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

Newfoundland's 'food fishery' lets residents catch cod and other groundfish for personal use. The government wants to know if the current rules are working—or if changes are needed. Right now, there's no licence required, no tags on your catch, and no reporting. Two of the three cod stocks are in critical condition, so what happens next matters.

Why This Matters

Do you fish for cod in Newfoundland? This directly affects your summer weekends. The food fishery is a cultural tradition here—but two of three cod stocks are struggling. If rules tighten, you might need a licence or have to report your catch. If they loosen, more fishing days could open up.

What Could Change

DFO could introduce licensing requirements for recreational cod fishing. Catch reporting or tagging might become mandatory. The 39-day season could expand or shrink depending on stock health. Daily bag limits (currently 5 fish per person) could change. These rules would take effect for the 2026 fishing season.

Key Issues

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

How to Participate

Complete the online survey. It takes about 15 minutes and you don't need to create an account.
Send your comments by email to recgroundfishnl@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Send a letter by mail to the address in the contact information section.

Submit Your Input

Complete The Recreational Groundfish Survey Draft Email

Email Template

Dear Fisheries Management Branch,

I am writing to provide feedback on the Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery consultation.

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 licensing and reporting:
[Should a licence be required? Should catches be reported?]

On season length and bag limits:
[Are 39 days and 5 fish per day appropriate?]

On managing stocks in the Critical Zone:
[How should DFO balance conservation with fishing access?]

Suggestions:
[What would improve management of this fishery?]

Thank you for considering my input.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Questions Being Asked (4)

What do you think about the current management rules for the food fishery?
Should licensing, tagging, or catch reporting be introduced?
Are the current season length and bag limits appropriate?
How should the fishery be managed given that two cod stocks are in the Critical Zone?