Groundfish

4RST ATLANTIC HALIBUT – THIRD SEASONAL OPENING DATE FOR THE NL INSHORE FIXED-GEAR FLEET

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the Atlantic Halibut hook and line (long line) fishery in NAFO Divisions 4RST, for fixed gear vessels less than 65 feet based in Western NL and Southern Labrador that elected to fish in Period 3, will open at 0600 hours on Monday, August 25, 2025. This fishery is open to Vessel class A289 and will close at 2000 hours on September 14, 2025.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2025-167 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-202 comes into effect on August 21, 2025.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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.216
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

Laurie Hawkins
Resource Management
Tel: 709-649-3549
Email: laurie.hawkins@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

2J3KL Northern Cod Fishery - Reminder of 2J-based Fixed-Gear Catch and Gear Limit Changes

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Species Term
Notice description

DFO reminds 2J-based fixed-gear harvesters fishing in the Northern cod fishery (Vessel Class A292) that catch limits and gear limits will change on Sunday, August 24, 2025 as per the 2025-26 Conservation Harvesting Plan for this fishery.

The authorized catch limit will change to a bi-weekly base limit of 50,000 lbs. and the authorized gear limits will also change. Further details on gear and catch limits can be found in the 2025-26 CHP:  :  2025 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) 2J3KL Northern Cod Fishery Inshore Fixed-Gear Fleet

New licence conditions are required and will be available soon on the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Harvesters are reminded that they are to ensure that catch limits are not exceeded by setting only the amount of fishing gear that is necessary.

"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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.218
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

Robyn Morris
Senior Resource Manager
Tel: (709) 690-5021
Email: robyn.morris@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 
 

Greenland Halibut (Turbot) Fishery Closing in NAFO Divisions 2+3K for < 65 ft Fixed Gear Fleet

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Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the fixed gear Greenland Halibut (Turbot) Fishery in NAFO Divisions 2+3K will close for all vessels less than 65 ft on August 26, 2025 at 2000 hours.

DFO reminds harvesters that all gear must be removed from the water by closing time.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2025-191 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-203 comes into effect on August 21, 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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.217
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

Kelly Firmage-O’Brien
Area Fisheries Manager
Tel.: (709) 685-0344
Email: Kelly.Firmage-OBrien@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

4RST ATLANTIC HALIBUT – THIRD SEASONAL OPENING POSTPONED

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the Atlantic Halibut hook and line (long line) fishery in NAFO Divisions 4RST, for fixed gear vessels less than 65 feet based in Western NL and Southern Labrador that elected to fish in Period 3, will be postponed. The anticipated opening will be August 25, 2025 until September 14, 2025.

The reason for the postponement is due to anticipated poor quality fish due to extreme heat. 

"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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.215
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

Laurie Hawkins
Resource Management
Tel: 709-649-3549
Email: laurie.hawkins@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

AMENDMENT - CHANGES TO THE GREENLAND HALIBUT FISHERY FOR QUEBEC FLEET

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans advises harvesters of the following management measures for the QUEBEC FLEET ONLY in the 4R FG Greenland Halibut Fisheries starting immediately:

• The fishery will now be restricted to 109.4 fathoms or deeper.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region, gives notice that Variation Order 2025-089 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-191 comes into effect on August 13, 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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.214
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

Laurie Hawkins
Resource Management
Tel: 709-649-3549
Email: laurie.hawkins@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

3NO Fixed Gear Atlantic Halibut, Monkfish and Skate Opening

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the Inshore fishery in NAFO Divisions 3NO for Atlantic Halibut, Monkfish and Skate using longline will open on August 7, 2025 at 0600 hours for the following vessel classes:

A251, A254, A257, A260, A263, A266, A269, and A272

Licence conditions can be obtained by emailing david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by calling (709) 292-5167.

Fish harvesters are reminded that all licence holders are required to provide a Daily Report of your fishing activity.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2025-148 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-167 comes into effect on August 1, 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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.210
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

David Small
Senior Area Fisheries Manager
Tel.: (709) 292-5167
Email: david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 
 

3NO Fixed Gear Atlantic Halibut, Monkfish and Skate Opening

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the Inshore fishery in NAFO Divisions 3NO for Atlantic Halibut, Monkfish and Skate using longline will open on August 7, 2025 at 0600 hours for the following vessel classes:

A251, A254, A257, A260, A263, A266, A269, and A272

Licence conditions can be obtained by emailing david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by calling (709) 292-5167.

Fish harvesters are reminded that all licence holders are required to provide a Daily Report of your fishing activity.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2025-148 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-167 comes into effect on August 1, 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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.210
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

David Small
Senior Area Fisheries Manager
Tel.: (709) 292-5167
Email: david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

3NO Fixed Gear Atlantic Halibut, Monkfish and Skate Opening

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the Inshore fishery in NAFO Divisions 3NO for Atlantic Halibut, Monkfish and Skate using longline will open on August 7, 2025 at 0600 hours for the following vessel classes:

A251, A254, A257, A260, A263, A266, A269, and A272

Licence conditions can be obtained by emailing david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by calling (709) 292-5167.

Fish harvesters are reminded that all licence holders are required to provide a Daily Report of your fishing activity.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2025-148 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-167 comes into effect on August 1, 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 

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.210
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

David Small
Senior Area Fisheries Manager
Tel.: (709) 292-5167
Email: david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 
 

ATLANTIC HALIBUT FISHERY OPENING IN DIVISION 4R – QUEBEC BASED VESSELS

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

DFO advises that the Atlantic Halibut fishery in NAFO Division 4R for Quebec-based vessel classes A520 and A701 to A900 will open at 0001 hours ADT on July 25, 2025 and close 1159 hours ADT on October 31, 2025.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2025-116 has been revoked and Variation Order 2025-148 comes into effect on July 24, 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

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.203
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

Laurie Hawkins
Resource Management
Tel: 709-649-3549
Email: laurie.hawkins@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Changes to the 2+3K <65 Fixed Gear Greenland Halibut (Turbot) Fishery

Notice Group Term
Species Term
Notice description

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans advises harvesters of the following management measures for the 2+3K <65 FG Greenland Halibut Fisheries starting July 17, 2025:
•    The fishery will now be administered through trip limits.
•    Trip limits for 2+3K will increase to 50,000 lbs. round weight.
•    The number of nets permitted to be used will increase by 40 per depth zone.
•    New conditions will be available through the National Online Licensing System after July 16, 2025.
•    Any participants that were not issued an initial permit can now request license conditions to participate in the 2+3K fishery.

To request these license conditions, contact David Small at david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

The issuance and acceptance of these licence conditions is not a guarantee that sufficient quota will be available to harvest the amount on the licence condition.

The Department will continue to closely monitor this fishery. Closures may occur on short notice which will be communicated through Notice to Fishers.

"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

Issue Date
Notice Number
nf.25.191
Notice Year
2025
For information, contact:

David Small
Senior Area Fisheries Manager
Tel.: (709) 292-5167
Email: david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Murray Perrett
A/Senior Area Fisheries Manager
Tel: 709-899-2938
E-Mail: Murray.Perrett@dfo-mpo.gc.ca