Changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Recreational Groundfish (Cod) Fishery

More Days of Recreational Fishing This Year Followed by Public Consultations

Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity on behalf of Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today announced an extension to Newfoundland and Labrador’s recreational groundfish (cod) fishery.

In 2016, the public will be able to fish cod for a total of 46 days during the annual recreational groundfish fishery. This is an increase of 14 days over previous years.

The expanded season dates will also apply to tour boat operators. For 2016, tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a license to seek an increased trip limit. This license will have harvest reporting requirements to inform DFO Science of the amount of removals from participants in the recreational groundfish fishery.

This is a transitional year before the implementation of a license and tags regime for all recreational fishery participants. It is expected to be introduced prior to the 2017 season. Full consultations on the new regime will be undertaken with the public and industry in the near future.

Quick Facts

• The fishery will run from July 16 to August 7 as well as from September 24 to October 2, 2016. In addition, the fishery will be open on all weekends throughout July and August, including the Canada Day and Labour Day long weekends.
• All previous management measures remain in place: daily limit of five fish per day, maximum of 15 fish per boat; no high-grading or other discarding groundfish, and no fishing during closed times.
• The expanded season dates also apply to the recreational groundfish fishery in Quebec’s Lower North Shore.

“Although the Northern cod stock is still in the critical zone, it has recently shown some signs of improvement to support a limited increase in fishing days for the annual recreational groundfish (cod) fishery. I am pleased to announce Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will now be able to fish on 46 days; an additional 14 days for the 2016 season.” - Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s commitment to honouring the peoples’ deep historical and cultural attachment to the cod fishery in this province. These changes will also positively contribute to the economic well-being of the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism sector.” - Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Associated Links

• Fishery Notice – Recreational Groundfish fishery: http://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/CP/Orders/Notices-List

• Integrated Fisheries Management Plan – Groundfish Species NAFO Division 2+3KL: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/peches-fisheries/ifmp-gmp/groundfish-poisson-fond/groundfish-poisson-fond-div2-3KL-eng.htm