Consultation on marine recreational fishing licences for eastern Canada
Current status: Closed
Why
There’s general agreement that a licence would help improve stock assessments and promote sustainable management practices. Feedback is required to help with the proposal for a marine recreational fishing licence to identify gaps and provide input and local expertise.
Past actions
Between 2001 and 2005, we explored the possibility of a marine recreational fishing licence for groundfish in parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec. In 2016, consultations were held on a proposal to introduce a licence and tags. Discussions have also been held with various groups on the benefits of a licence.
The results of these past actions demonstrate:
- the importance of recreational fishing to the culture and life of local communities
- that a licence is seen as a way to ensure that sustainable fishing opportunities continue for future generations of Canadians
Who
This consultation sought comments from stakeholders, including:
- anglers
- Indigenous groups
- charter boat operators
- provincial representatives
What
Some stocks are recovering (cod in Newfoundland and Labrador, striped bass in New Brunswick) and others require special attention (mackerel). Because of this, our proposal outlined:
- no requirement to purchase tags
- an annual licence to cover April 1 to March 31
- a single licence for all marine species
- an initial offering at no cost to anglers
- online availability, with mandatory catch reporting
- categories for both charter boats and individual anglers (clients on charter boats would be covered by the boat licence)
- priority currently given to Indigenous groups for food, social and ceremonial fisheries remains unchanged
Feedback questions
The consultation sought feedback on the following questions.
- A decision may be made to eventually apply a fee to the proposed licence. What should the fee entail in terms of levels of fees, categories of licences, timing of implementation or other items of interest?
- The licence would initially apply to groundfish, mackerel and striped bass (except in Quebec). Are there other marine species that should be included? Are there any concerns about mandatory catch reporting?
- On the Pacific coast, the licence is issued online. What type of support would be needed for such a system in eastern Canada? What management conditions should be included on the licence?
- Are there any other issues that should be considered?
When and where
The online consultation was available between May 26, 2017, and September 18, 2017.
Dates and locations of past in-person consultations are available.
Past consultations
- Quebec
- Magdalen Islands
- July 5, 2017 at 7 pm, Paradis plein air, 75 Odiphas-Harvie Road in Fatima (Meeting for Francophones)
- July 6, 2017 at 10 am, DFO Office, 235 Main Road, Cap-aux-Meules (Meeting for Anglophones)
- North Shore
- June 19, 2017, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, at the Hôtel des Gouverneurs, Sept-Îles
- June 19, 2017, from 7 pm to 9 pm, in the basement of the church, Havre St-Pierre
- June 20, 2017, from 10:00 am to noon, at the community hall, Chevery
- June 20, 2017, from 3 pm to 5 pm, in the community hall, Rivière St-Paul
- June 20, 2017, from 7 pm to 9 pm, in the community hall, Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon
- Magdalen Islands
- Prince Edward Island
- July 19 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Royal Canadian Legion, 94 Main Drive, Miscouche
- July 20 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Rodd Hotel Royalty, 14 Capital Drive, Charlottetown
- Nova Scotia
- July 4, 2017, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Yarmouth, Grand Hotel (Maritimes Region)
- July 12, 2017, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Dartmouth, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Ford Auditorium (Maritimes Region)
- July 19, 2017, 6 pm to 8 pm, Sydney, Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (Maritimes Region)
- July 24 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Inverness County Centre for the Arts, 16080, Highway 19, Inverness
- July 25 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Holiday Inn, 86 Lawrence Boulevard, Stellarton
- New Brunswick
- July 11, 2017, 6 pm to 8 pm, Saint John, Hilton Saint John, Belleisle Room (Maritimes Region)
- July 27 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Atlantic Host Hotel, 1450 Vanier Boulevard, Bathurst
- August 17 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Cocagne Marina, 130 Marina Road, Cocagne
How to participate
Consultations are now closed.
Related information
Contact us
Attn: Marine Recreational License for Eastern Canada
Room 13S038 - Fisheries Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
200 Kent St
Ottawa ON K1A 0E6
- Date modified: