. Paul, William Davis and Alphonsus Pittman. One member of the Newfoundland group was nicknamed "Chief Dan George" after it was agreed that he very closely resembled that famous Holywood character. In later hotel room discussion concern was felt for foreign reaction to the appearance of such a great chief on the Grand Banks. It was opined that loudspeakers throughout foreign fishing vessels would announce the arrival of the Canadians, followed by an order to prepare to receive the boarding party, noting that their chief would occupy the lead canoe. Navigators would check to ensure a North Atlantic
3 position rather than that of some inland waterway, while others would content themselves with the thought 'Treaty rights no doubt."
Ralph Randell has joined the select few at District "A" office known as "The Support a Doctor" group. Ralph paid a short visit to St. Clare's hospital March 27. His surgery was minor. In fact, his length of stay in hospital did not warrant the usual basket of fruit.
D. J. Finlay is well on the road to recovery and is back on the job...... R. S. Taylor is presently making the usual round of visits to specialists. As soon as they arrive at a decision as to how they will divide his problem to ensure the greatest individual gain, the operation will commence.
A. J. O'Keefe of District "A" is temporarily on the sick list with a recurrence of a cervical disc problem. . . Wardens T. Quinton and A. F. Parsons returned to seasonal employment March 14. The early taken on strength date was necessitated by Fishery Officer Fred Fleming's departure to the ice fields and a Fishery Officer vacancy existing at Catalina.
Seen at the Torbay Airport enroute Scotland during the month were Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Crockwell. Staff at District "A" wish them both a very pleasant holiday.
Contrary to the rest of the winter in District "C" the month of March came in like a lamb and has all the appearance of going out the same way - thus making a liar of the proverb "in like a lamb and out like a lion." ..... George LeLievre, Grindstone, Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Captain of the mid-water trawler G. C. HARVE AUBERT" appeared in Magistrate's Court at Port aux Basques late in February and was convicted under Section 51(3) of the Fishery Act. A fine of $500 was imposed. While the charge itself was fairly routine, the case was
. unique in that Captain LeLievre could not speak English and was represented by a French speaking lawyer, also from Quebec, requiring our Department to supply an interpretor. Anyone who has doubts about residents from the Port au Port Peninsula having the ability to speak French and carry on conversation with other French speaking people need not have them any longer. The interpretor used by our Department was none other than Fishery Officer A. Moraze, who hails from Mainland, Port au Port Peninsula. Al was sworn in as Chief Interpretor with a RCMP constable stationed at Port aux Basques, who could speak a little French, being sworn in as his assistant. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Al for his co-operation and a job well done.
It would appear that Fishery Officers throughout the Newfoundland Region are having difficulty in identifying American plaice (sand dab, 4 •v window pane, black back, etc.). However, for anyone experiencing this difficulty, help is at hand and our Department is not without experts in this field. Per information concerning proper identification, one should contact the expert stationed at District Office, District "A", who would be more than willing to provide the information.
A Board was held at District "C" Office on March 22 to fill the clerical position (seasonal) now vacant. The successful candidate will commence duties on April 2. • • • • • With the exception of the Port aux Basques-Rose Blanche area fishermen around District "C" were hampered in their fishing operations because of ice conditions. At present heavy ice conditions are being experienced along the whole of District "C". They are not expected to change for at least another month.
The C.G.S. "Cape Freels, the M.V."Gander Bay", and the M.V. "Lomond" were extremely busy maintaining offshore trawler patrols in the Cape St. George-Cape Ray areas. As high as forty trawlers were reported operating in the area at certain periods.
The Atlantic Salmon Co-Ordinator for District "C", B. R. Parsons spent several days on sick leave late in March due to a heavy bout of influenza. Bud will have to be extremely careful in future or the Santa Claus image built up over the past few months will fast deteriorate as many fishermen patiently wait for their money and do not consider influenza sufficient reason for keeping them from their cheques.
EXPANSION OF CRAB FISHERY TO NEW AREAS ADVOCATED
Areas of Newfoundland currently supporting the Queen Crab fishery are being fished at about their maximum sustainable yield, although much of the province's crab resource remains untapped, according to the Fisheries Research Board of Canada.
In both 1971 and 1972 the total crab harvest from Bonavista Bay and Trinity Bay was between one-half and one million pounds. The same level of catch may be expected in the future (unless there is a reduction in the minimum size of crab sold) if fishermen rotate their fishing effort over the few existing productive areas. Despite considerable exploration by both fishermen and government no new fishing areas of significant size have been found in these two bays and catch per boat remains low.
Conception Bay has been the area of greatest yield for crab fishermen in Newfoundland with the catch per boat being high and crabs large in size. However, over the last two years the catch has levelled off at about 1.5 million pounds per year, which is thought to be about the maximum sustainable yield.
The area within a few miles of shore between Cape St. Francis and St. John's harbour has proven to be more productive than expected. The catch in this area increased from 0.3 million pounds in 1971 to 1.0 million pounds in 1972, Although exploration to determine the extent 5 of this crab concentration has been minimal, it is likely that the 1972 catch level can be maintained.
Major areas of Newfoundland having an untapped crab resource in commercial concentrations are White Bay, Horse Islands, Notre Dame Bay west of New .erld Island, and Placentia Bay north of 40° N latitude. Crabs are found in many other locations around the island but areas with commercial concentrations are probably small. Although fishermen using bottom gillnets report large crab catches in many areas, these locations are not necessarily capable of supporting the crab fishery using traps. Gilinets are very effective crab catching devices. In any given area a boat crew may catch more crabs per day by fishing gillnets than by using crab traps. Unfortunately, gillnets are not suitable methods of crab fishing since the crustaceans are difficult to remove from gillnets and many are so badly damaged that they are unsuitable for processing.
While there is no legal minimum size limit for crabs, processors have set the minimum acceptable size of crabs for processing at four inches body shell width (just under one pound). In bays where there is a predominance of small crabs, as in Placentia Bay and Trinity Bay, a reduction of the minimum size to 3 3/4 inches would increase the area that could be profitably fished and increase the yield from the bays. However, in Conception Bay the crabs are large and such a reduction does not seem justified.
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INSPECTION BRANCH NOTES
Dave White attended a symposium on "Staphylococci in Foods" at Pennsylvania State University during the last two weeks of March. He also attended an interdepartmental shellfish meeting and another meeting at which Salmonidae Inspection Regulations were discussed. . .....
Don Cranford was taken on strength as a technician March 26.
Dr. C. M. Blackwood, Chief, Inspection Branch, Ottawa, and 0. M. Linton visited regional headquarters during the month for discussion on ice making equipment and fishing vessel surveys for 1973. . . . . .
Sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Saint of Catalina on the death of their baby daughter March 24.
LOBSTER FISHING SEASON OPENING DATES SET
The 1973 lobster fishing season in Newfoundland will open in most areas of the ,province in late April.
The season opens April 20 in all areas of the province with the exception of the section of coastline between Salmon Point and Cape Norman where it opens May 5. 6 Along the south coast of the province (Cape Race to Cape Ray) the 1973 lobster season will end June 30; from Cape Ray to Salmon Point fishing is permitted until July 5; from Salmon Point to Cape Norman the season concludes July 10; and from Cape Norman 43outh to Cape Race the season closes July 15.
It hasn't been determined vet just hew many lobster boats and fishermen will be participating in this year's lobster fishery. Last year, 5,120 lobster boats were registered; 7,967 lobster fishermen licenced; and four special lobster pound licences issued. Lobster landings during the year amounted to approximately 2.7 million pounds, a decrease of more than 400,000 pounds from the 1971 catch. * * *
7 LIST OF BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM REGIONAL LIBRARY
QK Kent, Graham R. 571 Quantitative survey of chondrus crispus in Bay of Islands, Newfoundland K43 by G. R. Kent & R. G. Buggeln. St. John's, Memorial University of Nfld. 1972. 20 p. illus.
RA Button, D. K. 1231 Biological effects of copper and arsenic pollution, Institute of C7B8 Marine Science, University of Alaska, 1971. 59 p. illus.
RA U. S. Geological Survey. 1231 Mercury in the environment. Washington, D. C., M5U5 67 p. illus.
SH International Atlantic Salmon Foundation. Atlantic 346 Salmon Workshop, edited by Wilfred M. Carter, 1971. 154
TD Joint Federal-Provincial Task Force. A preliminary study of the 226 environmental impacts of the James Bay Development project, J65 Quebec. 1971. 56 D. illus.
TO Water and Water pollution handbook, edited by 380 Leonard L. Ciaccio. New York, 1971 - W32
VM Scott, W. G. 148 Ferro-cement for Canadian Fishing vessels, compiled and edited S34 by W. C. Scott for Industrial Development Branch. 1971. 321 p. illus. Project Report No. 42
VM Greenius, A. W. 148 Ferro-cement for fishing vessel construction, II. G75 Prepared by the British Columbia Research Council for the Vessels and Engineering Division, Industrial Development Branch, Fisheries Service, Environment Canada. Ottawa, 1971. 113 D. illus. (Project Report No. 48.)
QR Meynell, Geoffrey, Guy. 65 Theory and practice in experimental bacteriology. 1970. M47 1970
PG Schapiro, Waldermar 2640 Collins Russian gem dictionary; soviet orthography; S34 Russian - English, English Russian. 768 p. 1967
- 30 - REGIONAL fIS I IES NEWS
APRIL - MAY, 1973
Environment Environnement Canada Canada Fisheries Service NEWFOUNDLAND REGION Service des P6ches FIVE EMPLOYEES RECEIVE 25-YEAR SERVICE PINS
Five employees of the Fisheries and Marine Service in Newfoundland received 25-year Service Pins and Certificates of Service in May. Receiving the awards were C.D. Parrott, Regional Manager, Fishing Vessel Insurance Plan; Andrew Hiscock, District Officer, Grand Bank; Alfred Pynn, Bait Depot Operator, Quirpon; Edward Akerman, Inspection Officer at Cupids and Alfred Andrews, Inspection Officer, Port de Grave.
A native of Winterton, Trinity Bay, Mr. Parrott taught school from September 1940 to August 1944. He joined the staff of the Provincial Auditor General's Department in May 1948 and the following year he assumed duties as Assistant District Treasury Officer attached to the Department of National Health and Welfare. He was appointed head of the Federal Fishermen's Indemnity Plan (now the Fishing Vessel Insurance Plan) in 1956. Mr. Parrott is married to the former Ellen S. Russell and they have two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Hiscock was born and educated at Winterton, Trinity Bay. He joined the Newfoundland Fisheries Board April 2, 1948, as an inspector and worked out of St. John's and Badgers Quay. In July 1960 he was appointed Assistant District Officer at Bonavista, transferring shortly after to a similar position at District Office in Curling. In September 1964 he was appointed District Officer at Grand Bank, the position which he still holds.
Alfred Pynn was born and educated at Quirpon. He was appointed Seasonal Assistant at the bait depot there in April 1948 under the Department of National Resources. He transferred to the Department of Fisheries under Terms of Union and was appointed bait depot operator at Quirpon November 10, 1951. Mr. Pynn is still employed in that capacity in his own home town.
Ed Akerman was born and educated at Cupids. He worked with H. B. Dawe at Cupids before joining the Newfoundland Fisheries Board in 1948. He is still employed in the Inspection Service in the Cupids area.
Alfred Andrews is a resident of Port de Grave. Before joining the Newfoundland Fisheries Board in 1948, he was employed with Monroe Export Com- pany for 12 years. Two sons followed his footsteps in Fisheries - Ray who is stationed at Grand Falls and Roland at Carbonear, both of whom are with the Inspection Branch.
BOWLING AWARDS PRESENTED The Fisheries Bowling League held its annual dance and presentation of awards in the Royal Canadian Legion Club, Mount Pearl, May 25. More than 100 persons turned out for the event.
Eugene Wiseman walked of with five of the trophies up for competition. He received the men's Top Average Award and trophies for the most improved bowler in the men's division, highest single, high triple and a trophy for being a member of the first place team.
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Other trophy winners were as follows: Most improved Lady Bowler, Patricia Hicks; High Single, Ladies Division, Martha Noseworthy; High Triple, Ladies Division, Audrey Burry; High Average, Ladies Division, Elizabeth Peet. Awards were also presented to the First Place Championship Team, Second Place Team and the Last Place Team. Members of the First Place Team were Peggy King, Teresa Morris, Bob Mills and Eugene Wiseman. Comprising the Second Place Team were Audrey Burry, Bud Butler, Nadie LaRosa and Ernie LaRosa, while the members of the Last Place Team were Bruce Bauld, Elsie Bauld, Eric Dunne and Mary Dunne.
