1998 Eastern Nova Scotia

Whelk/Moon Snail

Integrated Fishery Management Plan

Scotia Fundy Fisheries, Maritime Region

Waved Whelk

(Buccinum undatum)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• I. Introduction
• II. Management Measures
  • 2.1 Species
  • 2.2 Season
  • 2.3 Bycatch
  • 2.4 Fishing Gear
    • 2.4.1 Traps
    • 2.4.2 Trap Limit
  • 2.5 Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • 2.6 Conservation
• III. Monitoring and Reporting
  • 3.1 Participation Requirement
• IV. Exploratory Licence Distribution
• V. Consultation Process

List of Appendices

Appendix A Trap Sizes

Appendix B Sample 1998 Licence Condition

Appendix C Whelk/Moonsnail Scientific Data Sheet

Appendix D Memorandum of Agreement for the Monitoring of Marine Toxins in Whelks (CFIA)

1998 Eastern Nova Scotia Whelk/Moon Snail

Integrated Fishery Management Plan

I. Introduction

The waved whelk, (Buccinum undatum), is found along the coastal areas of Eastern Nova Scotia.

The interest to develop a whelk (Buccinum) fishery in the Eastern Nova Scotia area has always existed despite the numerous problems identified in the other whelk fisheries. Many inshore coastal fishers in the Atlantic provinces have requested that a whelk fishery be developed and organized. Following these requests, a program to develop the whelk fisheries was initiated and a sampling protocol introduced. Due to the lack of quantitative information on the Eastern Nova Scotia whelk populations and attempting to insure adequate resource management, a provisional management plan has been established.

There is little information available on the exploitable biomass and the population dynamics of the whelk found along the coast of Eastern Nova Scotia. It was deemed prudent to collect data on the biology and the fishery of this species to not only verify the effectiveness of the management plan, but eventually improve upon it. The objectives are:

1. to determine market opportunities;

2. to obtain a general overview of the commercial catch and yield;

3. to outline seasons, gear type and conservation elements;

4. to outline monitoring and reporting requirements; and

5. to address concerns expressed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

In the coastal waters of Eastern Nova Scotia, whelks have frequently been reported as incidental catches landed in lobster traps. Recent inquiries regarding marketable quantities of these molluscs prompted Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to initiate a peripheral study of the resource.

II. Management Measures

2.1 Species

The only whelk species permitted to be landed under authority of the exploratory licence is Buccinum undatum.

2.2 Season

Fishing operations can only be conducted during the closed lobster season. There will be a one week buffer period between the closing of a lobster district and the commencement of whelk (Buccinum undatum)/moon snail fishing.

2.3 Bycatch

The retention of moon snail as a bycatch is permitted. All other species must be returned to the water.

2.4 Fishing Gear

Some experimentation will be permitted with regard to the types of fishing gear allowed in this exploratory fishery.

2.4.1 Traps

All traps must be designed so as to exclude lobsters, and with lobster escape hatches and naturally degradable rings, to ensure that any lost traps do not continue to “ghost fish” on the sea floor.

Mesh sizes should be selected so as to retain the minimum size of whelk or moon snail being directed for in the selected fishing area. A mesh size of 1” X 1”, 1”X 1 1/2”, or even 1” X 2” mesh, may suffice in traps where Buccinum is the target catch. (See Appendix “A”)

2.4.2 Trap Limit

Trap limit cannot exceed 275 traps of any combination:

• modified lobster trap;

• cone shaped whelk pot;

• shrimp traps;

• other trap types must be approved by DFO prior to use.

2.5 Canadian Food Inspection Agency

There is some concern about possible ill effects for consumers who eat whelks and moon snails if these species are not closely monitored via an “Inspection Protocol” (Appendix D).

