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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the responsibilities of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture?
2. How can I get a copy of the latest processing production forms?
3. How do I find out who the licenced seafood buyers are?
4. When does the recreational fishery open?
5. When does the trout season open?
6. How do I help an animal in distress?
7. How do I report an illegal poacher?
8. Does the province have a coastal and oceans strategy?
9. Where do I go to get permission to build a wharf or slipway?
10. What department do you call to get a boat registered or licenced?
11. Where can I find out more information about the sealing Industry?
12. Where can I obtain a sealing licence?
13. Where can I find out more information about the lobster harvest and related federal programs?
14. How do I find out more information on TAGS program?
15. Where can I find information on commercial fish catches in the province?

1. What are the responsibilities of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture?

The responsibilities of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture are provided in detail in the About the Department section.

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2. How can I get a copy of the latest processing production forms?

These forms are now on this website. They can be accessed in the Fish Processing Licensing section.

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3. How do I find out who the licenced seafood buyers are?

These forms are now on this website. They can be accessed in our Buyers Licensing Document (1.2 MB)

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4. When does the recreational fishery open?

The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for all marine fish seasons. Please contact the Resource Management Branch of DFO-NL at (709) 772-2045.

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5. When does the trout season open?

The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for the management of recreational inland fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador. Please contact the Resource Management Branch of DFO-NL at (709) 772-2045.

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6. How do I help an animal in distress?

Contact the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Marine Animal Strandings and Entanglement Response Program.

Toll Free: 1-888-895-3003

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7. How do I report an illegal poacher?

Illegal fishing activity, recreational or commercial, should be reported to the nearest DFO, Wildlife or RCMP office, or by calling the 24-hour toll-free CRIME STOPPERS number. Callers are advised to report promptly and be as detailed as possible. Callers may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display.

1-800-222-TIPS
1-800-222-8477

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8. Does the province have a coastal and oceans strategy?

Yes. The department led development of the provincial Coastal and Ocean Management Strategy and Policy Framework (1.4 MB), released in June 2011.

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9. Where do I go to get permission to build a wharf or slipway?

Permits from the governing municipality are required for construction within the municipality's boundaries. In addition to that, construction in the water is under federal jurisdiction. The phone number for the Marine Environment and Habitat Management Division is (709) 772-2443. Approval from Environment Canada is also required; they may be contacted in St. John's by calling (709) 772-5488.

You may find additional information provided at Department of Fisheries and Oceans website.

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10. What department do you call to get a boat registered or licenced?

To obtain a Pleasure Craft Boat licence or a Vessel Registration licence call Transport Canada - Office Boating Safety - 1-800-267-6687.

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11. Where can I find out more information about the sealing Industry?

Information about the sealing industry is provided in the Sealing Section of our website.

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12. Where can I get a sealing licence?

Seal licences may be obtained by contacting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Licencing Division , or call 709-772-5045.

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13. Where can I find out more information about the lobster harvest and related federal programs?

Information about the lobster harvest and various federal programs can be obtained by calling (709) 772-2045 or by contacting Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada .

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14. How do I find out more information on TAGS program?

Information about the TAGS program and various federal programs can be obtained by calling Call 1-866-483-9994 or go to http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/tag-etiquette/program-programme-eng.htm#Salmon .

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15. Where can I find information on commercial fish catches in the province?

Information on quotas for commercial fish species harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador can be found on the DFO website: species quota reports .

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