DFO Launches Recreational Groundfish Fishery Survey

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched a survey on the Recreational Groundfish Fishery, locally known as the ‘food fishery’.

The survey is seeking public input on the rules for this fishery in 2026. Participation is confidential, voluntary, and will remain anonymous. It will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Since 2016, the Newfoundland and Labrador food Fishery has been managed using rules including a 39-day season, a daily personal bag limit and a boat limit. Currently, there is no requirement to have a fishing licence, place a tag on your catch, or report catches in this fishery.

Management measures focus on the three primary cod stocks caught in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Food Fishery.

The survey is available here. Submissions will be accepted until January 9, 2026.