There are two general categories of toxins to be considered and for which monitoring could be required:

1. Uptake of toxins from prey species

Whelks and moonsnails feed on bivalve molluscs such as mussels, clams and oysters. These prey species accumulate toxins from certain algae in the water which they feed on. These toxins are known as phytotoxins and result in paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid poisoning, among other things. When whelks feed on contaminated prey some of the toxins are passed on to whelks where they concentrate in the digestive gland. The foot (muscle) part of the animals is rarely contaminated directly, although if the digestive gland is ruptured in processing the contents can leach into the foot. When areas are closed to harvesting shellfish due to PSP, whelk fishing will also be prohibited due to this transfer.

2. Neurotoxins used by some species to immobile or digest their prey

Another class of toxins found in some whelks are the neurotoxins. Some species of whelk stun their prey with a poison in order to render their prey helpless. These toxins affect the nervous system of both the shellfish prey and humans who eat venomous whelks. In our waters only the “ten-ridged” whelk, Neptunea decemcostata, is venomous. The waved whelk (Buccinum undatum), is not venomous and instead smothers its prey when feeding. The moonsnail (or drill), (Euspira heros), drills a hole in the shell of its prey causing the animal to open. Neither of these species posses venomous toxins. Harvesting of the venomous whelk is prohibited. This means that Neptunea cannot be landed. Other whelks such as Colus have not been certified as venomous; however, they will be treated as venomous until further information can be obtained.

3. Inspection Protocol

Given the above concerns, it is a requirement that all exploratory licence holders participate in and comply with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sampling protocol related to the harvest of non-venomous whelks and moonsnails. In summary, the protocol requires that:

• all product for sale “within” and “for export from” the province of Nova Scotia must be processed in a CFIA federally registered establishment;

• the fisher must notify the Sydney CFIA Office (L. Boudreau fax (902) 546-7260, phone (902) 564-7347) of scheduled deliveries to the appropriate processing facility; and

• the CFIA reserves the authority to conduct routine analyses (toxin, etc.) on any product harvested/processed. Results of said analyses may result in recommendation to DFO Fisheries Management regarding the acceptability of specific harvesting areas.

To ensure compliance with this protocol, the CFIA prepared a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be signed by each fisher and the participating departments. The MOA must be signed by the fisher before DFO´s, Sydney Area Licensing Office will issue the 1998 Whelk Licence Condition.

2.6 Conservation

Minimum size of whelks/moonsnails is unrestricted during the experimental fishery. Data on size at sexual maturity for each area will be collected in order to determine the appropriate size for a Phase II fishery.

III. Monitoring and Reporting

Under this Plan, all exploratory licence holders must participate in an approved Monitoring and Reporting Program at their own expense. There will be a 20% full Dockside Monitoring Program (DMP) coverage and 100% hail-in and data entry of fishing log data. Dockside monitoring and data entry to be provided at licence holders expense by an approved dockside monitoring company.

Licence holders may be requested to carry, at their own expense, an at-sea monitor to collect data relevant to the fishery.

A science sampling and data collection program has also been disigned for the 1998 season. Under separate cover, each licence holder will be mailed blank copies of a scientific data sheet (sample in Appendix C). Fishers will be responsible for completing the forms and mailing them on a monthly basis to DFO, as per instructions on the data sheets.

3.1 Participation Requirement

Fishers must participate in this fishery in 1998, and comply with all aspects of this Management Plan, to be eligible for licence renewal in 1999

IV. Exploratory Licence Distribution

Exploratory licences have been issued in the following lobster fishing districts:

The Mi´Kmaq Fish and Wildlife Commission will determine distribution of an additional three licences to various Eastern Nova Scotia Bands.

V. Consultation Process

The following individuals will comprise the Consultative Committee from which DFO will receive guidance and recommendations in developing the Eastern Nova Scotia Whelk/Moon Snail commercial fishery:

Appendix A

Trap Sizes

Lobster Traps

Modified to exclude the capture of lobster

Square Traps

These traps were similar to the above in that they had sloping sides and double frame. The bottom frame was 24” square and the top frame 16” square. These were constructed from 3/8” iron rod and again joined by support rods for rigidity. Rather than leave the top surface open as on the circular traps it was enclosed and a small opening was cut in one of several positions on the top or sides of the traps. These traps were covered with a variety of materials including nylon mesh, vinyl-coated galvanised wire mesh, and plastic mesh.

