The people of NL have a centuries long history and dependence on cod. We depend upon it as an important food source throughout the year. Before the Moratorium was declared in 1992, “food fishers” could harvest cod whenever we pleased with no bag limit, usually between June through to November. 

When the Moratorium was imposed, there was no fishing until DFO devised the NL Recreational Cod (Food) Fishery which over the years, had different rules and regulations. This had significant effects on people such as access to a food source, traditionally wise, skills wise, socially wise, outmigration, just to name a few.

The Food Fishery, although not scientifically recorded, accounts for approximately 1% of the commercial quota . Now that the end of the moratorium has been announced, so should the Food Fishery be ended.

We are requesting that the season open and close annually from Canada Day weekend to Thanksgiving Day weekend and for it to be open seven days a week. 

We also would like to see the personal daily limit to increase from five(5) to ten(10) ground fish.

The reasons for these new dates and daily limits are many like rough seas and high winds. Indeed bad weather is the biggest reason for not being able to participate. 

NL has a large number of rotational workers who some years don’t get a chance to participate because of their work dates. 

Another group are expatriates who were forced to leave with their family to live somewhere else in order to find work to provide a living for their family. They as well have a narrow window to participate because of restrictive dates.

Then there are tourists who want to experience catching a cod. This is an economic generator for local economies.

Since the moratorium, not as many people own boats which impacts fishers opportunities to harvest cod. 

We have been attempting to improve the system to make it safer and fairer for over ten years. We feel that this is the right time for government to make the right decision to achieve this change. 

The reason for optimism is that the Moratorium has been lifted and commercial quotas have been allocated to NL, Canada, and to foreign countries!

If this current system stays in place, unfortunately there may/will be more drowning fatalities due to bad weather, which can change in the blink of an eye. St. John’s is the third windiest city in the world apparently. As well with the food insecurity issues, the current system will continue to contribute to it. The current system needs to be eliminated, changed, and improved to make it safer and fairer for all participants now!

In conclusion, we are hoping that this petition will help us to convince the DFO Minister to eliminate the Food Fishery in NL and adopt these new measures that we are requesting. 

Eliminate the Recreational Cod (Food) Fishery.
Set the same season dates annually from Canada Day weekend to Thanksgiving Day weekend.
Open the season seven(7) days a week.
Increase the personal daily limit to ten(10) cod fish per day.