FISHERIES AND OCEAN CANADA

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

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June 27, 2016

 

 

 

2016 Recreational Groundfish Fishery Opening: Reminder

 

DFO advises that in 2016, the recreational groundfish fishery will be open for a total of 46 days. This is an increase of 14 days over previous years.

 

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

 

Summer Dates:

 

Friday July 01 to Sunday July 03

Saturday July 9 to Sunday July 10

Saturday July 16 to Sunday, August 07

Saturday   August 13 to Sunday August 14

Saturday   August 20 to Sunday August 21

Saturday   August 27 to Sunday August 28

Saturday September 03 to Monday Sept 05

 

Fall Dates:

 

Saturday September 24 to Sunday October 02

 

The recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas /subareas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes 2GH, 2J3KL, 3Ps, 3Pn, and 4R. The public is reminded that fishing is not permitted in the Eastport and Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Areas.

 

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

 

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

 

Further details on all applicable Management Measures can be found at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/decisions/fm-2013-gp/atl-015-eng.htm ( link will be updated for 2016 content ) , or by calling 709-772-4423 for Recreational fishing.

 

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 Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2015-248 has been revoked and Variation Order 2016-047 comes into effect on May 20, 2016.

 

Contact:

Patricia Williams

Senior Resource Manager

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador Region

Ph 709 772 0695

Patricia.williams@dfo-mpo.gc.ca