DFO advises fish harvesters in western Newfoundland and southern Labrador, who are participating in the 4RS3Pn commercial cod fishery, of a change in the management measures that will come into effect on Monday, October 26, 2009.

In response to industry requests for flexibility in harvesting the remaining commercial quotas, and to facilitate the directed Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC) and FFAW arranged competitive cod fishery in NAFO Division 4RS and Subdivision 3Pn, the weekly catch limit for commercial inshore harvesters has been increased from 3,000 pounds per week to 6,000 pounds per week, head on gutted.

The quota for the regular commercial fishery, which has not yet been reached, and the GEAC seasonal quota will now both be available to be fished and the two fisheries will continue with this higher combined weekly catch limit until the competitive quotas are reached.

Commercial fish harvesters who wish to take advantage of this higher weekly catch limit are reminded that new licence conditions are required.

These new licence conditions are available from the nearest DFO licencing office.