The awards were presented to the winning bowlers by Regional Director and Mrs. L. J. Cowley.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR NEWFOUNDLAND BIOLOGICAL STATION APPOINTED
OTTAWA - Dr. A.W. May, Scientific Adviser, International Fisheries Branch, has been appointed Director of the Newfoundland Biological Station in St. John's.
Dr. May, 35, replaces Dr. Wilfred Templeman who retired in 1972. His appointment becomes effective July 1, 1973.
For the past two years Dr. May has represented the Fisheries and Marine Service on the Canadian delegation to the preparatory sessions for the third Law of the Sea Conference. He has served as scientific adviser on the Canadian delegation to the International Commission for the North- west Atlantic Fisheries since 1964. He has also served as a Canadian member and as chairman of several international scientific committees.
Dr. May was born in Newfoundland and began his career as a re- search scientist at the Newfoundland Biological Station in 1958, after being graduated from Memorial University at St. John's with the Governor-General's Medal for the highest standing in the graduating class of that year. He obtained his Ph.D in marine sciences from McGill University in 1966. His research interests were mainly in biology and stock assessment of cod, and more recently Atlantic salmon.
He is a member of the Canadian Society of Zoologists, Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists, and American Fisheries Society.
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CLOSURE OF ATLANTIC PORTS TO FOREIGN FISHERMEN UNDER STUDY
A special study is to be made into the possible effects of closing Canadian East Coast ports to foreign fishing fleets.
Fisheries Minister Jack Davis has asked Dr. Ernest P. Weeks of Ottawa, Chairman of the Canadian Saltfish Corporation, to carry out the study. His main task will be to assess the economic consequences of port closures upon Canadian merchants on the one hand, the Canadian fishing industry on the other. . . .3 "Our own fishermen have been asking us to close our ports to foreigners, especially those who fish indiscriminately near our shores", Mr. Davis said. "Two-thirds of all the fish caught in the North Atlantic are taken by foreign fishermen. Their big fleets are heavily subsidized. They'll be even more costly if they can't get into our ports to buy supplies and make repairs. Closing them, or even the threat of closing them, may cause them to back off our shelf".
Vessels from fifteen countries fish regularly in the North West Atlantic. They frequently call in at St. John's, Newfoundland and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Occasionally they also call in at Sydney, N.S. as well.
"Dr. Weeks is being asked to visualize", the Minister said, "what wo:_id happen if foreign fishing vessels no longer come into our ports. The supply of fuel, food, clothing, entertainment, etc., provides an income for some of our local merchants. But if, by keeping foreign vessels out, we increase our own Canadian catch, this additional income to Canadians could be of even greater benefit at home.
"We are concerned, of course, with the future of our fishermen in the outports. They do not benefit in any way from the visits of foreign fleets to our waters. Runs of fish coming inshore are depleted by foreign fishing operations on our shelf.
The small inshore fisherman has really been hurt by the big foreign trawler and I have a feeling that sound conservation practiced by Canadians in our own coastal waters will more than offset any loss in revenue resulting from the disappearance of foreign fleets", Mr. Davis said.
The Port of Vancouver, on Canada's West Coast, was closed to fishing vessels of the Soviet Union in March, 1970, following a dispute over fishing operations. The port was re-opened when the Russians agreed to stay away from the Big Bank off Vancouver Island.
Born in Mount Steward, Prince Edward Island, Dr. Weeks did under- graduate studies at Mount Allison University, Sackville, N.B. and attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He entered the Canadian public service in 1946 after 13 years in Britain and Europe. Since then he has been engaged in a wide range of activities with various departments including Reconstruction and Supply, Trade and Commerce, the Privy Council Office, Defence Production and Public Works.
Dr. Weeks was appointed in 1963 as Executive Director of the Atlantic Development Board. He has been Chairman of the Canadian Saltfish Corporation since 1970.
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AROUND THE REGION
DISTRICT "A" Heavy arctic ice which was packed close to shore in the north and northeast coast areas hampered inshore fishing operations. Loose ice also - 4 - entered St. Mary's and Placentia Bays causing a destruction of fishing gear in the Fairhaven - Southern Harbour area amounting to 600 gillnets. Fishery Officer Lynch assisted Provincial authorities in the investigation which re- sulted in settlement of individual claims. The only areas reporting lobster fishing activity are sections of Placentia Bay where catches are reported to be very good. Prices range from 90 to $1.10 per pound or about fifty- seven cents a mouthful.
Purchase of fishing gear under the Atlantic Salmon Program has gone forward as planned. Its success may be judged by the amount of equip- ment removed from this fishery, and lack of unfavourable comment from parties that keep a weather eye open for any usable ammunition. It has not been a simple matter! Weather conditions and absence of owners complicated most of the 370 personal interviews that had to be made. To date over 300 claims have been finalized and the 1972 program will be wound up by month's end.
It is fitting at this time and by means of this Newsletter to compliment Val O'Keefe and Neal Woodman, who quietly and unobtrusively turned in a tremendous job. Their experience and judgement lightened the home office load. A new member of the team, Derek King, was t.o. s. April 24th and will continue on into the 1973 program.
The P.S.A.C. dance April 27th deserves honourable mention, one good reason being the getting together of heart attacks and ulcers, another the display of footwork and dancing grace (the word is 100% correct) displayed by certain supervisors of the field guard. Val O'Keefe rates an "A" for "endurance". Compliments to the originators of this excellent "do".
Guardians are now being t.o.s. for the season. We are wondering if it is just coincidence that both paper companies report prospects of increased sales this year.
There are other ways of receiving a broken nose as Terry Quinton found out during hockey play-offs between Princeton and Arnold's Cove. In his role as a Conservation and Protection Warden such incidents are in the form of a threat only. This one was for real.
Our wishes for a speedy recovery go to Fishery Officer Frank Hartery who entered hospital during the month with an ulcer attack, and to Mrs.M.J. O'Neill who received treatment at St. Clare's. We are also certain that Mike is enjoying a new role of full responsibility for five younger O'Neill's.
Conservation and Protection Supervisor Bren Paul entered hospital late in the month for a check-up. Anything to get clear of cod trap dis- putes and requests for commercial salmon licences.
