Fishery General

DFO advises fish harvesters that fishing licences for 2026 will not be available until February 2026. Those fish harvesters who want to fish during January must first have their 2025 fishing licences amended by a DFO Fishery Officer or a Licensing Officer to extend their licence to February 1, 2026.

Fish harvesters are advised that before the start of any fishing trip in 2026, they are to place a request in NOLS, with a copy of their 2025 Licence Document attached for a Licensing Officer to amend the licence end date. This will allow harvesters to continue fishing while they are awaiting their 2026 licence through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

"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: NLPRI@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

DFO continues to transition to Electronic Logbooks (ELOG) for fisheries catch reporting. This change is to modernize reporting of catch information, improve the accuracy and timeliness of reporting, while supporting compliance with fisheries regulations.

ELOG was rolled out in some Atlantic Canada fisheries last year and will be introduced to additional fisheries in 2026. The following outlines a list of fisheries by region and specifies whether ELOG participation in each fishery is mandatory or voluntary, 

ELOG Implementation by Region

Newfoundland & Labrador
•    Existing Mandatory (no change):
     •    Redfish Unit 1 (Inshore - All Areas)
     •    Lobster (All Areas)
     •    Snow Crab (Mid-shore and Fulltime Fleets)
•    New Mandatory for 2026
     •    Snow Crab (Large Supplementary, Small Supplementary, Supplementary, and NAFO Division 4R Commercial fleets)
•    Existing Voluntary (no change):
     •    Snow Crab (Inshore Fleets – All Areas)
     •    All other fisheries

Maritimes
•    Existing Mandatory (no change):
     •    Redfish Unit 1 (Inshore – All Areas)
     •    Snow Crab 4X (CFA 24W) 
     •    Rock Crab (27, 29, 31A, 31B, 32, 34, 35, 36)
     •    Red Crab (4WX and 5Z)
     •    Jonah Crab (32, 33, 34, 38)
     •    Lobster (28, 29, 30)
•    New Mandatory for 2026:
     •    Snow Crab N-ENS (CFA 20-22), S-ENS (CFA 23), S-ENS (CFA 24) 
     •    Lobster (27, 31A, 31B, 32)
     •    Lobster (33, 34) 
     •    Lobster (35, 36, 38) 
     •    Lobster (38B) 

Gulf
•    Existing Mandatory (no change):
     •    Redfish (Inshore – All Areas)
     •    Lobster (23, 24, 25, 26)
     •    Snow Crab (12(18, 25, 26), 12E, 12F, 19)
•    Existing Voluntary (no change):
     •    Herring (16A-G)
     •    Mackerel
     •    Shrimp (8,9,19)
     •    Bluefin Tuna (4RST and 4Wd)

Quebec
•    Existing Mandatory (no change):
     •    Redfish Unit 1 (Inshore – All Areas)
     •    Herring (All Areas)
     •    Bait Fishing (All Areas)
     •    Lobster (All Areas)
     •    Exploratory Lobster (19A1, 19A2, 19A3, 19B, 19C1, 19C2, 17A, 17B, 18A-18H)
     •    Snow Crab (All Areas)
     •    Mackerel (All Areas)
•    Existing Voluntary (no change):
     •    Redfish (midshore/offshore) (All Areas)
     •    Squid (All Areas)
     •    Sea Urchin (All Areas)
     •    Capelin (All Areas)
     •    Shrimp (All Areas)
     •    Rock Crab (All Areas)
     •    Spider Crab (All Areas)
     •    Bluefin Tuna (No Area Restriction)
     •    Groundfish (All Areas)
     •    Bar Clams (All Areas)
     •    Stimpson’s Surf Clam (All Areas)
     •    Whelk (All Areas)
     •    Scallop (All Areas)
     •    Sea Cucumber (All Areas)
     •    Atlantic Razor Clam (All Areas)

Opportunity for Voluntary Fisheries 
Harvesters in fisheries where ELOG is not yet mandatory can choose to use them voluntarily now where permitted by condition of license. 

