PUBLIC NOTICES

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Reopening - Avalon Peninsula East

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

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 1300 hours on October 4, 2022:

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

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Prohibition Order NSN-2022-215 has been repealed effective 1300 hours Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

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

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.017
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel (709) 424-4819
Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Re-opening for Roberts Arm Area, Notre Dame Bay

Notice Group Term
Notice description

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)

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.016
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel (709) 424-4819
Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Closure - Significant Rainfall - Avalon Peninsula East

Notice Group Term
Notice description

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)

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.015
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel: (709) 424-4819
Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Closure for Roberts Arm Area, Notre Dame Bay

Notice Group Term
Notice description

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 1600 hours August 15, 2022. This closure is a result of the town of Roberts Arm having to shut down and by-pass the wastewater treatment plant.

- 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).

It is illegal to fish for molluscs or possess molluscs from these closed areas. More detailed information on these and other 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 comes into effect 1600 hours Monday August 15, 2022.

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

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.014
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Regional Aquaculture Management Officer
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel.(709) 424-4819
E-mail: Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Re-opening for Various Areas

Notice Group Term
Notice description

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises of the re-opening and declassification* of various previously closed areas for the harvesting of all molluscan bivalve shellfish for recreational and commercial purposes in the following areas effective 1800 hours Monday, July 4, 2022:

    Western Arm, Middle Arm and Southern Arm, Green Bay:

That portion of Western Arm, Middle Arm and Southern Arm,  bounded by the shoreline and a series of straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed: 

49.70162 N 55.90968 W, to a point at 

49.69494 N 55.89189 W, then along the shoreline to a point at

49.69299 N 55.88503 W, to a point at 

49.68765 N 55.87893 W, then along the shoreline to a point at

49.68594 N 55.87644 W, to a point at 

49.68585 N 55.86551 W, then along the shoreline back to the point of commencement.

    Lockers Bay and Squid Arm, Bonavista Bay:

That portion of Lockers Bay bounded by the shoreline and a series of straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:  

48.91218 N 53.89028 W, to a point at 

48.89884 N 53.88301 W, then along the shoreline to a point at

48.88736 N 53.98551 W, to a point at 

48.90203 N 53.99739 W, then along the shoreline to a point at 

48.89546 N 53.89377 W, to a point at 

48.89397 N 53.89766 W, then along the shoreline back to the point of commencement.

    Southwest Arm and West Arm, Trinity Bay:

The portion of Southwest Arm and West Arm that are inside, or northwest of a straight line drawn from: 

48.37890 N 53.36280 W, to a point at 

48.38265 N 53.35574 W, to a point at 

48.37607 N 53.34748 W, to a point at 

48.37426 N 53.34380 W, to a point at

48.37144 N 53.34220 W, to a point at 

48.36649 N 53.34508 W, to a point at 

48.35683 N 53.37640 W, to a point at     

48.35688 N 53.37862 W, to a point at 

48.36444 N 53.37755 W, to a point at 

48.36656 N 53.37875 W, to a point at 

48.36887 N 53.36796 W, to a point at 

48.36803 N 53.36839 W, the waters of Southwest Arm outside of 100 meters seaward parallel to shore, to a point at

48.37545 N  53.36151 W, then along the shoreline back to the point of commencement.

    Connaigre Barachois, Fortune Bay:

That portion of Connaigre Barachois bounded by the shoreline and a series of straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:  

47.51516 N 55.81240 W, to a point at 

47.51076 N 55.80866 W, then along the shoreline to a point at 

47.50975 N 55.82408 W, to a point at 

47.50999 N 55.82395 W, then along the shoreline back to the point of commencement.

    Great Harbour, Fortune Bay:

That portion of Great Harbour bounded by the shoreline and a series of straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:  

47.50931 N 55.85259 W, to a point at 

47.51069 N 55.85146 W, then along the shoreline to a point at  

47.50803 N 55.84379 W, to a point at 

47.50815 N 55.84919 W, then along the shoreline back to the point of commencement.

In addition, previously "Approved" classified waters have also been recently declassified* for the following areas:

    Haywards Gull Island/Pilley's Island Area, Notre Dame Bay

    Osmonton Arm and Besom Cove, Notre Dame Bay

    St Croix Bay (and Crawley Island area), Placentia Bay

    Middle Arm (Penguin and Goose Arms), Bay of Islands

More detailed information on these declassified areas as well as 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 Orders NSN-2022-025, NSN-2022-091, NSN-2022-102, NSN-2022-148, and NSN-2022-150 have been repealed effective 1800 hours Monday, July 4, 2022.

