Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO advises of the following 3L lobster area opening and closing dates:

Note all opening times are 0600 hours and all closing times are 2000 hours.

LFA 5 (Bonavista Bay): May 8, 2026 to July 13, 2026
LFA 6 (Trinity Bay): April 27, 2026 to July 9, 2026
LFA 7 (Conception Bay): May 3, 2026 to July 8, 2026
LFA 8 (Southern Shore): May 1, 2026 to July 5, 2026
LFA 9A (Trepassey Bay): May 7, 2026 to July 4, 2026
LFA 9B (St. Mary's Bay): April 23, 2026 to June 3, 2026

Harvesters are reminded that they are not permitted to retrieve fishing gear or possess lobsters during the initial 48 hour gear-setting period after the opening date.

Harvesters are also reminded they are permitted to harvest bait for the lobster fishery as per the conditions of their bait licence.

Licence fees and licence conditions will soon be available in the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2026-033 has been revoked, and Variation Order 2026-034 will come into force on April 17, 2026.

Notices to Fish Harvesters for all commercial fisheries are available online in the Fishery Notices section of the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador Region webpage at Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

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