Whereas:
DFO science now places the Northern Cod stock nearly in the healthy zone and has reopened a successful commercial fishery.
Many areas of Atlantic Canada and Quebec are permitted to fish 7 days per week, despite their stocks being in the critical zone.
The current limit of 3 days per week for recreational fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador presents a demonstrated safety issue and reduces fair access to the fishery.
Therefore, we the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to ensure that:
Newfoundland and Labrador waters be opened year-round for personal use cod fishing, as in pre-moratorium days.
The 3-day-per-week restriction be lifted to allow fishers to choose safe fishing days like the rest of Atlantic Canada.
Increasing daily catch limits be recognized as a way to reduce the overall cost of catching fish.
DFO work with stakeholders to develop a means of permitting and regulating this fishery and a means to collect data to inform science.
DFO increases penalties for non-compliance to promote conservation and to make sure rules are followed.