Early adoption in voluntary fisheries is encouraged now to ensure a smoother transition when ELOG become mandatory.

What’s Expected of You
•    Mandatory fisheries: Sign up and use an approved ELOG app for all log reporting. 
•    Voluntary fisheries: Start using ELOG now where permitted by condition of licence to get ready for future mandatory implementation.
•    Resources:
     o    Visit the DFO ELOG webpage for instructions and an approved list of apps.
     o    Attend ELOG provider information sessions and DFO pre-season meetings.
     o    Reach out to your ELOG provider if you need help or have questions about using their app.

How you can get help

Answers to questions about the ELOG software application
Questions surrounding the purchase of or support for ELOG software should be directed to the individual application provider. Harvesters are encouraged to visit the company’s website to learn about upcoming training sessions and learning events.

Answers to questions about ELOGs implementation, timelines, process 
Have questions about timelines for ELOGs in your region? Or looking for support in making the switch from paper logbooks? Please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada directly by:
•    Telephone: 1-877-535-7307
     o    Telephone support is available Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:00 to 17:00 Eastern Time. Alberta and British Columbia:       support is available until 19:00 Eastern Time.
     o    TTY: 1-800-465-7735
•    Email: fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
     o    Please include your name and the DFO Region in which you are located. E-mails will receive a response within a few business days.

Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in the continued rollout of ELOGs in eastern Canada.

DFO advises fish harvesters that fishing licences for 2026 will not be available until after the first few weeks of January 2026. Those fish harvesters who want to fish during the first weeks of January 2026 must first have their 2025 fishing licences amended by a DFO Fishery Officer or a Licensing Officer to extend their licence to January 25, 2026.

Fish harvesters are advised that before the start of any fishing trip in 2026, they are to place a request in NOLS (https://fishing-peche.dfo-mpo.gc.ca), with a copy of their 2025 Licence Document attached for a Licensing Officer to amend the licence end date. This will allow harvesters to continue fishing while they are awaiting their 2026 licence through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

"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.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to remind that in-person Outreach Meetings will be held throughout the Region in the coming weeks.

These meetings are intended to provide inshore harvesters and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to engage in open dialogue regarding matters of concern related to the inshore fisheries.

NAFO Division 3PS

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Placentia, Placentia Cultural Arts Centre: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Grand Bank, Burin Peninsula Hotel – Dining Room: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Hermitage, Community Centre – Fire Dept Room: 1:00–3:00 PM

For further information, please contact your local DFO office.

"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

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to advise that the following in-person Outreach Meetings will be rescheduled for the following times:

NAFO Division 3L
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Branch, Branch Community Center: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Renews, Town Hall: 6:00–8:00 PM

These meetings are intended to provide inshore harvesters and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to engage in open dialogue regarding matters of concern related to the inshore fisheries.

"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

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans would like to advise that the in-person Outreach meeting in Renews, for November 4, 2025, is postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

"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

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to advise that in-person Outreach Meetings will be held throughout the Region in the coming weeks.

These meetings are intended to provide inshore harvesters and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to engage in open dialogue regarding matters of concern related to the inshore fisheries.

NAFO Division 3L

Monday, November 3, 2025 – Dildo, SUF Hall: 2:00–4:00 PM

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Branch, Branch Community Center: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Renews, Town Hall: 6:00–8:00 PM

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – Bay De Verde, Town Hall: 1:00–3:00 PM

Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Salvage, 50+ Club: 1:00–3:00 PM

NAFO Division 3PS

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Placentia, Placentia Cultural Arts Centre: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Grand Bank, Burin Peninsula Hotel – Dining Room: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Hermitage, Community Centre – Fire Dept Room: 1:00–3:00 PM

For further information, please contact your local DFO office.

"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

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to advise that in-person Outreach Meetings will be held throughout the Region in the coming weeks.

These meetings are intended to provide inshore harvesters and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to engage in open dialogue regarding matters of concern related to the inshore fisheries.

