The PEIFA is seeking up to 12 Silverside fishers for a potential striped bass bycatch retention pilot project in 2026. It is anticipated that participants will be able to catch, retain and sell striped bass bycatch during this project. You must be a PEI silverside fish harvester to apply.
Participants will be evenly distributed across the PEI silverside berth distribution. Draws of interested participants will be divided based on berth location (northside vs southside berths and East, Central and Western locations on PEI) to ensure even distribution. Limitations on size of bass to be retained, # of bass retained per participant, and the data collection required will be finalized with the approval of the DFO permit.
It is anticipated that participants will be able to retain bass throughout the silverside season (October 1st to December 31st) or until the individual catch limit is reached. All details on the pilot project are subject to DFO approval. Registration Dates/Times: 8:30 AM Friday, August 28th, 2026 to 4:30 PM Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 Location: Farm Centre, 420 University Ave, Suite 102, Charlottetown Fee: No fee for registration How to register: Fishers can register online at www.peifa.org by clicking the "Striped Bass Bycatch in the Silverside Fishery Pilot Project 2026" link under "Registrations" or contact the PEIFA Office to register by phone 902-566-4050 Extension 1 or 2, or in person.
Required information: Captain's Name, Phone #, Email, Silverside License #, Berth Location The draw will be held on September 8th, 2026 following the registration deadline. Interested individuals can find more details about the registration and the pilot project by visiting the website, www.peifa.org or contact Laura Ramsay @ 902-393-2281, laura@peifa.org or Melanie Giffin @ 902-330-4466 or melanie@peifa.org