Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO advises that in accordance with the soft-shell protocol, the following grid in Crab Fishing Nearshore (NS) in NAFO Division 3L will close to fishing Snow Crab at midnight on Sunday, July 27, 2025 due to a high incidence of soft-shell crab:

Grid F 16

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.

Grid F 16 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:

48° 30' North, 52° 00' West;
48° 20' North, 52° 00' West;
48° 20' North, 51° 50' West;
48° 30' North, 51° 50' West; 
48° 30' North, 52° 00' West;

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2025-154 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-155 comes into effect on July 25, 2025.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