Fisheries and Oceans Canada

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