June 29, 2020 — The following was released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
Renewal of Fisheries Management Order FMO-2020-03 dated May 15, 2020
Pursuant to Subsection 9 of the Fisheries Act, the Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans gives notice that the Fisheries Management Order dated May 15, 2020 regarding at-sea observer requirements has been renewed. It will remain in effect until August 12, 2020 unless otherwise revoked or amended.
As such, all fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries Act must continue to be carried out without any at-sea observers, unless the following requirements are met:
1. At-sea observer companies have in place safe working procedures related to COVID-19 which align with federal, provincial and or territorial guidelines;
2. Fishing vessels have in place safe working procedures consistent with the At-Sea Observer company’s procedures related to COVID-19;
3. A record of all safe working procedures can be presented to a fishery officer upon request.
Any person authorized to carry out fishing activities under the Fisheries Act is required to not authorize any at-sea observer to come on board any fishing vessel, unless these requirements are met.