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Notice to Fish Harvesters - Updates to the Fisheries Licensing Policy for Newfoundland and Labrador Region - Vessel and related policies that support Owner-Operator - nf.25.130

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Notice to Fish Harvesters – Updates to the Fisheries Licensing Policy for Newfoundland and Labrador Region – Vessel and related policies that support Owner-Operator – nf.25.130
June 12, 2025

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS

nf.25.130B

Jun. 12, 2025

Updates to the Fisheries Licensing Policy for Newfoundland and Labrador Region – Vessel and related policies that support Owner-Operator

DFO advises that the Fisheries Licensing Policy for Newfoundland and Labrador Region has been amended to include recommendations stemming from industry engagements on vessels and related policies that support owner-operator.

Effective immediately for the 2025 fishing season, the following changes have been implemented:

Secondary Vessel Length: The maximum authorized length for secondary vessels has been increased to 39’11” for all enterprises.

Non-Core Vessel Length: Non-core enterprises may now register primary vessels up to 49’11”, aligning with the length restrictions for core enterprises.

Vessel Registration Duration: A new flexibility has been introduced for the 12-month vessel registration period, allowing a 30-day grace period in the final month.

These changes will be reflected online soon. Harvesters seeking further details are encouraged to contact their local DFO area office.

For more information on the Fisheries Licensing Policy for Newfoundland and Labrador Region, please visit: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/reports-rapports/regs/licences-permis/nfld-Labrador-tn-labrador-eng.htm

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For information, contact:
Julia Sparkes
Resource Manager
Tel. (709) 691-6439
E-mail: julia.sparkes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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Dr. Erin Carruthers

Dr. Erin Carruthers is the Science Director and Senior Fisheries Scientist with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), which is the labour union that represents the owner-operator fleet in Newfoundland and Labrador. The FFAW is committed to research and management that supports healthy oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities. Dr. Carruthers received her Ph. D. in Biology from Memorial University in 2011 followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research. Before coming to Newfoundland, Erin worked as a Research Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the St. Andrews Biological Station. Her current research program is co-constructed with fish harvesters and includes research on coastal fishing communities, collaborative longline and trap surveys, and best practices for the avoidance, handling and release of unwanted catch.