Recreational fishery extends season with added weekends

Beginning this summer, Newfoundland and Labrador's recreational cod fishery will be extended for residents and tour boat operators, with a series of weekends added to the schedule when anyone can legally catch a fish for dinner.

• 'The news is good': Northern cod stocks slowly increasing

Public Services and Procurement MinisterJudy Foote announced Friday that the public will be able to fish cod for 46 days in 2016, an increase of 14 days over previous years.

The extended fishery will run for three weeks during the summer, from July 16 to Aug. 7, as well as one week in the fall, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2.

The major change this year addsall weekends throughout July and August, starting on Canada Day.

Foote, the MP forBonavista-Burin-Trinity and Newfoundland and Labrador's federal cabinet representative,said in a statement that the extended fishery will be beneficial for the province.

"Today's announcement reflects our government's commitment to honouring the peoples' deep historical and cultural attachment to the cod fishery in this province," she said.

"These changes will also positively contribute to the economic well-being of the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism sector."

The new dates also apply to tour boat operators, who will be able to apply for a licence to seek an increased trip limit.

Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo said he is also happy with the new regulations.

"Although the northern cod stock is still in the critical zone, it has recently shown some signs of improvement to support a limited increase in fishing days for the annual recreational groundfish fishery," he said.

• 'The news is good': Northern cod stocks slowly increasing

All previous regulations on the fishery will remain in place during the new 46-day fishery, with a limit of five fish per day, 15 fish per boat and no fishing during closed times.