FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO ANGLERS

pn.20.022

na.20.010

June 5, 2020


2020 Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery

DFO advises that in 2020, the recreational groundfish fishery will be open for a total of 39 days.

For the 2020 season, there is no requirement for licences or tags.

The recreational fishery is open to both residents and non-residents.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages all individuals participating in the Recreational Groundfish Fishery to follow public health advice.

Dates of seasons

Summer Season:

Saturday, July 04, 2020 to Monday, July 06, 2020

Saturday, July 11, 2020 to Monday, July 13, 2020

Saturday, July 18, 2020 to Monday, July 20, 2020

Saturday, July 25, 2020 to Monday, July 27, 2020

Saturday, August 01, 2020 to Monday, August 03, 2020

Saturday, August 08, 2020 to Monday, August 10, 2020

Saturday, August 15, 2020 to Monday, August 17, 2020

Saturday, August 22, 2020 to Monday, August 24, 2020

Saturday, August 29, 2020 to Monday, August 31, 2020

Saturday, September 05, 2020 to Monday, September 7, 2020

Fall Season:

Saturday, September 26, 2020 to Sunday, October 04, 2020

The recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas/subareas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes 2GH, 2J3KL, 3Ps, 3Pn and 4R. Three exceptions are the Eastport, Gilbert Bay and Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where recreational groundfish fishing will not be permitted.

Recreational fishers are limited to five (5) groundfish per day (including Cod). However, the maximum boat limit when three or more people are fishing is 15 groundfish.

Provisions will continue that allow a disabled or visually impaired person to designate someone to catch their daily limit of groundfish. Information is available at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Client Service Centres or online at:  http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/decisions/fm-2020-gp/designation-eng.html. First time applicants are required to download, complete and have their doctor/ophthalmologist complete a section of the form. However, individuals who are seeking to renew a designation can complete the form electronically by saving it and sending via email or clicking submit at the bottom of the form during which time an email will be generated for the applicant.

For 2020, tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a license to seek an increased trip limit. This license will have harvest reporting requirements.

Further details on all applicable Management Measures can be found at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/decisions/fm-2020-gp/atl-19-eng.html

For safety reasons, fishing is only permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. The public is reminded to follow safe boating practices and be aware of local weather and sea conditions before leaving port.

Participants in the recreational groundfish fishery are further reminded to inspect their catch carefully for pink or yellow tags, located on the back of the fish. The tags are uniquely numbered and have a DFO address and reward value ($10 or $100) printed on them. Participants should return the tag along with the location and date of capture, and include their mailing address, to claim the tag reward.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Orders 2019-107 and 2019-108 have been revoked and Variation Orders 2020-072 and 2020-073 come into effect on June 6, 2020.

Contact:

Gary Bruce
Resource Management
(709)772-4438
gary.bruce@dfo-mpo.gc.ca