Should the Rules Change for Newfoundland's Recreational Cod Fishery?

Official title: Public engagement on management measures in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Open Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources

Fisheries and Oceans Canada wants to know what you think about the 'food fishery' - the recreational groundfish fishery that lets Newfoundlanders and Labradorians catch cod for personal use. Right now, there's no licence required, no tags, and no catch reporting. The government is asking whether these rules should change for 2026, given that two of the three main cod stocks are in critical condition.

Why This Matters

Do you fish for cod in Newfoundland? This decision directly affects your summer weekends. The current rules let you catch 5 fish per day without a licence or reporting. But two of the three cod stocks are in critical condition. Changes could mean new licences, catch tags, or shorter seasons.

What Could Change

The 2026 fishing rules could look very different. DFO might introduce mandatory licences, catch tags, or reporting requirements. Season length could shrink from the current 39 days. Daily bag limits of 5 fish per person might be reduced. The boat limit of 15 fish when 3+ people are fishing could also change.

Key Issues

Should recreational fishers be required to have a licence?
Should catch tagging or reporting be mandatory?
Are the current season length and bag limits appropriate given stock conditions?
How should the fishery be managed when two of three cod stocks are in critical condition?

How to Participate

Review the current fishery rules and watch the educational video about cod stocks to understand what's at stake.
Complete the online survey - it takes about 15 minutes and no account is needed.
Or send your comments by email to recgroundfishnl@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by mail to the address provided.

Submit Your Input

Complete The Recreational Groundfish Fishery Survey Draft Email

Email Template

Dear Fisheries Management Branch,

I am writing regarding the public engagement on management measures for the Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery.

I [support / oppose / have concerns about] the current management approach because:
[Your reason - even one sentence counts]

My connection to this fishery:
[Do you fish recreationally? Where? How often?]

On the current rules (39-day season, 5 fish daily limit, no licence required):
[Your thoughts - are these appropriate given stock conditions?]

On potential new requirements (licences, tags, reporting):
[Your views on whether these should be introduced]

Suggestions for 2026 management:
[What changes, if any, would you support?]

Thank you for considering my input.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Questions Being Asked (4)

What do you think about the current management rules (39-day season, 5 fish daily limit, 15 fish boat limit)?
Should there be a requirement to have a fishing licence?
Should catch tagging or reporting be required?
How should the fishery be managed given that two of three cod stocks are in critical condition?