The commercial salmon fishery is off to a good start. Several sections of District "A" report the best catches in years. Who said the new Salmon Policy was no good? - 5 -
DISTRICT "B"
Lobster fisher en in Fortune Bay Cotaine.: good catches during the month and collections were maintln ,d by buyers. 1- rices ranged from 904 to $1.40 with the highest paid by .1- eyeTs 3t. l'ierre. Good catches were also made in the Petit Forte - South East Bight area of Placentia Bay. Else- where in the District results were geeezelly oily fEir.
The salmon season opened cn a bright rete for fishermen in the Burgeo area and on the tip of theleeeie :.-)einsele. These areas usually yield good runs of large seamon F-It the el:eet e ±:. the ,..? -esen and this year is no exception. Elsewhere, ;cod to reporte. rices on the local market ranged from 75t to $:, lb.
One fisherman in Faine :r. hoe intrecluc-el e new innovation to the passive method of cod-trFepcing. He in]tellel fish tineler on his boat and after finding a school of C0.1 sr::" his trap receltirg 11 3,000 lbs. What was more significant wa tait tee tle2 was see ;e a place not used by trap fishermen of the area pre-, Lo,:sly, 3three t.epe hove been placed in waters off the Burin Peninsu2a no 71-C(1S h , ve 1,eer. ,aide to date.
Boards continued di:ring mLy Ges:Dan positions and by the end of the month all were ceclete. the no- e isolated positions are being difficult to fill arel very =372,2 F.3 received for such places.
Fishery Offieer NalNye On: ees u; ,:eed '.' -eties of the G.T. 3 position and is now lv et ::eeystewe. We welcome him as one of our District staffa 1 : i with h!_m.
We were sorry to oe "._ - Fishery Officer Malcolm Starkes who moved to his home -tom of Sprirs',1e°' _ .-ystown. After having been trained in District w-a ,1-1 5a c valcone addition to District "D" staff.
Since Ge/roy the Grand Bank laboratory they have become affectionatelj knc:4;n as and Gerry".
Deepest sympathy is exteedee, from District "B" staff and especially Inspection personnel, to Mr. Lo:'n Henneseev on his recent bereavement.
DISTRICT "C"
If snowfall th- pa, , winter s:t a new record in the Corner Brook area, we can only aay that another was set weath_r wise during March and April months. On3y three- 1.i girt snow falls were recorded and temperatures for the Iaost part •a,ne -1 in the IL 7 1 :ies and forties during daylight hours with a fair ai;unt of suiscine.
After being idle all cr- 4 ng processing plants in District "C" got into high gear av ' when a 3arse body of herring made an appearance in Bay St, Geo-,ge< A lo,a1 of some t. - ..2nt3 local and mainland seiners
. . .6 are presently engaged in the fishery with most of the catch being processed for food purposes, when plants are able to cope with landings. However, meal plants throughout the District are also quite active and with warming temperatures and longer trips, it's very likely that they will be a lot busier during the coming weeks - - - "Once upon a time there was a little fish known as the herring".
April was a very busy month for staff working out of District Office as with the opening of the lobster season on April 20th there was a noted increase in licence applications received. To date some three thousand have been processed and it's expected that the total will reach some thirty- five hundred.
Ice conditions and strong winds prevented many fishermen from setting their traps during the first couple of days, but conditions im- proved somewhat around the latter part of the month. The fishery to date has been somewhat spotty but is expected to improve during May Month.
A total of seven seasonal wardens were taken on strength around mid month with three more scheduled to sign on May 1st.
Active with patrol duties again during the month was the Cape Freels, Gander Bay and Lomond. A number of foreign and local trawlers operated in the Bay St. George area during the early part of the month, only a few were reported as being operating at month's end.
To date no seals have been taken in the St. Barbe - Straits area.
As the result of a board held at Corner Brook March 22nd. for the position of CR 2, District Office, Mrs. Marion DuHart was the successful candidate.
DISTRICT "D"
During a recent helicopter tour of some processing plants in District "D", compliments of C & P Branch, a refueling stop was made at Moreton's Harbour. The first visitor to greet Inspection Officer Ray Andrews was a former co-worker from the sunny south - Larry Jones. Need- less to say his first request of "Have Gun Will Travel, Nev Dailey"' was a seal carcass to take back to Grand Bank.
Around mid April Inspection Officer Ray Andrews made a visit to St. Anthony. Snow was still several feet deep and ski-doos were quite active. The most encouraging part of the visit was to know that Officer Rex Matthews has his indoor swimming pool in operation, compliments of "mother nature" and Fisheries and Marine Service of Environment Canada. Every spring the basement of the departmental residence contains 1 to 3 feet of water (glacial melt) but swimming is discouraged since the building does not have central heating. Some day when environmental conditions improve, a furnace may be installed to permit vernal swimming, or maybe a new dwelling would be more appropriate.
.. .7 An employee of District "D" met a retired fishery officer. The present-day employee was demonstrating the heavy workload of the modern-day public servant. The retired gentleman was quick to point out that he would be more inclined to think that most of us were working hard trying to avoid work especially during the winter and early spring. Are there Merit Awards for former public servants???
"The Show Must Go On": Inspection supervisor John Dailey was called to Fogo Island recently to perform a re-inspection and possibly perform other related duties (such as collect wild meat etc.). Weather and ice conditions helped Dailey set some sort of a travel record. He completed the assignment to Fogo and returned to his home the same day via Carmanville and Gander. During the trip five different cars were pressed into service plus two ski- doos, one boat and a ski equipped plane.
District Office, Grand Falls, received a report from Fisheries Warden L. Freake, Joe Batts Arm that a heavily bearded suspicious looking character was seen .in the Fogo area for the past few days. As this man seemed to be very interested in matters concerning fishermen and fishery matters, especially catches, the Fisheries Warden felt he should report to District Office before notifying the RCMP. However, later information re- vealed that the bearded one was none other than an officer of the Economics and Intelligence Branch who was delayed in returning to the big city by ice and weather conditions.
In the old days the first sign of spring was the return of the "Nippers" who were reported to come and go on snow shoes. However, these past few years there has been a change and the sure sign is the return of Resource Development Personnel from their annual hibernations. We are glad to report that spring is officially here as we welcomed an influx of these officials this past week. All remaining Conservation and Protection Officers were taken on strength April 1 and were busily engaged on sealing patrols and licencing.
