Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO advises that in accordance with the soft-shell protocol, the following grids in NAFO Divisions 3L and 3N will close to fishing Snow crab at midnight on Thursday, August 24, 2023 due to a high incidence of soft-shell crab:

3L200 Grid M 41

3N200 Grid W 37

These grids 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.

Grid M41 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:

47° 20' North, 47° 50' West

47° 10' North, 47° 50' West

47° 10' North, 47° 40' West

47° 20' North, 47° 40' West

47° 20' North, 47° 50' West

Grid W37 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:

45° 40' North, 48° 30' West   

45° 30' North, 48° 30' West   

45° 30' North, 48° 20' West   

45° 40' North, 48° 20' West

45° 40' North, 48° 30' West

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2023-206 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-227 comes into effect on August 23, 2023.

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