June 24, 2010
St. John’s, NL – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the details of the 2010 Recreational Groundfish Fishery for Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as for the 2J3KL Northern Cod Stewardship Fishery. Minister Shea will also be visiting Labrador on June 26 and 27, where she will announce important investments in small craft harbours. These investments will help support the livelihoods in rural fishing communities.
“I recognize the significance of both the Recreational Groundfish Fishery and the 2J3KL Northern Cod Stewardship Fishery to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Shea. “And, in recognition of this fundamental importance, consideration for the long-term sustainability of these fisheries must also be taken into account, I am therefore pleased to be able to announce a recreational groundfish fishery for all inshore waters around Newfoundland and Labrador again in 2010, and also to announce the management plan for a sustainable Northern cod stewardship fishery.”
The recreational groundfish fishery will be open in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL, 4R3Pn and 3Ps for three weeks in the summer from Saturday, July 24 to Sunday, August 15 and for one week in the fall from Saturday, September 25 to Sunday, October 3. As in previous years there will be a daily bag limit of five fish, and a boat limit of 15 fish when three or more people are fishing. This includes tour boats.
Provisions in this year's recreational fishery will again allow disabled persons to designate a person to catch their daily limit of groundfish. The disability must be confirmed by a medical professional, such as a physician or optometrist. Residents who had a disability confirmed in 2009 are required to apply for a 2010 designation, but they are not required to submit a new form. Additional information is available at DFO licencing centres.
Fishing season dates for the 2J3KL Northern Cod Stewardship Fishery will be determined in consultation with industry; DFO will be undertaking these consultations in the coming weeks. There will be a roll-over of the 2009 Individual Quota level of 3,750 pounds (1,474 kg) per licence holder.
As with all fisheries, fishery officers will monitor fishing activities closely, both at sea and at dockside, to ensure regulations are followed.
- 30 -
For more information:
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 992-3474
Sam Whiffen
Communications Branch, NL Region
(709) 772-7631