Appendix B

SAMPLE

1998

EXPLORATORY LICENCE

WAVED WHELK (BUCCINUM UNDATUM)

EASTERN NOVA SCOTIA

LICENCE NUMBER- ___________________

FEE 30.00

Pursuant to Section 7. (1) of the Fisheries Act and Section 22 (1) of the Fisheries (General) Regulations, this license is issued to __________________________________ to fish for Waved Whelk subject to the following conditions:

1. That the vessel used for this license shall be the _________________________

__________________________________ , vessel registration number

___________________________________ , and shall be operated by ______________________________________________ ONLY.

2. That this licence is valid during the period beginning ____________ and ending December 31, 1998.

3. That this license is valid for Lobster Fishing Area ONLY.

4. Fishing shall be conducted during the closed lobster season in the Lobster Fishing Area as noted in item 3 above, allowing for a seven day period starting at the end of the season for the season noted in item 3 and at the beginning of the lobster season as noted in item 3 during which time no gear shall be in the water in pursuit of this fishery.

5. You are only permitted to catch and retain waved whelk and moonsnail whelk (Uspira heros- formerly Lunatia heros). You are required to forthwith return all other species of fish caught, including the ten-ridged whelk (Neptunea decemcostata) and the Stimpson´s whelk (Colus stimpsoni) to the water to the place from which it was taken; and where it is alive, in a manner that causes it the least harm.

6. You are permitted to use a maximum of 275 traps that are approved by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. All traps must include lobster escape hatches and biodegradable rings. The mesh sizes that may be used are 1" X 1"; 1" X 1.5"; or 1" X 2". The following traps are approved:

- modified lobster traps;

- square traps with sloping sides and a double frame; the bottom frame is 24 inches square and the top frame is 16 inches square, with small openings in the top or sides of the trap;

- shrimp traps;

- cone shaped whelk pots.

7. That all traps are tagged with tags issued for the purposes of this fishery by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The following tags are valid from the date of issue until December 31, 1998.

tag# to tag# .

tag# ____________ to tag# _____________.

8. You are required to hail to a Dockside Monitoring Company that has been approved by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans at least one (1) hour prior to returning to that port. This hail must include the vessel name; the Captain´s name; the fishing vessel registration number; the whelk licence number; the round weight of whelks in pounds on board the vessel; the area where the fish was taken; the date; the local time (using the 24 hour system); the place where you will land (offload) the fish and the buyer of the fish. You are not permitted to offload your vessel prior to the time stated in your hail.

You will be issued a confirmation number each time you hail by the Dockside Monitoring Company confirming that your hail has been received. This number is to be entered on the Whelk Monitoring Document.

9. You may be required to have the weight and species of fish landed from your vessel verified by an Observer(dockside). The master of the vessel is required to provide access to the vessel and the fishing records to the assigned Observer (dockside). For the purpose of this licence conditions, an Observer (dockside) is a person designated as an Observer by the Regional Director-General for the Maritimes Region and who has been appointed to monitor the landing of fish and to verify the weight and species of fish caught and retained.

10. All fish landed must be transported to an establishment that is registered with and approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

11. If you are required to have the weight and species of fish landed from your vessel verified by an Observer (dockside) you are not permitted to land (offload) any fish or portions thereof from your vessel unless all of the following conditions are adhered to:

- the observer(dockside) is present onboard the vessel to check the Whelk Monitoring Document and verify the fish in the vessel prior to offloading;

- the weight and species of the catch must be verified by an Observer(s) (dockside);

- all fish landed must be weighed on an accurate scale;

- you are required to ensure that the Observer(s) (dockside) is able to maintain visual continuity of the fish being removed from the vessel at the dockside point of landing (offloading);

- an accurate weight is supplied to the Dockside Monitoring Company immediately after landing (offloading) the fish from your vessel.

