FORTUNE BAY SCALLOP UPDATE
October 11, 2023
FFAW are disappointed to learn that despite work by the lobster/scallop interaction working group over the past months to propose measures to mitigate interactions of these fisheries, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has reneged on its plan to open the November 2022 closure implemented in the scallop fishery in Fortune Bay.
On Friday October 6th the Department indicated an opening was imminent early the following week. When the opening did not occur it was indicated the Department were working on details and conditions. This was communicated as late as early afternoon on October 11th
Late on the afternoon of Wednesday October 11th the Department reached out to inform the union that the planned opening will not occur at this time.
We thank the committee for their commitment and work over the past months. The proposal for a shortened pilot season with increased monitoring was fair and balanced. We will continue to try and work toward a solution.