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

*The purpose of these re-openings is to declassify the waters, which consists of removing a classification assigned to a shellfish sector, and will ensure that the sectors becomes unclassified and is therefore no longer subject to CSSP controls such as monitoring. Since these declassified areas will no longer be monitored, shellfish should not be harvested from these areas for human consumption.

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.013
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Regional Aquaculture Management Officer
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel.(709) 424-4819
E-mail: Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Closure Prohibition Order Revisions

Notice Group Term
Notice description

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises of prohibition order revisions relating to the molluscan shellfish harvesting closures within the province. As noted below, most previously issued prohibition orders relating to these closures  have been repealed and replaced with new prohibition orders. All current closures will remain in effect and will apply to 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, northern moon snails, waved whelks, Stimpson's whelks (except sea scallops) for recreational or commercial purposes. 

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 Orders NSN-2000-006, NSN-2002-001, NSN-2003-008, NSN-2003-009, NSN-2006-002, NSN-2015-008, NSN-2016-024, NSN-2016-025, NSN-2016-026, NSN-2016-027, NSN-2016-028, NSN-2016-029, NSN-2016-031, NSN-2017-003, NSN-2017-004, NSN-2017-007, NSN-2021-001, NSN-2021-002, NTN-1995-006, NTN-1995-009, NTN-1995-010, NTN-1997-012,  NTN-2000-002, NTN-2003-001 have been repealed and Prohibition Orders NSN-2022-012 to 037, NSN-2022-039 to 045, NSN-2022-047 to 202, NSN-2022-205 to 208,  NSN-2022-212 and 213, NTN-2022-038, NTN-2022-046, NTN-2022-195 to 198, NTN-2022-203 and 204, and NTN-2022-209 to 211 come into effect at 1800 hours on June 28, 2022. 

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

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.011
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Regional Aquaculture Management Officer
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel.(709) 424-4819
E-mail: Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Notice Group Term
Notice description

DFO advises that in 2022, the recreational groundfish fishery will be open for a total of 39 days. 

For the 2022 season, there is no requirement for licences or tags.

Species and Area:

The recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas/subareas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes 2GH, 2J3KL, 3Ps, 3Pn and 4R. Three exceptions are the Eastport, Gilbert Bay and Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where recreational groundfish fishing will not be permitted.

Season Dates:

Summer Season:

Saturday, July 02, 2022 to Monday, July 04, 2022

Saturday, July 09, 2022 to Monday, July 11, 2022

Saturday, July 16, 2022 to Monday, July 18, 2022

Saturday, July 23, 2022 to Monday, July 25, 2022

Saturday, July 30, 2022 to Monday, August 01, 2022

Saturday, August 06, 2022 to Monday, August 08, 2022

Saturday, August 13, 2022 to Monday, August 15, 2022

Saturday, August 20, 2022 to Monday, August 22, 2022

Saturday, August 27, 2022 to Monday, August 29, 2022

Saturday, September 03, 2022 to Monday, September 05, 2022

Fall Season:

Saturday, September 24, 2022 to Sunday, October 02, 2022

Recreational fishers are limited to five (5) groundfish per day (including Cod). However, the maximum boat limit when three or more people are fishing is 15 groundfish.

Provisions will continue that allow a person with a disability to designate a person to catch their daily limit of groundfish will continue. Applicants can access the designation for persons with a disability form here: Fisheries management decisions

First time applicants are required to download, complete and have their doctor/ophthalmologist complete a section of the form. However, individuals who are looking to renew can complete the form electronically by saving it and sending via email or clicking submit at the bottom of the form during which time an email will be generated for the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application electronically, via email. Applications received via regular mail may result in delays to processing your application.

For 2022, tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a licence to seek an increased trip limit. This licence will have harvest reporting requirements.

Further details on all applicable Management Measures can be found at 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador recreational Groundfish fishery

For safety reasons, fishing is only permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. The public is reminded to follow safe boating practices and be aware of local weather and sea conditions before leaving port.

Participants in the recreational groundfish fishery are further reminded to inspect their catch carefully for pink or yellow tags, located on the back of the fish. The tags are uniquely numbered and have a DFO address and reward value ($10 or $100) printed on them. Participants should return the tag along with the location and date of capture, and include their mailing address, to claim the tag reward. 

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Orders 2021-299 and 2021-300 have been revoked and Variation Orders 2022-080 and 2022-081 come into effect on June 21, 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

Issue Date
Notice Number
na.22.008
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Robyn Lee
Resource Manager
Tel. (709) 687-1378
Email: Robyn.Lee@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Notice Group Term
Notice description

DFO advises that in 2022, the recreational groundfish fishery will be open for a total of 39 days. 

