Fisheries and Oceans Canada extends transition period for Quebec fish harvesters accreditation

March 15, 2019

Quebec City, Quebec - The deadline for Quebec fish harvesters to use a new accreditation method for acquiring a fishing enterprise has been extended to December 31, 2019.

Extending the deadline to December 31, 2019 will allow the Bureau d'accréditation des pêcheurs et des aides-pêcheurs du Québec (BAPAP) to modernize its regulations, and further supports the transition to a modern professionalization system that meets the needs of the Quebec fishing industry.

On April 1, 2016, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) began harmonizing accreditation methods for commercial fish harvesters purchasing a fishing business. Under the new system, new or assistant fish harvesters can only acquire a fishing enterprise if they have been issued a certificate from BAPAP to manage a fishery enterprise. Previously harvesters were required to provide supporting evidence that they had fished commercially, regularly for two consecutive years, and had respected the fishing time period prescribed by the industry.

Until December 31, 2019, both methods will be accepted to be eligible for acquiring a fishing enterprise.

For more information on how to obtain fish harvester or assistant fish harvester certification, please contact BAPAP.

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