The two reindeer, Jim and Fred, have also been taken out of harness by friend Hayward but immediately went back "into collar" with Conservation and Protection.
CANADA INCREASES SURVEILLANCE OF FOREIGN FISHING FLEETS
OTTAWA - Aerial surveillance of foreign fishing fleets off Canada's coasts has been stepped up this year by armed forces aircraft at the request of the federal Fisheries and Marine Service. Fisheries Minister Jack Davis welcomed the augmented service which, he said, will improve significantly Canada's enforcement of territorial and fishing boundary lines intended to protect Canadian fisheries. Arrangements with the Department of National Defence for increased aerial reconnaissance of foreign fleets were made in response to growing international commitments and appeals by Canadian fishermen.
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Armed forces aircraft have carried out twice-weekly flights over Brown's and Georges Banks off Nova Scotia during a closed haddock fishing season which ends May 31. Weekly flights will be made during peak fishing periods throughout the year to ensure observance of catch quotas set for major fish species in the northwest Atlantic. On the Pacific coast, flights will be made regularly to patrol fishing zone boundaries and areas covered by international fishing agreements.
In all, about 2,500 flying hours of fisheries surveillance missions - 1,400 on the east coast and 1,100 on the west - have been "booked" for armed forces aircraft this year. This represents an increase of 15 to 20 percent over last year in direct fisheries missions by National Defence air- craft. Regular flights will also be supplemented by special missions when circumstances require. Tracker planes are used on most flights, but Argus aircraft may be assigned for long-range missions.
Mr. Davis praised the quality of the information flowing from surveillance flights and other sources through new computer-equipped Operations Coordination Centres at Halifax, N.S., and Esquimalt, B.C. These centres, successors to the armed forces Rescue Coordination Centres at these locations, channel non-military information to interested federal departments. Fisheries surveillance reports are, in turn, regularly relayed by east and west coast regional offices to the Canadian fishing fleet.
"This system has been working very smoothly during its first months of operation," Mr. Davis commented, "and its effectiveness has been well received by the fishing industry."
Aerial surveillance is proving a valuable supplement to regular patrols by fisheries protection vessels operated in coastal waters by the Fisheries and Marine Service. The two largest patrol vessels of the Atlantic coast fleet, the "Chebucto", based in Halifax, and the "Cape Freels", based in St. John's, Newfoundland will be equipped this summer with landing craft designed for efficient boarding of vessels in offshore waters to check against fishing infractions.
A reporting system to alert both foreign and Canadian vessels of areas of concentration of inshore fishing gear is now in operation in the Newfoundland region. The system, using marine radio, is receiving good cooperation, and has served to prevent many incidents of conflict.
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RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT NOTES
Congratulations to Alex Cowan who was the successful candidate for the Staff Relations & Staffing Officer position. Alex took up his new duties April 15. Resource Development will surely miss our stately senior technician and we are sure that he will add as much to his new job as to the one he left. Although Alex has moved to a job that the travel regulations were made for, Indian River will never be the same. 9
Mr. R. Parsons was the successful candidate for the new technician on Recreational Fisheries and was taken on strength May 1, 1973.
An informal gathering was held in the board room April 16 to view a selection of slides by Dennis Stone. The group got an idea of the con- struction and job progress of the fishway at Grand Falls.
The Program Working Party on Atlantic Anadromous Fishes met in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, April 3 to 4. Representing Resource Development were R.E. Cutting, J.D. Pratt, L.G. Riche, R.J. Wiseman, and G. Hare.
APPOINTED STAFF TRAINING/TRAINING OFFICER
A. P. Cowan joined the staff of the Newfoundland Personnel Office in late April as Staff Training/Training Officer following many years of service with the Fisheries Research Board and the Resource Development Branch.
Mr. Cowan will be available to discuss training programs, forecasts of needs and cost plans. His secondary responsibility will be staffing a segment of the Department of Environment in Newfoundland.
Mr. Cowan is located in Room 108 at 207 Churchill Avenue, Pleasantville.
OBITUARY:- Mrs. J. P. Hennessey
We were all deeply shocked to learn of the death on Sunday, May 13, of the wife of J. P. Hennessey, Chief of the Regional Inspection Branch. Regional Fisheries News wishes to join with personnel throughout the Newfoundland region in extending deepest sympathy to Mr. Hennessey and his family. REGIONAL FIS [IFS NEWS
JUNE - JULY, 1973
)
Environment Environnement 1+ Canada Canada NEWFOUNDLAND REGION Fisheries Service Service des P6ches ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT TAKES OVER SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS
Control of 2,000 federally-owned fishing and pleasure craft har- bours across Canada has been transferred to the Fisheries and Marine Service of Environment Canada.
About 500 big multi-purpose harbours will be retained by the Ministry of Transport, which will also be responsible for navigation aids.
In announcing the program, Environment Minister Jack Davis said this is part of a well-considered package to assist commercial fishermen and the growing recreational needs of pleasure boat owners.
"Fisheries and Marine Service will be the contact people," Mr. Davis said. "We have set up a Small Craft Harbours branch responsible for the planning and administration of the program."
One of the immediate major tasks will be to launch a series of regional surveys to assess priorities for construction, improvements or re- pairs of small craft harbours.
Mr. Davis said the program would not be accomplished overnight. "There are 600 applications cn hand for harbour improvement work, and it will take us about half-a-dozen years to catch up," he said. "Our funds are not unlimited."
The Federal Government has recently approved additional funds for the Small Craft Harbours program which gives it a current budget of approxi- mately $25 million.
Mr. Davis said the priority list will be worked out in close con- sultation with fishermen, the fishing industry, recreation boat associations, local fisheries officers and local members of Parliament.
Mr. Davis said as far as the commercial fishery was concerned, the government had pushed out fishing limits, provided help for processing plants and assisted in vessel construction.
"Now the need is for better harbours, designed to serve the larger vessels and growing fleet," he said.
The Department of Public Works will continue to design, engineer and supervise the construction of the harbour facilities.
CANADA JOINS NORTH ATLANTIC FISHING FLEET INSPECTION SCHEME
Canadian fishery protection officers started checking nets and catches aboard foreign fishing vessels in the north Atlantic last month to enforce in- ternational conservation regulations. The inspections are part of an ICNAF
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(international Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries) Scheme of Joint International Inspection entered by Canada July 1.
