2010 recreational fishery

[Donna Bennett]

Has anyone heard if there is going to be a 2010 recreational fishery for cod this year ?  Would really like to know ......  Many thanks

[Edward Smith]

Hey Donna,

Just got off the phone with DFO, and they have not announced the dates for the 2010 season yet. I will keep you up to date when more news around this arises. Ed

[Donna Bennett]

Thanks so much Ed - That was really cool of you to do all of that. I have spoke to DFO about a month and half ago. They said that there is concern about the commerical fisherman not filling their quotas last year, as an indicator that the Cod are in shortage. But, as many may know, alot of commerical fisherman did not fish the entire year because of the low price for the fish. It does not look good for this year also because of the news reporting possiblitiy putting cod on the endangered species list. Keeping my fingers crossed... All the best, Donna

[Edward Smith]

Recreational cod fishery announced for Newfoundland and Labrador

Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea announced details of the 2010 Recreational Groundfish Fishery for Newfoundland and Labrador. The recreational groundfish fishery will be open in waters around the province (NAFO Divisions 2J3KL, 4R3Pn and 3Ps) for three weeks this summer from Saturday, July 24 to Sunday, Aug. 15 and for one week in the fall from Saturday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 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.