Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO advises that in accordance with the soft-shell protocol, the following grid in NAFO Division 2J will close to fishing Snow Crab and Northern Shrimp at midnight on Saturday, July 29, 2023 due to a high incidence of soft-shell crab:

Grid D 24

This grid will be closed to Snow crab fishing for the remainder of the year. Harvesters should note that all gear in this grid must be removed immediately. Gear must be hauled and not reset on your next fishing trip.

The closure for Northern shrimp is in effect for 60 days, and will re-open on September 29, 2023, if the shrimp fishery is open at that time.

Grid D24 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:

54° 50' North, 56° 30' West
54° 50' North, 56° 20' West
54° 40' North, 56° 20' West
54° 40' North, 56° 30' West
54° 50' North, 56° 30' West

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2022-256 and 2023-174 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-177 and 2023-178 come into effect on July 28, 2023.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region

If you would like to have all "Notices to Fish Harvesters" for commercial fisheries sent directly to you by email please contact: danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca