Consultation on the recreational scallop fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
Current status: Closed
We’re seeking feedback to inform changes to management measures used in the recreational scallop fishery. We recognize the importance of recreational fishing to the culture and life of local communities.
Harvesting scallop recreationally happens mainly in nearshore areas throughout Newfoundland and Labrador where Icelandic and sea scallops are common. Daily bag and possession limits are implemented to ensure localized concentrations aren’t over-harvested.
Harvests are conducted by:
- rakes
- diving
- dipnet
- handpicking
- scallop drags in select areas
The daily harvest limit is set at 50 meats and the possession limit is 100 meats (twice the daily bag limit).
How to participate
You may join the conversation by providing comments, written submissions or any related questions directly to DFO.NLRecScallop-PetonclesRecrTNL.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
You may also mail your feedback to:
Recreational Scallop Public Consultations
Resource Management and Indigenous Fisheries
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
PO Box 5667
St. John’s NL A1C 5X1
Who is the focus of this consultation
This consultation seeks comments from stakeholders, including:
- Indigenous groups
- recreational scallop harvesters
- interested members of the public
Key questions for discussion
We’d like your feedback on any aspect of the recreational scallop fishery. Suggested topics include the following:
Harvest season
- Is there a problem with the recreational scallop fishery allowing harvesting throughout the year in some areas of the province even though it’s largely a summer activity?
Catch limits
- Should recreational scallop harvesters be required to report their scallop catch?
- Should current daily bag limit and possession levels be reconsidered and why?
Gear
- Does the gear type for your fishing area meet your needs?
- Has the clarification about drag rake prohibition under the Atlantic Fishery Regulations impacted your participation in the recreational scallop fishery?
- A drag rake means a device used in fishing for shellfish that’s towed along the bed of the water by a vessel. It doesn’t include a hydraulic or mechanical device.
Openings and closures
- Are there areas that should be re-opened or closed to recreational scallop harvesting?
- Do closures of restricted locations impact your participation in the recreational scallop fishery?
- In some locations throughout the province, it’s illegal to harvest scallops or other shellfish. These restrictions are in addition to closed areas, such as:
- experimental sites
- shellfish farm leases
- areas closed under the Management of Contaminated Fisheries Regulations
- In some locations throughout the province, it’s illegal to harvest scallops or other shellfish. These restrictions are in addition to closed areas, such as:
Contact us
Recreational Scallop Public Consultations
Resource Management and Indigenous Fisheries
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
PO Box 5667
St. John’s NL A1C 5X1
- Date modified: