What does AFLAB mean in FISHING

The Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board (AFLAB) is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal designed to adjudicate appeals of decisions concerning commercial fishing licences issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. AFLAB was established under the authority of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Act, and has jurisdiction over all Federal fisheries disputes in Atlantic Canada, including Quebec and Labrador.

Any person or organization that has been subject to a decision made by Fisheries and Oceans Canada related to their fishing licence may make an appeal directly to AFLAB.

All appeals must be filed with the Secretary of AFLAB in writing. The Notice of Appeal form can be found on the AFLAB website. This form should include all relevant information such as your name, mailing address, telephone number, date of decision appealed against and detailed reasons for appealing the decision. Once completed, you must send this form with any supporting documents to AFLAB via mail or fax.

After receiving your Notice of Appeal, AFLAB will send you a confirmation letter including any additional instructions you may need to follow in order for your appeal to proceed further. You will also be notified about the date your notice was received as well as the date your case will be heard at a formal hearing before one or more members appointed by NRLAB.

At a formal hearing before an appointed member(s), both parties are expected to present arguments supported by factual evidence in support of their position regarding the dispute being heard. Additionally, witnesses may be called upon to give testimony during these proceedings which will help inform the members’ ruling on this matter as well as provide context about applicable laws governing commercial fishing operations in Atlantic Canada.

After hearing both sides of the dispute as presented at the formal hearing, along with any witness testimonies that have been provided, members appointed by NRLAB will then render their decision regarding this matter based on relevant law and evidence presented during these proceedings within 30 days from closing arguments being given at said hearing. This written ruling shall include specific findings related to each party’s claims along with any orders regarding changes that need to take place in relation thereto (e.g., changes in fisheries practices).

Yes it is possible for either party involved in this dispute to file an application for leave to appeal NRLAB’s final ruling within 30 days from its issuance provided they can demonstrate sufficient reason why such leave should be granted (i.e., there has been an unreasonable finding based on evidence). To submit such an application, please refer back to our website where we have included instructions for applying for leave specifically related thereto.

Yes there are certain cases which may not require going through a full formal hearing process in order for decisions surrounding commercial fishing licences issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)to be made; these include cases involving minor disputes/decisions between parties where DFO’s original assessment is deemed reasonable enough so that no further action needs taken other than simple agreement between them (e.g., minor alterations/additions requested by one party). In such instances, simply calling upon DFO representatives who were originally involved with issuing said licence could serve as sufficient resolution thus avoiding necessity for further hearings altogether.

Yes there are several administrative services offered through or affiliated with AFLBC which provide various means whereby parties interested commercial fishing activities more generally can initiate discussions towards potentially resolving disputes arising therein without resorting necessarily having resorting full-scale hearings; some examples thereof include mediation services (wherein third-party facilitators help facilitate negotiations between two sides so as reach agreements beneficial everyone); Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs involving interlocutory orders which refer associated matters back DFO either designation particular Authority Members make rulings; informal discussion programs putting affected stakeholders touch directly address issues concerns etc