Fisheries Minister Jack Davis welcomes Canada's participation in the scheme as an opportunity to protect fishery resources from over-exploitation.
"Laws and regulations are not of much use unless they are enforced. International inspection gives fishing nations a weapon to enforce fisheries regulations. We've always been able to enforce them for our own fishermen. Now we can make sure that other fishing fleets are obeying them too."
In joining the ICNAF scheme, Canada is permitted to board and in- spect nets and catches of most of the foreign vessels fishing off the east coast. Ten other ICNAF member countries are already participating, although one, the Soviet Union, permits inspection of catches on deck but not below deck. The scheme requires Canadian fishing vessels to submit to inspection by inspectors of other participating countries.
Regulations enforced by the joint international inspection scheme deal with such requirements as catch quotas and national allocations, area closures, size limits of certain fish species, minimum mesh sizes of fishing nets and maintenance of daily catch records. Any breaches of regulations detected during inspections are reported to government authorities of the country concerned which is responsible for prosecutions.
Inspections are conducted under established procedures, details of which have been circulated to masters and owners of all east coast Canadian fishing vessels. Each country designates specific officers and vessels to carry out boarding and inspection missions. All inspection vessels are re- quired to fly the ICNAF Pennant and when an inspection boarding is to be made, the International Code cf signals SQ3.
Three fisheries patrol vessels, the Cape Freels based at St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Chebucto and Cygnus, based at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 22 fishery protection officers are authorized at present to conduct Canadian inspections. The Cape Freels and the Chebucto were equipped earlier this year with necessary boarding facilities to carry out these duties.
ICNAF member nations now participating in the scheme are: Canada, Federal Republic of Germany, France, Norway, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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DEPARTMENT OPENING PONDS TO BOATING ENTHUSIASTS
A program of providing boat access to lakes and ponds near major Newfoundland highways is now underway in the province. The project is a joint effort of the Fisheries and Marine Service of the federal Department of the Environment and the Newfoundland Government.
.../ 3 UndEr the program, it is proposed to construct access roads leading from provincial highways to lakes inaccessible to boat fishermen.
In recent years many sport fishermen have switched their attention from shore to boat fishing with the result that numerous ponds near highways have been overfished. Development of boat access to other lakes near major highways and close to metropolitan centres will distribute and relieve the fishing pressure.
The first of the proposed series of access roads to be built will connect the Trans Canada Highway to Soldiers Pond, a 350-acre lake located 17 miles west of St. John's.
The project, estimated to cost between $40,000 and $50,000, is being undertaken by Topsail Construction Limited of Topsail, Conception Bay, under contract with Environment Canada's Fisheries and Marine Service. After com- pletion of construction, the access road will be operated and maintained by the Parks Division of the Provincial Department of Tourism.
In addition to relieving pressure on heavily fished lakes now accessible to boat fishermen, the lake access development program is designed to encourage exploitation of sport fish populations which at present are under-utilized. At the same time it will contribute to other aquatic re- cr..ational activities, such as swimming, sailing, and water skiing.
AROUND THE REGION
DISTRICT "A"
The inshore codfishery was disappointing throughout most of June with only slight improvement at month's end. Conditions varied from excellent catches at North Harbour, Placentia Bay to nil in the St. John's East area. Fillet plants normally supplied with inshore fish are obtaining quantities of offshore fish from plants that are overburdened with trawler landings.
The lobster catch decreased late in the month and many fishermen were removing traps from the water.
Salmon catches were excellent throughout the District and in many areas fishermen were doing so well that they were having second thoughts about the once unpopular Salmon Policy released in 1971.
Fishery Warden Terence Quinton added extras to his already heavy schedule during the month. We wish the newlyweds much happiness.
Conservation and Protection Supervisors William Davis and B. Paul took a look at fishing operations on the north shore of Trinity Bay onboard the M/V "Belle Bay". Their thanks are extended to Captain Keeping and his crew for their co-operation. Also worthy of note was the excellent meals
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provided in the absence of a regular cook. Dishwashing chores, as usual, were left to the passengers. Bill Davis took advantage of conditions to get in some warm-up exercises prior to departing for the Grand Banks and ICNAF in- spections as he displayed his skill in small boat handling and other acrobatics connected with high seas boarding. The question remains, who was the uniformed character displaying casting abilities inside bait and spinner signs at Pope's Harbour. The effort, it seems, was for scientific purposes.
District Officer G. Rendell has recently been involved in high level planning relative to tanker movements in Placentia Bay. These tankers designed to carry large quantities of crude oil from the Persian Gulf are scheduled to commence operations early September.
S.G. Phil West transferred to Corner Brook as Inspection Supervisor in District "C". S.G. Slade transferred to Regional Office.
P.I. Akerman, Cupids, notified the Department of his intention to retire December 31, 1973. Also, A. Caravan will join the retired ranks March 31, 1974.
A capelin grading program under the direction of P.I. Kelly is under- way in Harbour Grace. Two students have been employed to assist in the work.
Supervisor B. Sears spent two weeks vacation in Southern Ontario.
Arrangements have been made to install various types of linings in fish holds of longliners to assess the acceptability over a period of time.
A program designed to investigate the handling of fish onboard trap boats has started. This project will hopefully indicate the best and most efficient manner of handling fish while preserving the quality.
The weather during the month of July was, on occasion, extremely hot and many persons were wishing the cold days of last winter would return, at least for awhile.
The cod fishery continued poor in many sections of the District and the end result points to one of the worst years on record.
While the commercial salmon fishery is now almost over for this season, excellent catches have been recorded and many fishermen claim this has been one of their better years.
Conservation and Protection staff have had their hands full during July trying to cope with poachers. Branch still heads the list as being the most troublesome spot with Northeast Placentia a close second. Night patrols are being maintained throughout the District, but lack of staff prevents all sections from receiving complete coverage.
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Two additional wardens joined the staff of District "A" during July. Phmse Hatch of Red Head Cove is presently undergoing training in the Placentia area, while Bill Dean of St. Catherine's has been placed under the guidance of veteran Fishery Officer George (Pop) Furey.
Conservation and Protection Officers and several wardens attended a "bull session" at Placentia on July 12th to thrash over several knotty problems and to discuss general work programmes. The session was chaired by the District Officer while Lester Riche, in his own inimitable way, gave a very interesting and informative talk on his group's programmes for the season. Lester's talks are so interesting that he is fast becoming the most sought after speaker for the regular "bull sessions".
