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Proactive Disclosure

Proactive Disclosure

Archived – Management Measures for the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

Species and Area

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

Dates of season (subject to change)

The summer fishery will run from July 24-August 15, 2010, with a fall fishery from September 25-October 3, 2010.

This fishery will re-open again one hour before sunrise on Saturday, October 9, 2010, and will close one hour after sunset on Monday, October 11, 2010.

Retention Limits

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.

Management Measures

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

There is no requirement for licences or tags.

Retention of Atlantic halibut and Spotted and Northern wolffish is prohibited. Sculpins and cunners may be released. All other groundfish caught must be retained. High-grading of groundfish is not permitted.

All fish caught must be retained in an identifiable state. Fish may be bled, gutted, and split while at sea, but further processing such as filleting and skinning at sea is not permitted.

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 142 grams are acceptable. Traditional jiggers are not permitted unless they are modified and have only one single hook.

There are provisions in this year's recreational fishery that allow a disabled person to designate a person to catch their daily limit of groundfish. Information is available at DFO licencing centres. Access the designation for disabled persons form here. Print and complete form and return to your nearest DFO office for authorization.

Fishery officers will monitor this fishery closely, both at sea and at dockside, to ensure regulations are followed. Complaints will be investigated and charges laid where appropriate.

The sale of groundfish caught in the recreational fishery is strictly prohibited.

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. The public is reminded to follow safe boating practices and be aware of local weather and sea conditions before leaving port during the upcoming fishing season.

Links to other information

Further information on marine weather conditions can be found at: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/marine/index_e.html