NAFO Division 3K

Monday, October 27, 2025 – Carmenville, Recreation Center: 2:00–4:00 PM

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Robert's Arm, Town Hall: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Thursday, October 30, 2025 – St. Anthony, Lions Club: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Roddickton-Bide Arm, Cross Country Arena: 3:00–5:00 PM

NAFO Division 3L

Monday, November 3, 2025 – Dildo, SUF Hall: 2:00–4:00 PM

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Branch, Branch Community Center: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Renews, Town Hall: 6:00–8:00 PM

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – Bay De Verde, Town Hall: 1:00–3:00 PM

Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Salvage, 50+ Club: 1:00–3:00 PM

NAFO Divisions 4R3Pn

Monday, October 27, 2025 – Stephenville, Day’s Inn: 1:00–3:00 PM

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Rocky Harbour, Fisherman’s Landing: 1:00–3:00 PM

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – Plum Point, Plum Point Motel: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

NAFO Division 3PS

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Placentia, Placentia Cultural Arts Centre: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Grand Bank, Burin Peninsula Hotel – Dining Room: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Hermitage, Community Centre – Fire Dept Room: 1:00–3:00 PM

NAFO Division 2J

Monday, October 27, 2025 – Cartwright, 50 Plus Club: 1:00–4:00 PM

Monday, October 27, 2025 – Port Hope Simpson, Alexis Hotel Dining Room: 6:00–8:00 PM

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Mary’s Harbour, Recreation Commission: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – St. Lewis, Town Hall: 2:00–4:00 PM

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – Charlottetown, Town Hall: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

For further information, please contact your local DFO office.

"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

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is conducting research to better understand the impacts of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), commonly referred to as Ghost Gear, on commercial fish stocks and the environment. DFO has developed an anonymous survey to better understand the types of fishing gear commonly lost, the causes of loss, and the practices used to avoid loss.   

Survey: Capture Fishing Survey

Please complete the survey by Wednesday, October 29. There is no personal information collected in the survey. It should take about 20 minutes to complete. Thank you for completing this survey.

"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 
 

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to advise that in-person Outreach Meetings will be held throughout the Region in the coming weeks.

These meetings are intended to provide inshore harvesters and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to engage in open dialogue regarding matters of concern related to the inshore fisheries.

NAFO Division 3K
Monday, October 27, 2025 – Carmenville, Recreation Center: 2:00–4:00 PM
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Robert's Arm, Town Hall: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Thursday, October 30, 2025 – St. Anthony, Lions Club: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Roddickton-Bide Arm, Cross Country Arena: 3:00–5:00 PM

NAFO Division 3L
Monday, November 3, 2025 – Dildo, SUF Hall: 2:00–4:00 PM
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Branch, Branch Community Center: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Renews, Town Hall: 6:00–8:00 PM
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – Bay De Verde, Town Hall: 1:00–3:00 PM
Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Salvage, 50+ Club: 1:00–3:00 PM

NAFO Divisions 4R3Pn
Monday, October 27, 2025 – Stephenville, Day’s Inn: 1:00–3:00 PM
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Rocky Harbour, Fisherman’s Landing: 1:00–3:00 PM
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – Plum Point, Plum Point Motel: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

NAFO Division 3PS
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Placentia, Placentia Cultural Arts Centre: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Grand Bank, Burin Peninsula Hotel – Dining Room: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Hermitage, Community Centre – Fire Dept Room: 1:00–3:00 PM

NAFO Division 2J
Monday, October 27, 2025 – Cartwright, 50 Plus Club: 1:00–4:00 PM
Monday, October 27, 2025 – Port Hope Simpson, Alexis Hotel Dining Room: 6:00–8:00 PM
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Mary’s Harbour, Recreation Commission: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – St. Lewis, Town Hall: 2:00–4:00 PM
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – Charlottetown, Town Hall: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

For further information, please contact your local DFO office.

"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