The provincial fisheries minister is calling on Ottawa to grant seven-day access to the food fishery for residents of the south and west coasts.

The food fishery was expanded to full weeks for most areas of the province, however it remains limited to 3 days a week on the south and west coasts where cod stocks are still in the critical zone.

That’s a concern for local residents who cite safety concerns, and want the option of fishing when the weather is favourable.

Minister Loyola O’Driscoll says government recognizes the need to protect stocks and sustainability concerns.

He says the province is proposing “a balanced approach for seven-day access” in those areas “to improve safety and flexibility, not to increase pressure on the stock. A limit of five cod per day and a weekly cap of 15 fish would maintain conversation, while providing flexibility.”