PROPOSAL FOR AN ATLANTIC MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE PROGRAM

NOVEMBER 2001

In 2001 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans implemented a two-year pilot program which introduced a Marine Recreational Fishing Licence Program in Newfoundland, Labrador and the Lower North Shore of Quebec. During the pilot project a licence is only required to fish for groundfish species. The Department will be continuing with the second year of the pilot project in 2002.

As part of the initial approval process for the pilot program, the Department undertook to review the feasibility of implementing an Atlantic-wide Marine Recreational Fishing Licence Program. All users are invited to review and provide comments on the attached proposal for an Atlantic-wide Marine Recreational Fishing Licence Program. The proposal provides a brief summary of the 2001 pilot program and also highlights a number of issues that need to be reviewed prior to any decision on a permanent or extended licensing program.

If you would like to provide input on the proposal, please send your comments to:

Program Planning and Coordination
Fisheries Management
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
200 Kent Street, 13th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E5

You may also fax your comments to (613) 990-9691 of by E-mail to:
fmrecfish_gppecherec@dfo-mpo.gc.ca