Entries

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public of the re-opening for the harvesting of all bivalve shellfish (including Arctic wedge calms, Atlantic razor clams, Atlantic surf clams, bay quahaugs, northern propeller clams, ocean quahaugs, softshell clam, Stimpson's surf clams, bay mussels, blue mussel, horse mussels, American oysters, bay scallops, Iceland scallops, purple hinge rock scallop, (except sea scallops), northern moon snails, waved whelks, and Stimpson's whelks) for recreational or commercial purposes in the following areas effective 1400 hours September 20, 2022: 

- Those waters adjacent to the community of Robert's Arm that are inside, or west, of a line drawn from 49.50631 degrees N, 55.78014 degrees W southeast to 49.48923 degrees N, 55.76915 degrees W (WGS84).

This closure was the result of the town of Roberts Arm having to shut down and by-pass the wastewater treatment plant.  This wastewater treatment plant has resumed operations.

More detailed information on remaining closed areas can be obtained from the nearest DFO office or the following website: Check Before you Harvest

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Prohibition Order NSN-2022-214 has been repealed effective 1400 hours on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

For more information on the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program please consult the following website: Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP)

DFO advises that the Winter flounder (Blackback) fishery in NAFO Divisions 3KL will open at 06:00 hours on September 14, 2022.

Fish harvesters are reminded that updated conditions have been issued to reflect changes to fishing areas in Trinity Bay. Conditions are available through the National Online licencing system. 

Fish harvesters should review these conditions for details on the changes and to be familiar with by-catch provisions for this fishery. By-catch levels will be closely monitored and areas will be closed where cod by-catch is excessive.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region

If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: Karen.Keats-Brett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public of the closure for the harvesting of all bivalve shellfish including Arctic wedge calms, Atlantic razor clams, Atlantic surf clams, bay quahaugs, northern propeller clams, ocean quahaugs, softshell clam, Stimpson's surf clams, bay mussels, blue mussel, horse mussels, American oysters, bay scallops, Iceland scallops, purple hinge rock scallop, (except sea scallops), northern moon snails, waved whelks, and Stimpson's whelks for recreational or commercial purposes in the following areas effective 1700 hours on September 12, 2022:

From Grates Point at 48.172711, -52.941921 east and south to Western Point, Cape Race at 46.656144, -53.074678

As a result, there is reason to believe that the sanitary conditions of the adjacent marine waters may have degraded to the point where accepted water quality standards have been exceeded and the contamination of the water would likely pose a risk to public health if shellfish in the affected area were harvested for consumption.

More detailed information on these closed areas can be obtained from the nearest DFO office or the following website: Check Before you Harvest

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Prohibition Order NSN-2022-215 comes into effect at 1700 hours on September 12, 2022.

In accordance with Appendix VIII of the CSSP Manual of Operations, these areas must remain closed for a minimum of seven days. There will be a Public Notice when the closure is lifted.

For more information on the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program please consult the following website: Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP)

DFO advises harvesters that the 2J3KL Stewardship Cod Fall Fishery will now open on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 06:00 hours.

Fish Harvesters are advised that license conditions are available on the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

As per the CHP the base authorized bi-weekly limits will be:                                                

3KL: Regular Season fishers = 8500 lbs. base bi-weekly                                              

3KL: Fall Only Option = 17,000 lbs. base bi-weekly

To ensure that the total harvest remains within the maximum authorized harvest, the Department will continue to monitor this fishery closely. There is approximately 2,100t remaining in 3KL. Any changes or adjustments that may need to be made will be communicated in advance to harvesters via a Notice to Fishers.                                                      

Harvesters are reminded that they are to ensure that landing limits are not exceeded by setting only the amount of fishing gear that is necessary.

Further details on gear and catch limits can be found at: 2022 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) 2J3KL Stewardship Cod fishery - AMENDED July 15, 2022

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2022-213 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-214 comes into effect on September 13, 2022.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region

If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: Karen.Keats-Brett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that the Greenland Halibut fishery in NAFO Division 4R for Quebec-based vessel class A213 will close at 1700 hours EDT September 9, 2022 as landings are approaching the total allowable catch for this fishery.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2022-123 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-212 comes into effect at 1630 hours on September 9, 2022.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: Karen.Keats-Brett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that due to the marine forecast and DFO’s commitment to safety at sea, that the Fall opening of Northern Cod Stewardship Fishery in NAFO Divisions 3KL that was scheduled to open on September 11th, 2022 will be delayed. The Department will reassess on Monday, September 12, 2022, and will provide an update at that time.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2022-204 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-213 comes into effect on September 10, 2022.

“Notices to Fish Harvesters” for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region

If you would like to have all “Notices to Fish Harvesters” for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: Karen.Keats-Brett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises Eel harvesters that gear can be set in scheduled Salmon rivers effective immediately.

The Eel fishery will close to all gear types in all locations on October 31, 2022.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region

If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: Karen.Keats-Brett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises harvesters that the fixed gear gillnet & trap Herring fishery will open in Herring Fishing Area 4 (Notre Dame Bay) in NAFO Division 3K at 0600 hours on Friday, September 9, 2022.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2022-192 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-211 comes into effect on September 9, 2022.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region

If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: Karen.Keats-Brett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO reminds anglers of the following Salmon angling season closures:

Insular Newfoundland:

Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14A will close to Salmon angling on September 7, 2022.

Fall catch and release Salmon angling is permitted on the Lower Humber River, Gander River, and Lower Exploits Rivers from September 8, 2022, to October 7, 2022. Retention of Salmon is not permitted.

Catch-and-Release angling as follows:

- main stem of Lower Exploits River, from Stoney Brook to river mouth;

- main stem of Lower Humber River, from Boom Siding (outlet of Deer Lake) to lower end of Shellbird Island;

- main stem of Gander River from outlet on Gander Lake to river mouth.

- Angling not permitted on any tributaries of these rivers;

- Daily catch-and-release bag limit of three Salmon;

Please refer to the Angler's Guide for more detailed information. Anglers' Guide - Salmon

Labrador:

Zones 1, 2, and 14B will close to Salmon angling on September 15, 2022.

Anglers are reminded to complete their Salmon Angling Log. Angling log data is an important tool in the stock assessment process. If you purchased a license and did not fish, it is important to let us know. If you did fish please record your daily angling activity as accurately as possible. Check the appropriate box and submit your form.

The Salmon Angling Log can be found online at Salmon Angling Return Form

Play a part in conserving the resource. Submit your form today.

DFO reminds anglers of the following Trout angling season closures:

- Zone 1 (Insular Newfoundland) closed to Trout angling on September 7, 2022. Brown and Rainbow trout angling in selected areas on the Avalon Peninsula and East Coast areas will continue until October 7, 2022.

- Zones 2 and 4 closed to Trout angling on September 7, 2022.

- Zones 3, 5 and 6 closed to Trout angling on September 15, 2022.

- These closures include the Churchill River Drainage Basin Watershed which closes on September 7, 2022 and the Eagle Plateau Management Zone which closes on September 15, 2022.

For further information visit the 2022 - 2023 Angler's Guide on-line at Anglers' Guide 2023-2024