Policy for Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada’s Atlantic Fisheries.

The Policy on Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada’s Atlantic Fisheries (PIIFCAF) promotes a commercial fishery in Atlantic Canada with a strong independent inshore sector. The Policy includes a comprehensive approach to assist fish harvesters to retain control of their enterprises, enhance access to capital from traditional lending institutions and maintain the wealth generated from fish harvesting in coastal communities.
The objectives of this policy are to emphasize the importance of maintaining an independent and economically viable inshore fleet, reinforce the implementation of the Owner-Operator and Fleet Separation policies, ensure that the benefits of fishing licenses directly support both the fish harvesters and their coastal communities, and help fish harvesters retain control over their fishing enterprises.
The policy responds to concerns that "Controlling Agreements," where third parties could influence or control license holders, were undermining key licensing principles like the Fleet Separation and Owner-Operator policies. The document introduces the "Independent Core" category for inshore fish harvesters who are not involved in Controlling Agreements. This category is a requirement for obtaining new or replacement vessel-based fishing licenses. Fishers who are categorized as Independent Core must maintain this status by avoiding any such agreements.ishers are required to file declarations of their independence from Controlling Agreements whenever they request new or replacement licenses. Failure to file these declarations can result in a lack of eligibility for licensing transactions. The document also describes the appeal process for fish harvesters who disagree with decisions about their status under the policy. It provides exemptions for certain fleets that meet specific criteria, such as fleets with a history of restructuring and Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems. While the policy is generally binding, some flexibility has been offered under special circumstances, such as the granting of transition operator privileges for a limited time.