Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO advises that in accordance with the soft-shell protocol, the following grid in Crab Fishing Areas 2J South and Area 4 in NAFO Divisions 2J south and 3K will close to fishing for both Snow Crab and Northern Shrimp at midnight on July 3, 2025 due to a high incidence of soft-shell crab:

Grid S 37

52° 20' North, 54° 20' West;
52° 20' North, 54° 10' West;
52° 10' North, 54° 10' West;
52° 10' North, 54° 20' West; and,
52° 20' North, 54° 20' West;

This grid will be closed to Snow crab fishing for the remainder of the year. Harvesters should note that all gear in these grids must be hauled and removed immediately, resetting of gear is not permitted.

The closure for Northern shrimp is in effect for 60 days, and will re-open on August 31, 2025, if the shrimp fishery is open at that time.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Orders 2025-093 and 2025-096 have been revoked, and Variation Orders 2025-101 and 2025-102 come into effect on July 01, 2025.

"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: miranda.pryor@dfo-mpo.gc.ca