Conservation and Protection Supervisor Bren Paul became a sort of guinea pig during the month when he was requested by the General Hospital to become involved in a scientific experiment at that institution. Apparently the Doctors had some sort of a new machine they wanted test, so Bren was wired from head to toe (naked) while the medical students (male and female) looked on. Reports indicate that several of the fairer sex almost keeled over after viewing Bren's manly form.
Warden J.M. (Gypsy) King had a rather upsetting experience recently. Mel, who had just finished installing new ceiling tiles in his summer estab- lishment, crawled into the attic to pick up some tools he had overlooked. He accidentally missed his footing and came crashing through the ceiling, landing on the bedroom floor. Mel's answer, when asked by his wife, "what are you doing there?" is unprintable.
Two sales of salmon gear were held in District "A: during the month. The first, "beginning of the month sale", was held during the first week in July while "the boss is away sale" was held on Friday the 13th.
District Office Clerk Joan Cuff has returned from two weeks holidays which were spent in her home town of Elliston.
Bren Paul is holidaying in P.E.I. where he was joined for a day or so by his counterpart in District "C", Jack (one shot) Marshall.
Ernest (stats) Collins visited District "A" for several days during the month on a well deserved holiday.
According to reliable sources Jack Marshall and Frank Slade met for "old times sake" while Jack was in St. John's. We wonder who listened while both were talking.
Wonders will never cease. During July the floors of District Office were polished. - 6 -
DISTRICT "B"
The commercial salmon fishery is drawing to a close after...a success- ful season in most areas. The good runs of salmon and overall improved prices increased the returns to fishermen compared with last year. Sharks appeared along the coast in late June which prompted the removal of much salmon gear from the water. Salmon caught during the season were sold locally and to Newfoundland and Mainland buyers.
Lobster catches were above those of last year according to preliminary figures gathered at the end of the season on June 30th. According to buyers in Fortune Bay which has the area of greatest lobster fishing activity, the season began strong and ended the same way with no great fluctuations in catches. Prices were above last years and markets were favourable.
Angling activity on many South Coast rivers has been brisk but the frequent rains have maintained high water levels thereby reducing the catches. Most rivers are reported to have good runs, apparently better than 1972. Conne, Garnish and Grandy's rivers were the most heavily fished and yielded favourable returns.
Work is progressing on renovations and installations in the Federal Building at Grand Bank to provide for a new inspection laboratory to serve this District. It will be located in the basement and will permit expansion of work programs not now feasible because of insufficient space.
Messrs. L. Crane and W. Manning along with their families vacationed on the Burin Peninsula for short periods during July. Both men took time out to stop at District Office. It is now known if their visits had anything to do with RCMP reports of increased smuggling activity during the same period.
Cases involving illegal fishing under ICNAF, Lobster Fishery Regu- lations and Nfld. Fishery Regulations were heard recently. Convictions were registered in every instance and fishing gear confiscated when applicable.
Salmon nets bought from moonlighters were sold to "bonafide" fishermen who suffered net losses because of a storm in mid-June. Nets were sold for a nominal fee and many fishermen took advantage of the offer.
DISTRICT - '"C"
Commercial salmon fishermen between St. George's and Rose Blanche experienced excellent catches throughout June and it is expected that this will be one of the better seasons on record.
Excellent runs of salmon are reported entering all scheduled salmon streams in District "C" and for the first time in many years, salmon were taken in District "C"s most northern rivers, namely, Genevieve and Castor Rivers early in June. With indications such as this, an excellent season is expected.
District Officer L. Crane commenced a week of annual leave late in
.../7 the month. After experiencing eight days of continuous rain in Corner Brook, Lew felt that it was time for a move and few days at Burgeo on the sunny southwest coast should brighten things considerably. We can only wish him well in his expectations.
Fishery Officer B.R. Parsons left the District in somewhat of a rush on the evening of June 28th. and many reasons were put forward as to his sudden departure. However, things were much clearer when it was learned that he was off on another flying visit to St. John's in connection with the Atlantic Salmon Program.
Inspection Supervisor F. Slade expressed delight in being transferred to Regional Office, St. John's. Frank left the district on June 30th. and is to report at Regional Office early in July. We wish him well in his new position.
Fishery Officer J. Cheeseman is presently at Conception Bay assisting on a project in connection with the caplin fishery. The project is to take at least six weeks.
Conservation and Protection staff were hard pressed to maintain protection patrols throughout the month because of shortage of staff. The number of violators apprehended since April 20th. for violations of the lobster fishery regulations, Fishery Act and Newfoundland Fishery Regulations, would indicate that poachers are aware of our staff shortage and are making an all out effort to capitalize on it. However, they failed to take into consideration the effort put forth by the present protection staff and approximately eighty violations have been recorded to date. A few of the cases in connection with the violations have been heard but many more are pending.
Protection Supervisor J. Marshall and Sub-district Supervisor K. May held meetings with conservation and protection staff throughout the month in connection with conservation and protection activities during the summer.
A helicopter crash which occurred on June 2nd. near Southwest and Bottom Brook, took the lives of two Fishery Guardians, namely Calvin Swyers and John Young. John and Calvin were carrying out conservation and protection patrols on Southwest Brook and Little Barachois River at the time of the accident.
Excellent weather was experienced at Corner Brook and surrounding areas throughout the month of July. Temperatures ranged from the mid fifties to the low eighties with only a little rain being encountered for the period. Residents along the Northern Peninsula were not as lucky and it was very seldom that the temperature exceeded sixty-five.
Conservation and Protection staff were extremely busy as water levels in rivers and streams declined exposing salmon to the eyes of poachers who took full advantage of it. Constant night and day patrols were maintained along inland and coastal area. Approximately thirty charges were heard in Magistrate Courts during July for violations of the Newfoundland Fishery Regulations, Fishery Act and Lobster Fishery Regulations. Fines ranged from $1.00 to $300.00. Between fifteen and twenty charges are still pending and should be heard by the later part of August. Fourteen nets were seized from inland waters over the past several months.
A new bridge across Little Barachois River was opened to the general public July 25th Construction started on the bridge late in 1972. A bridge spanning Main Gut, Stephenville Crossing is nearing completion and should be opened shortly.
Resource Developelent Branch started to transfer salmon from West Brook, St. Barbe to Torrent. River around mid July. Work on the transfer should be completed by early August.
