Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) have announced dates for the 2018 food fishery – a total of 39 days, which is seven days shorter than 2017.
The summer dates begin June 30 and run every weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) with the last day of the summer season falling on September 3.
The fall season runs from Sept. 22 to 30.
DFO made the announcement in a news release e-mailed shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday.
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Like last year, fishers are limited to five groundfish, including cod, per day, or when three or more people are fishing the total is 15 fish per boat.
There are no requirements for licenses or tags.
In the news release, DFO said fishing is not permitted in the Eastport and Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Areas.
Provisions will continue this year that allow a disabled or visually impaired person to designate someone to catch their daily limit for them by completing an application on the DFO website.
Tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a license to seek an increased trip limit.
DFO added fishing is only permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset due to safety concerns.
“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 DFO news release stated.
“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.”
Full list of dates:
Summer Season:
Saturday, June 30, 2018 to Monday, July 2, 2018
Saturday, July 7, 2018 to Monday, July 09, 2018
Saturday, July 14, 2018 to Monday, July 16, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018 to Monday, July 23, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018 to Monday, July 30, 2018
Saturday, August 4, 2018 to Monday, August 6, 2018
Saturday, August 11, 2018 to Monday, August 13, 2018
Saturday, August 18, 2018 to Monday, August 20, 2018
Saturday, August 25, 2018 to Monday, August 27, 2018
Saturday, September 1, 2018 to Monday, September 3, 2018
Fall Season:
Saturday, September 22, 2018 to Sunday, September 30, 2018.
