Mostly positive reaction to longer recreational food fishery

There's praise for most aspects of the expanded food fishery off Newfoundland this summer.

"For Newfoundlanders, any extra days we can go out and put cod on our table it's a good thing," said Gerry Gulliver of Heart's Delight-Islington.

"I fish when I can in the recreational fishery and, as a Newfoundlander, I enjoy having fresh cod on the table."

There's no doubt that when they come out with tags, we're gonna have to pay for 'em.- Herman Sooley, Hearts Delight-Islington

Federal politicians were in the Trinity Bay town on Friday to announce that the fishery will be open every weekend starting Canada Day until Labour Day, in addition to three full weeks from July 16 to Aug. 7, and another week in the fall starting Sept. 24.

The daily trip limits this summer will remain the same, with a maximum of five fish per person and 15 fish per boat.    But the rules are being loosened for tour boats. They can now apply for increased trip limits.

"As the recreational fishery is extended into weekends, it will allow tour boat operators to take the opportunity to provide tourists with a complete and truly unique experience," said Steve Crocker, minister of fisheries for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"It'll increase our business because people are always looking for unique experience," said Joe O'Brien of O'Brien's Boat Tours in Bay Bulls.

He said the previous rules "made it very difficult," given the province's weather.

The Lifesaving Society believes risk will be reduced with a longer recreational food fishery.

"That would then give everybody more opportunity and create even more safer chances for people to get out," said the society's boat program representative, Barry Fordham. 

The MP for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, Judy Foote, also announced the return of cod tags for 2017. Details, including the cost of licences and tags, will be finalized following public consultations.

It's been more than a decade since food fishery participants had to tag their fish, and not everyone is happy.

"I don't mind the extra 14 days of fishing, but coming out with tags? There's no doubt that when they come out with tags, we're gonna have to pay for 'em. And all it's going to be is a money grab for this government," said Herman Sooley of Hearts Delight-Islington.

But Foote defended the program, saying it's vital in order to ensure Fisheries and Oceans Canada knows how much fish is being taken out of the water.