Visitors to Dis=rict Office ove2 the month included Mr. Lew Bradbury, Industrial Development Branch, Ottawa; Mr. J. Brown, Legal Advisor for the Department of the Environment, Fishery Service, Ottawa. Mr. Brown is em- ployed with the Justice Department, Ottawa. Er. El. Qaigley, Information Branch, St. John's and Eios Cathy O'Pnien, Corsuner Service, St. John's.
Fishery Officer E. Ccl'ns ana Distrect Officer L. Crane, en- joyed Annual Leave over th 1 month. Enn =pent a few days in the Capital City where he purchased a new car. He is now back in torn boasting of the mar- velous deal he made in a quiring it. Le: also went to tae Sunny East Coast where he attended the wedding of his niece before returning to dnty.
Inspection Supervisor hi_ Nest took p permanent residence at Corner Brook late in the month. Phil :enlaces S.G. Officer Frank Slade who was transferred to St. John' : .: and now works oe': of Regional. Office.
The Departmental display trailer arrived in Corner Brook around mid month, was outfitted wth fish and placed on display at the Arts and Culture Centre until Augus . ■: 1st. A fa 1, number adults and children passed througho the tray
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EXPLORE FOR STOCKS OF OCEAN PERCH OFF NEWFOUNDLAND
A joint governinent-indJoLry 1:rz.ojent to explore for stocks of ocean perch (redfish) is now underway in the Atlantic Ocean off the north- east coast of Newfoundland, Fisheries Minister- Jack Davis announced recently.
The 150-foot s -Ne..n Trawlen Cape i'EreweJi has been chartered by the Fisheries Council of Canada, a national trade association, to carry out a scientific search for ocean perch in areas between Newfoundland and Greenland. The Cape Farewell, based at St.'john's, Nfld., is expected to make three cruises during the summer months, iishlog on the continental- shelf and in deep water using bottom and mid-water trawls. This marks the first time the Canadian fishing industry has joined with the Federal Government in a cost-sharing project for exploratory fishing. The Federal Government has agreed to match the fishing industry's commitment in the program up to a maximum of $75,000, The provincial governments of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are also contributing financial support.
Management of the project is being handled by Leonard J. Cowley, Newfoundland Regional Director, Fisheries and Marine Service, Environment Canada and William O. Morrow, President of National Sea Products Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia.
A four-man-scientific-technical team aboard the Cape Farewell is headed by Scott Parsons, an ocean perch expert at the Fisheries and Marine biological station at St, John's, Nfld.
Built in 1972, the Cape Farewell is skippered by Capt. John Pinto of St. John's and is equipped with the latest electronic fish-finding and navigational aids.
In recent years, ocean perch has gained in importance in the total groundfish landings on the Atlantic coast. In 1972 the catch exceeded 242 million pounds, worth close to $9.5 million to fishermen.
ARCTIC CHAR FISHING RESTRICTIONS IN NORTHERN LABRADOR
Fishing for arctic char in Northern Labrador will be restricted to permanent residents, who depend on the fishery for an important part of their livelihood.
The restriction, announced by Fisheries Minister Jack Davis, applies to that part of the Labrador coast north of Cape Rouge on the south side of Byron Bay. The area produces about one--third of Canada's total annual output of one million pounds of arctic char, a favourite gourmet delicacy featured on restaurant menus across the continent.
Fishing for arctic char is being reserved for Labrador fishermen in the restricted area because of the low yield, sparse distribution and slow growth, in some areas up to 25 years for maturity, of this relatively rare species.
Arctic char differ from their cousins, salmon and trout, in that they migrate between salt and fresh water each year, wintering in freshwater streams and lakes. They spend a relatively short period, between June and September, in the sea, and then move only a few mies from their native rivers.
"This species, because of its particular characteristics, is best reserved for local fishermen who not only rely on the fish for their livelihood but also as an important food supply", Mr, Davis said. - 10 -
A licensing policy for the arctic char fishery will be introduced, and special studies are underway on proposed further conservation measures, including possible catch quotas.
The Minister also noted the possibility of developing a valuable sport fishery for arctic char in Labrador.
"A well-managed sport fishery would bring immeasurable financial returns to Labrador communities", he said.
In addition, Mr. Davis announced that a study is currently under- way to establish exclusive salmon fishing areas for residents of Northern Labrador. This study follows a request from the Northern Labrador Community Joint Councils.
The purpose of the study will be to prevent overcrowding of fishing grounds adjacent to local fishing communities by larger commercial vessel operators from the island of Newfoundland.
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1973 NEWFOUNDLAND INSHORE CAPELIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Program Objective:
Through co-operating and co-ordination with Provincial governments and industry, to develop and assist in the establishment of a viable in- shore capelin industry in Canada.
Harvesting and Gear Development Phase
Four longliners, two from Conception Bay and two from Trinity Bay were chartered during the months of June and July, 1973 and modified for Scottish Ringnetting, utilizing nets especially designed for capelin fishing.
The Scottish Ringnet Technique was introduced into Newfoundland waters during 1972 and proved most effective for harvesting herring and mackerel.
In addition to the Ringnet vessels, a 58' midwater trawler was also chartered and operated along the coastline from Cape Race to LaScie where she effectively demonstrated this particular technique for harvesting capelin.
Results to date have been extremely successful with capelin landings in excess of one million pounds. A certain percentage of the fish caught have been used for human food and appear to be most suitable for this purpose due to the fact that they are caught just offshore prior to coming in contact with sand and other debris which is often found on the beaches. Product Development Phase
Contracts/Industry: Initial contracts have been established with several processing organizations as a pilot operation to conduct product development ex- periments as outlined by the Product Development Group. The contracts are based on a finished product per pound basis which includes complete process, packaging and storage. This aspect of the program will continue into 1974 and is presently in the early stages of development.
Variety of Products Developed as a result of Program
A) Canned Products, smoked in oil and various sauces
B) Breaded and battered, frozen products
C) Smoked, frozen and dried products
D) Marinated Products
E) Dried Products
F) Frozen roducts
Market Research and Development Phase
This phase of the program is presently in the very early stages of development and will depend to a major degree on the nature of products developed.
The Market Research and Development Planning Group which has been formed within the program are Presently in the process of conducting a study into potential market areas for capelin products in North America, Europe, the West Indies and Central America.