According to DFO management measures are in place for the recreational groundfish fishery for Newfoundland and Labrador that will begin Wednesday, July 23. It is said that the recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes 2GH, 2J3KL, 3Ps, 3Pn and 4R. Only two areas are restricted, the Eastport and Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where recreational groundfish fishing will not be permitted.
It is said that there will be two seasons including a summer season from July 23 to Aug. 12 and a fall season from Sept. 27 to Oct. 5. And in this period the recreational fishery is open to both residents and non-residents. There is no requirement for licences or tags. DFO told that the 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. This includes tour boats.
DFO also added that only angling gear and handlines with a maximum of three hooks are permitted. Handlines include artificial lures, baited hooks and feathered hooks. Artificial lures with treble hooks weighing less than five ounces or 125 grams are acceptable. It is told that the fishery officers will monitor this fishery closely, both at sea and at dockside, to ensure regulations are followed.
DFO said that commercial fishing vessels are not permitted to participate in recreational fishing activity on any trip where there is any commercial fishing activity. For safety reasons, fishing is only permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
