'No changes to vessel length policy in the Newfoundland and Labrador region'
That's the word today from DFO, an official of which says the department will provide a "more detailed answer later with respect to the policy in the Maritimes region." Here's the post on DFO's Facebook page that's causing the confusion/questions/uproar.

And here's a picture that explains why the vessel length policy drives so many owner-operators mad.

Described as a floating "bait box," this fishing boat was built 45 feet long, but was cut down to 39/11 to meet government regulations.
Ryan Cleary,
SEA-NL
Independent licensed owner-operators are encouraged to join SEA-NL here. These blog posts will be public for a limited time, before becoming exclusive to the membership.