This policy document provides fishermen, companies, and other interested Canadians with a clear, consistent statement of Fisheries and Oceans policy respecting the registration of commercial fishermen and vessels, and the issuance of fishing licences to persons in Eastern Canada. The policy document also provides objectives against which the approriateness and effectiveness of specific policy measures can be evaluated. The document covers the legislative background and licensing objectives; the general policy framework; vessel replacement rules for vessels less than 19.8m (65') length; appeal process and procedures; amendment procedures; and terminology used.

This paper provides fishermen and other interested Canadians with astatement of Fisheries and Oceans policy respecting the registration ofcommercial fisherment and vessels, and the issuance of fishing licences topersons in Eastern Canada. It covers general policy framework, specificregional licensing policies, appeal process and procedures, amendment procedures and terminology.

The purpose of this discussion paper is to outline the issues and general principles that will be the basis to reforming the Atlantic licensing policy. Topics covered are: redefining access; other access issue; capacity control; and, vessel and fisher registration.