Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO advises that the directed Cod fishery in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps will open to inshore fixed gear fleets at 0600 hours on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

DFO advises that the retention of Atlantic halibut bycatch by fixed-gear vessels less than 65 feet directing for cod in NAFO Sub-Division 3Ps is permitted. By-catch provisions are outlined in harvesters Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

DFO wishes to remind inshore fixed-gear harvesters that as outlined in their conditions of licence, all cod caught, whether from directed catch or by-catch, will be charged against the harvester's IQ for their licence in 3Ps. Once a harvester has caught their cod IQ, whether it is a result of directed fishing or as by-catch, the harvester must cease fishing for all species of groundfish in 3Ps for the remainder of the year.

DFO will closely monitor landings from the directed 3Ps cod fishery. This fishery may close to the individual inshore fixed-gear fleets once they reach their respective fleet allocations, and will close to the entire inshore fixed-gear sector once the sector's allocation is reached.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2021-308 has been revoked and Variation Order 2022-056 comes into effect on May 14, 2022.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