February 18, 2021

The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
200 Kent Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6

Dear Minister,

In December, 1999 I notified you that the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) had decided to delay its advice to you on Atlantic halibut until February 2000. On January 18, 2000, the Council issued its report to you on 2000 Conservation Requirements for Groundfish Stocks on the Scotian Shelf and in the Bay of Fundy (4VWX), in Sub-Areas 0, 2+3 and Redfish Stocks. Attached to this letter, I am pleased to provide the FRCC Advice on Atlantic Halibut for 2000/2001.

You will note that the Council held a special consultation with industry to discuss any results which might be available resulting from the joint industry/Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) longline survey. The Council was extremely heartened by the participation of many industry participants at this consultation, and by the input and discussion which resulted. Of the over 100 consultation sessions the FRCC has held, this meeting was one of the best.

The Council fully supports this joint survey and commends the work of industry and DFO scientists in carrying it out: in the words of the DFO scientist in charge "this is the best source of data on Atlantic halibut which we have ever had".

The recommendation from the Council is for a slight increase to the TAC, from the current 850 t, to 1,000t. It is the Council's view that this increase, while not approaching levels requested by industry, recognizes fishermen's observations about this resource, and is not enough to negatively impact the resource.

                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                    
                                                                              Fred Woodman
                                                                               Chairman

For information:
Michel G. Vermette
Executive Director, FRCC
(613) 998-0433