Whelk Survey Deep Water

The LSDC received funding to complete an offshore whelk survey between Red Bay and the 2J/ 4R NAFO Division Line. No previous work has been conducted in this area relating to this particular species.

The survey was completed over a 10 day period. The purpose of the survey was to determine resource availability for the purpose of harvesting whelk commercially offshore. A fish harvester was provided with 200 whelk pots and was compensated for the use of his ropes and buoys for this initiative. 10 set locations was identified in the test area and pots were set for a minimum of 15 hours in each location.

There are many benefits associated with the completion of this project and include:

• Directed limited fishery for the fish harvesters,
• Prolong fishing season for fish harvesters,
• Fishing enterprises will become more economic viable, and
• Provide information to DFO and DFA on the status of whelk stocks,
• Generate additional work for plant workers.

The fishery is still the most important economic generator to the economy of Economic Zone 5. We have 100 fish harvesters who fish for a living and approximately150 plant workers who work with the Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company Limited at their processing facility in L’Anse au Loup. If successful this exploratory fishery will have the potential to boost some fish harvester’s income and provide additional work for plant workers. It will also provide DFO and DFA with information pertaining to whelk stock status from Red Bay to the 4R/2J NAFO boundary.