12. Pursuant to section 61 of the Fisheries Act you are required to provide information regarding your fishing activities in the Whelk Monitoring Document available from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. You are also required to complete the document in accordance with Schedule I attached, Instructions to complete the Whelk Monitoring Document. You are required to supply the Observer (dockside), when monitored, with a copy of all monitoring documents at the end of each fishing trip. For those trips which do not require an Observer (dockside), you must supply the Dockside Monitoring Company with a copy of all documents within 72 hours after the offloading of the fish. You are also required to provide any documents requested by a Fishery Officer immediately upon demand.

Failure to comply with item eleven (11) will be a relevant factor, as an aspect of conservation and management of whelk, in the decision whether or not a licence and condition of licence for whelk will be issued to you for the 1999 whelk season.

13. The license holder will, on the Department´s request, provide this vessel as a scientific platform from which the Department may collect data relevant to this fishery.

14. That the license holder will, on the Department´s request, provide specific sample data of whelks and moonsnail for scientific analysis on data sheets provided by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

15. The license holder may, at the request of the Department, be required to carry an Observer (at sea).

16. I requested and received this licence in English.

17. The licence holder is required to sign this licence.

18. Issuance of this licence implies no commitment by the Minister or the Department to renew this exploratory licence in subsequent years.

____________________________

Signature of Licence Holder

______________________________

Signature of Licence Authority

ISSUED AT , DATE _____________

PLEASE NOTE:For information regarding areas open or closed to fishing, variation orders, and for clarification of any provisions contained in this licence condition contact your local fishery officer. Dockside Monitoring Companies are not agents of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Dockside Monitoring Companies are not authorized, on behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to provide any information to fishers.

You are also reminded that failure to comply with the requirements of your Licence or Conditions of Licence may subject you to prosecution.

WAIVER OF INFORMATION

I hereby allow the Department of Fisheries & Oceans to publish any or all of my catch data and anything relating to any data reported on my Whelk Monitoring Document.

This agreement made at ___________________________________________this ___________ day of ____________,1998.

I consent to the conditions of said waiver.

____________________ ___________

Licencee signature Date

_____________________ ____________

Witness Date

SCHEDULE I

Instructions for Completing the Whelk/Moonsnail Monitoring Document

Whelk/Moonsnail Inst (1998 - 01)

Please print clearly.

Confirmation No. Record the confirmation number received from the Dockside Monitoring Company.

Trap Type Identify trap type used.

License No. Specify your license number.

Bait Used Specify the bait used.

Vessel Registration Number Specify the Vessel Registration Number (CFV #).

No. Traps Hauled Specify the number of traps hauled.

Trip No. Specify the trip number.

No. of Soak Days Specify the number of days the gear was in the water.

Total Crew Specify the total crew , Captain included.

Wharf Landed Specify the wharf where you will land.

Date Sailed Specify the date sailed.

Port Landed Specify the port where you will land.

Date Landed Specify the date landed.

NAFO Unit Area Specify the NAFO Unit Area, i.e. 4XS, 4VN, etc.

ETA Specify your estimated time of arrival.

SCIENCE LOG:

Date Set Specify the year, month and day that you set the traps.

Date Hauled Specify the year, month and day that you hauled the traps.

Position Specify the Latitude and Longitude of set gear.

Depth Specify the depth in meters.

Trap No. Specify the Trap Number.

Catch Specify the number and weight of Whelks and Moonsnails kept.

Total Number of Traps Specify the number of traps set, lost and retrieved.

Discards Specify the species discarded by number and weight, in lbs.

Comments General comments, i.e.water temp. and conditions.

WEIGHOUT SLIP:

Buyer Specify the buyer´s name.

Address Specify the buyer´s address.

Specie Specify the specie sold.

Wt. (lb) Specify the weight in pounds sold.

Price / lb Specify the price per pound.

Observer´s Signature If monitored the observer must sign here.

