Allow mechanical scallop haulers
Petitioners ask the Minister to allow mechanical haulers to retrieve scallop gear and let commercial scallopers hold recreational licences in Newfoundland and Labrador waters. The government responds that mechanized gear is not permitted; licence conditions limit authorised gear to drags, diving, dip‑netting or tongs, and commercial and recreational licences remain separate.
Why we would sign this petition
- Allows elderly or physically limited fishers to continue participating by easing heavy gear retrieval.
- Restores a previously permitted practice while keeping current daily and possession limits that petitioners deem acceptable.
- Permitting commercial fishers to hold recreational licences increases access to small personal harvests and supports local food/traditions.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- The government says mechanized gear is prohibited because increased fishing effort could harm scallop stocks.
- Maintaining separate commercial and recreational licences promotes fairness and orderly management; combining them could advantage commercial interests.
- DFO offers companion assistance as an alternative; changing gear rules may complicate enforcement or be unnecessary given existing licence limits.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada WHEREAS: Recreational scallop fishers were allowed in the past to use mechanical haulers to retrieve their scallop rake in Newfoundland and Labrador Waters. The daily catch and possession limits and gear type restrictions currently in place are acceptable. Many who take part in this fishery are elderly and/or physically unable to manually retrieve the heavy fishing gear. Commercial scallop fishers are not permitted to hold recreational licenses to catch scallops. DFO Conservation and Protection are capable of enforcing the law. THEREFORE: We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call on the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to allow the use of mechanical haulers to retrieve scallop fishing great and to allow commercial scallop fishers to fish scallops recreationally in Newfoundland and Labrador waters.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Fisheries Signed by Ernie Klassen The recreational scallop fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador is open year-round, from January 1 to December 31. Current management measures include a daily limit of 50 scallops and a possession limit of 100 scallops for multi-day trips, along with gear restrictions designed to protect scallop populations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) understands the value of the recreational scallop fishery to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and appreciates the concerns expressed. We recognize that this activity is not only a source of food but also an important tradition and way of life for many, including those who may face physical challenges. Our priority is to protect the resource and ensure its long-term sustainability so it remains available for both current and future generations. In accordance with subsection 22(1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations , for the proper management and control of fisheries and the conservation and protection of fish, the Minister of Fisheries may specify in a licence any condition that is not inconsistent with the Fisheries Act and its regulations. Specifically, paragraph 22(1)(h) of the Fishery (General) Regulations provides that conditions may be specified in a licence with respect to the type, size, and quantity of fishing gear and equipment permitted to be used, as well as the manner in which it may be used. Under the authority of subsection 22(1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations, a condition exists for recreational scallop fishery licences respecting gear authorized to be used. That condition specifies that fishing is authorized only by means of scallop drag, diving, dip-netting, and tongs. This recreational fishery allows for the harvest of a limited quantity of scallops for personal consumption. The use of hydraulic or other mechanized equipment is not permitted as the level of fishing effort and its potential impacts on fish and fish habitat would not be justified given the limited quantity of fish allowed to be caught. Fisheries and Oceans Canada understands that this may present challenges for some individuals—particularly the elderly or those with physical limitations. While hydraulic or mechanical equipment is not permitted, individuals may seek assistance from a companion who holds a valid recreational scallop licence. This option allows participation while respecting conservation requirements. Fisheries and Oceans Canada maintains separation between commercial and recreational fisheries by prohibiting individuals from holding both licence types for the same species. This policy is designed to promote fairness among commercial and recreational licence holders, and supports the orderly and sustainable management of the fishery. Fisheries and Oceans Canada appreciates the input provided and remains committed to working with harvesters and communities to ensure that fisheries are managed responsibly.