Four days later, DFO, the federal department responsible for fisheries and oceans asked followers of its Twitter feed online: “Did you know you need a licence to sell squid? Otherwise, you’re breaking the law.”
Fair warning.
That may be so, yet drew but a few considered responses, including one person who thought the previously prosecuted illegal selling of smelt was funny enough and, another who thought “Our culture and heritage (in Newfoundland and Labrador) is not recreational.”
The law says, except where provisions under aboriginal rights legislation applies: “No person shall buy, sell, trade, barter or offer to buy, sell, trade or barter any fish unless it was caught and retained under the authority of a licence issued for the purpose of commercial fishing, a licence issued under Part VII (of the Canada Fisheries Act), a licence issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations. . .” or other special ruling.
Interestingly, the sale of fish does not apply in respect of fish cultivated in an aquaculture facility or in respect of marine mammals (inclusive of whales and seals, maybe).
Conundrums await.
So, interpreted from the flip side, squid, cod, trout or any other species caught recreationally can be given away, which is good news for the disabled, seniors and others on fixed incomes as well as people who don't have a boat, other means or legal rights to access fish taken on the open ocean. Such kindness is never unappreciated.
Furthermore, the Fisheries Act (Section 34.1) notes: “No person who is food fishing for personal use or fishing for recreational or sport purposes shall waste any fish that is suitable for human consumption.”
Thankfully some sporty types can spend whole days out recreating on the great big sea and some landlubbers and needful folk can eat squid all winter long.
Meanwhile, the last days of the fall food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador upon us, starting this Saturday and running until Oct. 1.
A chance to add some clean snow white cod to your freezer, weather permitting. Do be careful out there.
A darkness sets in earlier this time of year, late-running recreational fishers and others riding the big tides of the Gulf of St. Lawrence stand a real chance to get misplaced, hurt, or worse around Middle Arm Point in the outer Bay of Islands.
Municipal matters
I dare say provincial regulation, or lack of it, creeps into municipal elections from time to time. Requiring further study, we move on.
Not unrelated, a call satisfy vacant seats in the Town of McIvers council is set for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the town office.
The announcement from municipal returning officer Jerri Lynn Lovell is intended to fill vacancies left when not enough local candidates came forward in an initial call of nominations last month.
As the result, three incumbent councillors — Warren Blanchard, Alfred Park and Susan White — were declared elected by acclamation.
Any new nominees for McIvers council must be at least 18 years of age, not have tax arrears, nor otherwise be disqualified under the Municipal Elections Act.
As anywhere else, when the acclaimed and any vacant seats in McIvers are sworn-in, matter of local taxation and tax collection, municipal by law, garbage collection, recreation and economic development are entrusted to their care and council for the next four years.
Where there is little interest in serving for municipal office, people must be satisfied with the way things are.
Happy 97th birthday girl
The Outport News extends happy 97th birthday greetings to Olive Barnes of Frenchman’s Cove, a beautiful lady who is still up and about and caring for those she loves, including great-great grandchildren.
Dave White welcomes your Bay of Islands news and events information at 660-5712, or email at: [email protected].