For the 2022 season, there is no requirement for licences or tags.

Species and Area:

The recreational groundfish fishery will occur in all NAFO areas/subareas around Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes 2GH, 2J3KL, 3Ps, 3Pn and 4R. Three exceptions are the Eastport, Gilbert Bay and Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Areas (MPA) where recreational groundfish fishing will not be permitted.

Season Dates:

Summer Season:

Saturday, July 02, 2022 to Monday, July 04, 2022

Saturday, July 09, 2022 to Monday, July 11, 2022

Saturday, July 16, 2022 to Monday, July 18, 2022

Saturday, July 23, 2022 to Monday, July 25, 2022

Saturday, July 30, 2022 to Monday, August 01, 2022

Saturday, August 06, 2022 to Monday, August 08, 2022

Saturday, August 13, 2022 to Monday, August 15, 2022

Saturday, August 20, 2022 to Monday, August 22, 2022

Saturday, August 27, 2022 to Monday, August 29, 2022

Saturday, September 03, 2022 to Monday, September 05, 2022

Fall Season:

Saturday, September 24, 2022 to Sunday, October 02, 2022

Recreational fishers are limited to five (5) groundfish per day (including Cod). However, the maximum boat limit when three or more people are fishing is 15 groundfish.

Provisions will continue that allow a person with a disability to designate a person to catch their daily limit of groundfish will continue. Applicants can access the designation for persons with a disability form here: Fisheries management decisions

First time applicants are required to download, complete and have their doctor/ophthalmologist complete a section of the form. However, individuals who are looking to renew can complete the form electronically by saving it and sending via email or clicking submit at the bottom of the form during which time an email will be generated for the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application electronically, via email. Applications received via regular mail may result in delays to processing your application.

For 2022, tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a licence to seek an increased trip limit. This licence will have harvest reporting requirements.

Further details on all applicable Management Measures can be found at 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador recreational Groundfish fishery

For safety reasons, fishing is only permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. The public is reminded to follow safe boating practices and be aware of local weather and sea conditions before leaving port.

Participants in the recreational groundfish fishery are further reminded to inspect their catch carefully for pink or yellow tags, located on the back of the fish. The tags are uniquely numbered and have a DFO address and reward value ($10 or $100) printed on them. Participants should return the tag along with the location and date of capture, and include their mailing address, to claim the tag reward.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Orders 2021-299 and 2021-300 have been revoked and Variation Orders 2022-080 and 2022-081 come into effect on June 21, 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

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.012
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Robyn Lee
Resource Manager
Tel. (709) 687-1378
Email: Robyn.Lee@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Closing for a Portion of Tommy's Arm, Notre Dame Bay

Notice Group Term
Notice description

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public of the closure to 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, northern moon snails, waved whelks, Stimpson's whelks, except sea scallops) for recreational or commercial purposes effective 1800hrs Tuesday, May 31, 2022 for the that portion of Tommy's Arm bounded by the shoreline and a series of straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:

49.47304 N 55.75942 W, to a point at  

49.46774 N 55.76196 W, then along the shoreline to a point at 

49.46464 N 55.78563 W, to a point at 

49.47014 N 55.78963 W, then along the shoreline to a point at 

49.47103 N 55.77843 W, to a point at 

49.47234 N 55.77005, then along the shoreline back to the point of commencement.

More detailed information on other 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-2022-048 comes into effect 1800hrs Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

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

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.010
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Regional Aquaculture Management Officer
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel.(709) 424-4819
E-mail: Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Molluscan Shellfish Harvesting Re-opening for a Portion of Tommy's Arm, Notre Dame Bay

Notice Group Term
Notice description

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises the public of the re-opening for the harvesting of all bivalve shellfish (including Arctic wedge clams, Softshell clam, Stimpson's surf clams, American oysters, Iceland scallops, Purple-hinge rock scallop, sea scallops) for recreational or commercial purposes effective 1200 hours (noon) on Tuesday May 3, 2022 for a portion of Tommy's Arm, Notre Dame Bay as defined by those waters located inside of the following points:

49.472659° N, 55.760129° W,

49.467834° N, 55.772489° W,

49.468113° N, 55.762232° W,

49.471515° N, 55.765108° W,

49.470037° N, 55.789312° W,

49.46471° N, 55.785578° W.

More detailed information on other 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-2021-006 has been repealed effective 1200 hours (noon) on May 3, 2022.

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

Issue Date
Notice Number
pn.22.009
Notice Year
2022
For information, contact:

Claudette Laing
Regional Aquaculture Management Officer
Ecosystems Management Branch
Tel.(709) 424-4819
E-mail: Claudette.Laing@dfo-mpo.gc.ca