DFO advises that the winter flounder (blackback) gillnet fishery for fixed gear vessels less than 65 feet based in NAFO Divisions 4R3Pn will open at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009 in the following area:

• NAFO Subdivision 4Ra from a line drawn due west of Point Riche, north to the NAFO Division 4R/3K boundary at Cape Bauld, in water depths of less than 15 fathoms only.

This fishery will be closely monitored for incidences of excessive cod by-catch and the fishery will close if the established protocols are exceeded.

Fish harvesters are reminded that licence conditions are available from DFO Licencing Centres.