e-4781 (Fisheries)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognizes the importance of the recreational groundfish fishery to the people in Newfoundland and Labrador, including to tour boat operators.

The sustainable management of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cod resource is of utmost importance to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to ensure continued benefit to the people of the province and for future generations.

The Newfoundland and Labrador recreational groundfish fishery is managed by a suite of regulations and management measures. From 2016 to 2023, the fishery was open each year for a total of 39 days. The season included three-day fishing periods spaced throughout the summer months, and a further nine-day fishing period in the fall. Recreational fishers were limited to five groundfish per day (including cod) and a maximum boat limit of 15 groundfish when three or more people are fishing. In addition, tour boat operators were able to apply for a licence that allowed for the retention of two fish per passenger on days the recreational fishery was open, and catch and release of two fish per passenger on days that the recreational fishery was not open.

These management measures have provided for recreational fishing opportunities, while considering the sustainable management of the resource and safety at sea. The fishing periods spaced throughout the summer months, introduced in 2018, and an early fall period were established to provide ample opportunity for participation and minimize safety at sea concerns caused by poor weather. These management measures have balanced the needs of all recreational users with the key conservation objectives for cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador, including promoting stock recovery.

The recreational groundfish fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador primarily targets three separate Atlantic cod stocks - 2J3KL (Northern) cod, 3Ps cod (south coast of Newfoundland) and 3Pn4RS cod (Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence), with the highest concentration of activity occurring in the Northern cod stock area. The recent science assessment of the Northern cod stock in March confirmed that the stock is in the Cautious zone of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Precautionary Approach Framework. The most recent science advice for 3Ps cod and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod, in November 2023 and January 2024, respectively, confirmed that these two stocks remain in the Critical zone.

The Department will take the most recent science advice for all three stocks into account when making a management decision for Newfoundland and Labrador’s recreational groundfish fishery for the 2024 season, along with stakeholder perspectives and other considerations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognizes the importance of a timely decision to recreational fishery participants for planning purposes, and we intend to announce a decision in the coming weeks.