Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Jim Bagnall and Tourism Minister Philip Brown today welcomed the announcement that the recreational cod fishery has been reopened in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans has announced that fishing charter operations in Prince Edward Island will be allowed two cod per person up to a maximum of 25 per boat between August 1 and September 4. The fishery has been closed since 2003.
“I would like to commend federal minister Loyola Hearn for reopening this fishery to charter boat operators,” said Mr. Bagnall. “We have continued to raise this issue over the past three years, and I am pleased that the new management measures that have been announced have responded to our requests.”
The reopening of the recreational cod fishery is also being welcomed by charter boat operators.
“Tourism operators have felt the repercussions of the limits set on the deep sea fishing charters in 2003 and have been waiting for resolution for some time,” said Mr. Brown. “I’m pleased with the outcome for both operators and their customers. Visitors to the Island are thrilled with the fishing experience provided by the charter companies and the ability to keep their catches only enhances that experience. Now they can take their catch home and enjoy it.”
Mr. Bagnall said that Islanders who go out fishing on a private vessel can catch up to five groundfish a day, including cod.
“I encourage all those who participate in this fishery to follow and respect all conservation measures and boating safety guidelines,” said Mr. Bagnall.