October 3, 2011
St. John's, NL – The 2011 recreational groundfish fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador closed on Sunday, October 2. Each year many people participate in the fishery, fishing for Atlantic cod and other fish species in coastal waters around the province.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that recreational fishing is historically and socially significant in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. "As summer approaches, many people look forward to a fishing trip and catching a meal of fresh cod."
"I am particularly pleased to hear that many people enjoyed time on the water this year," said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador. "Our fisheries and fish resources are so important to the people of the province."
Atlantic cod is the primary marine species targeted by recreational fishers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The conservation measures for the recreational groundfish fishery take into consideration this level of activity and the scientific assessment for the cod stocks. The regulations for the recreational groundfish fishery include catch limits, fishing gear requirements and season dates.
"We take the conservation of cod and all marine species seriously and we must manage our fish with long-term sustainability in mind so that we can maintain the important traditions of recreational fishing while building our fisheries into the future," said Minister Ashfield.
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For more information:
Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Minister Keith Ashfield
(613) 992-3474
NR-NL-11-04
