DFO is citing inflation for an increase in commercial and recreational fishing licence fees.

Starting March 31, DFO is required to implement the Service Fees Act, which requires all federal government departments and agencies to adjust service fees by the rate of inflation.

The change includes the cost of licensing fees for all federally-regulated commercial and recreational fisheries across Canada.

The rate of inflation is determined by the Consumer Price Index, published by Stats Canada.

The first 2.2 per cent inflationary increase will be implemented March 31 for all fishing seasons that begin on or after April 1.

The annual increase will be applied when licences are issued from 2021 onward.

The last licence fee increase was in 1996.