Observers Name If monitored the observer´s name must be printed here.

Buyer´s Signature This is where the buyer will sign the document.

Buyer´s Name The buyer´s name must be printed here.

Captain´s Signature The Captain must sign the monitoring document here.

Captain´s Name The Captain´s name must be printed here.

Note: One document is to be completed for each fishing trip and submitted to a DFO approved Dockside Monitoring Company.

** click for a larger image

APPENDIX C

WHELK/MOONSNAIL SCIENTIFIC DATA SHEET

Name:

Monitoring Document Confirmation No.:

Date:

Instructions: When setting traps in a NEW area, record the length in millimeters (mm) of the first 40 whelks (W) or moonsnails (M) caught in the table below and circle W or M to indicate the species. Freeze 20 whelks or moonsnails from this sample for scientific analysis. Each sample of 20 should be bagged and labelled with the Name of collector, Date, Location, and Monitoring Document Confirmation Number. The frozen samples must be shipped to Dr. Ellen Kenchington, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, N.S. It is imperative that the samples remain frozen: to this end, delivery to Dartmouth can be made on an opportunity basis (fisher or DFO Sydney office personnel making trips to Halifax). The scientific data sheets can be sent upon conclusion of the fishery (no later than Jan. 15, 1999) to Odette Murphy, DFO, P.O. Box 550, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2S7.

APPENDIX D

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

FOR THE MONITORING OF MARINE TOXINS IN WHELKS HARVESTED IN EASTERN NOVA SCOTIA. SPECIES OF WHELKS (Buccinum undatum and Euspira heros [formerly known as Lunatia heros]).

AT THE FOLLOWING LOBSTER FISHING DISTRICTS

(LFAs): 27,29, 30, 31A, 31B, 32

BETWEEN:

THE FISHER ____________________; AND

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA, FISHERIES MANAGEMENT, SYDNEY, NS; AND THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY, SYDNEY, NS; AND

THE NOVA SCOTIA DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE, HALIFAX, NS

May 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998

1. BACKGROUND

Filter feeding bi-valve mollusks such as clams and cockles can accumulate marine bio-toxins due to the ingestion of toxic phytoplankton that may naturally exist in their habitat . Levels of toxin can in turn be accumulated by predatory gastropodian species such as whelks that may feed on the bivalves. Although not toxic to the filter feeder or predatory gastropod, marine toxins such as PSP, ASP and DSP can severely affect other animals, and in this case most notably humans, who may consume affected shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild (such as gastrointestinal upset) to severe (deaths documented due to PSP & ASP).

2. AREA DESCRIPTION

Areas commonly known as Lobster Fishing Districts LFA #27, 29, 30, 31A, 31B and 32.

3. PERMITTED SPECIES

WHELKS

• Common Northern whelk (Buccinum undatum)

• Common Northern Moon Shell (Euspira heros)

• (reference Appendix A attached)

4. TOXIN ACCEPTANCE LEVELS

• PSP: must be less than 80 micrograms per 100 grams;

• ASP: must be less than 20 micrograms per gram;

• DSP: level of Okadaic and DTX-1 toxins, singly or in combination must be less than 1 microgram per gram (digestive tissue).

NOTE: PRODUCT IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THESE LEVELS CANNOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE.

5. AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

5.1 The Fisher ____________________ agrees to:

• transport all product destined for sale “within” and for “export from” the province of Nova Scotia to a Canadian Food Inspection Agency federally registered fish processing establishment in Nova Scotia for processing.

• provide the processor with accurate harvesting records for all product delivered. Records must consist of species name, quantity, and date and location of harvest. (Copy of DMP Whelk Monitoring Document 1998-01 would suffice).

• give prior notice to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) of all scheduled product deliveries to the stated registered fish processing establishment. (Contact Monday - Friday 0800h - 16:30h Len Boudreau, CFIA, Sydney, NS phone (902) 564-3919, fax (902) 564-7260; contact after hours, holidays and week-ends, Len Boudreau (902) 562-6104, cellular (902) 561-0022.

