FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA PUBLIC NOTICE
June 21, 2023
2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery
DFO advises that in 2023, the recreational groundfish fishery will be open for a total of 39 days.
For the 2023 season, there is no requirement for a licence or tags.
Species and Area:
The recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas/subareas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes 2GH, 2J3KL, 3Ps, 3Pn and 4R. Three exceptions are the Eastport, Gilbert Bay and Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where recreational groundfish fishing will not be permitted.
Season Dates:
Summer Season:
Saturday, July 01, 2023 to Monday, July 03, 2023
Saturday, July 08, 2023 to Monday, July 10, 2023
Saturday, July 15, 2023 to Monday, July 17, 2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023 to Monday, July 24, 2023
Saturday, July 29, 2023 to Monday, July 31, 2023
Saturday, August 05, 2023 to Monday, August 07, 2023
Saturday, August 12, 2023 to Monday, August 14, 2023
Saturday, August 19, 2023 to Monday, August 21, 2023
Saturday, August 26, 2023 to Monday, August 28, 2023
Saturday, September 02, 2023 to Monday, September 04, 2023
Fall Season:
Saturday, September 23, 2023 to Sunday, October 01, 2023.
Recreational fishers are limited to five (5) groundfish per day (including Cod). However, the maximum boat limit when three or more people are fishing is 15 groundfish.
Provisions will continue that allow a person with a disability to designate a person to catch their daily limit of groundfish. First time applicants are required to download, complete and have their doctor/ophthalmologist complete a section of the form. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application electronically, via email. Applications received via regular mail may result in delays to processing your application.
The disability designation form and details on all applicable Management Measures will be available by end of day June 20, 2023 online at https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/decisions/fm-2023-gp/index-atl-eng.html
For 2023, tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a license to seek an increased trip limit. This license will have harvest reporting requirements.
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 Region gives notice that Variation Orders 2022-244 and 2022-245 have been revoked and Variation Orders 2023-106 and 2023-107 come into effect on June 21, 2023.
“Public Notices” are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at https://www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/en
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For information, contact:
Robyn Morris
Senior Resource Manager
Tel: (709) 690-5021
Email: robyn.morris@dfo-mpo.gc.ca