5.2 The Department Of Fisheries And Oceans agrees to:

• maintain an open communication network with the CFIA and industry re changes to harvesting license provisions and to facilitate the transfer of toxin results as they are generated.

• accept CFIA recommendations re the acceptability of any harvest area for any or all species and to enact area closures or to amend harvest licenses as necessary.

5.3 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency agrees to:

• reserve the right to conduct toxin analyses on product samples obtained from any or all deliveries of molluscs to federally registered fish processing establishments.

• maintain a database of species toxin levels and to advise the DFO, the NSDFA and the harvesters of detectable or rising toxin levels.

• advise DFO and industry when unacceptable levels of toxin are detected and to make recommendations to DFO re the acceptability of specific harvest areas.

5.4 The NSDFA agrees to:

• maintain an open communication network with the CFIA and DFO re changes to harvesting license provisions and to facilitate the transfer of toxin results as they are generated.

6. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

The undersigned parties hereby agree with the contents of this Memorandum of Agreement and are committed to its objective. If at any time during the life of this agreement any one party cannot fulfil the requirements as set forth herein, the Memorandum may be voided and the DFO shall take appropriate action versus any harvesting licenses issued (based on relevant protocol necessities). All parties agree to review the agreement at its end to facilitate re-issuance of a future MOA to govern continued harvesting.

7. SIGNATURES

___________________________ _____________

Fisher Date

____________________________ ______________

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Date

_____________________________ ______________

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency Date

_________________________________ ________________

The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries Date

and Aquaculture

APPENDIX “A”

TO THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

WHELK DESCRIPTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: information is also given here regarding prohibited species Neptunia decemcostata (Ten-ridged Whelk) and Colus stimpsoni (Stimpson´s Whelk)

Buccinum undatum, Common Northern Whelk

- Carnivore, Scavenger

- Shell is yellowish white to pale yellowish brown, fresh shells are covered with a thin light brown periostracum.

- Height 3.5 - 14 cm.

- Broadly ovate with a large thick shell. Conical spire is elevated and about half of shell length. Whorls are convex with strong, broad, curved ribs. On the body whorls, ribs reach to the middle. Ribs are crossed by low strong spiral cords with one to several finer threads in between.

- Columella is somewhat twisted.

- Aperture broadly ovate. The interior, parietal callus and columella are white.

Euspira heros, Common Northern Moon Shell

- Carnivore

- Shell is greyish-white to brownish-grey. The early whorls are darker.

- Height 3.8 -12.7 cm. Almost as wide

- Almost round and smooth. Spire is low and broadly conical with gently convex whorls.

- Body whorl usually evenly rounded, in large specimens it can be slightly flattened below the suture.

- Umbilicus is deep and slightly covered by a thickened, white columella.

- Aperture is semicircular.

- Operculum is thin, horny and light brown.

Neptunea decemcostata, Ten-ridged whelk (No harvesting provision given for this species)

- Carnivore

- Yellowish grey with reddish brown ridges.

- Height 7.6 - 10.2 cm

- Shell is large and stout and composed of 6 or 7 whorls that are spirally ribbed with raised keels. There are 10 of these keels on the body whorl and 3 on the upper whorls.

- Has a short open canal.

- Aperture is white within, with the darker ridges faintly showing through

- Operculum is horny.

Colus stimpsoni, Stimpson´s Whelk (No harvesting provision given for this species)

- Carnivore

- Shell is yellowish to a greyish white covered with a thin yellowish-brown or dark brown periostracum.

- Height 5.1 -12.7 cm.

- Spindle shaped, large, with a high conical spire and a moderately long straight open canal.

- Whorls are convex and separated by fairly deep sutures. The spire whorls have spiral groves which become obscure or absent on the last two whorls.

- Aperture is ovate and narrowed at top and bottom. It is whitish and smooth inside.

- Operculum is horny and oval with a nucleus at one end.