Shellfish

DFO advises 3Ps scallop harvesters that select areas in Scallop Fishing Area 11 will open at 0600 hours on October 14, 2023 and close at 1800 hours on December 14, 2023.

The select areas include the areas north of a straight line connecting Point Rosie (47 degrees 23 minutes 24 seconds North latitude, 55 degrees 17 minutes 42 seconds West longitude) to the Northwest Head of Brunette Island (47 degrees 15 minutes 49 seconds North, 55 degrees 58 minutes 1 second West) to Pass Island Tickle (47 degrees 30 minutes 21 seconds North, 56 degrees 11 minutes 12 seconds West). 

Please note that scallop dragging is not permitted in this area in water depths less than 5 fathoms.

Logbook submissions, mandatory hails and landing authorizations remain in effect. These requirements are outlined in licence conditions.
Fish harvesters are reminded that scallop dragging remains closed in water depths less than 30 fathoms in that portion of SFA 11 from Dantzik Point to Point Rosie.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2023-270 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-271 comes into effect on October 14, 2023.

"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: danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

DFO advises that the Scallop fishery in the 3Ps North Bed in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 11 that opened to eligible harvesters, will now close on October 13, 2023 at 2000 hrs.

The North Bed is defined as that portion of Scallop Fishing Area 11, bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates:

46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 46 minutes West longitude along the Canada/France boundary to
46 degrees 23.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 29 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 14.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 29 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 14.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude.

A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) or Observer coverage is required to fish in the North Bed scallop area.

Amended conditions will be required.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2023-257 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-270 comes into effect at 1600 hours on October 6, 2023.

"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: danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

DFO advises that the Scallop fishery in the 3Ps North Bed in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 11 will open for a limited period from 1800 hours on Saturday, September 23, 2023, to 1800 hours on Friday October 6, 2023.

Please note that NEW Conditions of Licence (COLs) will be issued to those harvesters deemed eligible.

The North Bed is defined as that portion of Scallop Fishing Area 11, bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates:

46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 46 minutes West longitude along the Canada/France boundary to
46 degrees 23.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 29 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 14.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 29 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 14.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude.

A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) or Observer coverage is required to fish in the North Bed scallop area.

Fish harvesters are reminded that fishing is not permitted in the Middle Bed, Southern Bed, or the Core Area. These areas are defined in your licence conditions.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Regions gives notice that Variation Order 2023-224 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-257 comes into effect on September 23, 2023.

"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  

DFO is seeking ‘Expressions of Interest’ from 2023 3Ps Scallop North Bed Seasonal Permit Holders interested in applying for access to the limited amount of remaining scallop quota in the North Bed.

Eligible fish harvesters must contact DFO through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS) to express their interest in obtaining a permit and if required, a draw will be conducted. 

Please note that NEW Conditions of Licence (COLs) will be issued that indicate a specified Catch Limit of no less than 14,800 lbs. round weight and a limited fishing period of two weeks. 

Your NOLS request must be received by midnight, September 21, 2023, in order to be included in the process. 

Requests received after this time will not be accepted.

The North Bed is defined as that portion of Scallop Fishing Area 11, bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates:

46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 46 minutes West longitude along the Canada/France boundary to
46 degrees 23.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 29 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 14.0 minutes North latitude, 56 degrees 29 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 14.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude to
46 degrees 30.0 minutes North latitude, 57 degrees 28 minutes West longitude.

Fish harvesters are reminded that fishing is not permitted in the Middle Bed, Southern Bed, or the Core Area. These areas are defined in your licence conditions.

Fish harvesters are reminded that they must have at-sea observer coverage services arranged before commencing fishing.

"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: danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that the Snow Crab fishery will close at 2400 hours on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2023-233 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-246 comes into effect at 1800 hours on August 31, 2023.

“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: beverly.piccott@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that the portion of Scallop Fishing Area 10 (Placentia Bay), inside a line drawn from Point Verde (47°14.33'N, 54°00.94'W) on the east side of the bay, to Red Harbour Head (47°16.59'N, 54°58.58'W) on the west side, will open to commercial scallop fishing September 1, 2023, at 0600 hours. DFO reminds harvesters that DMP and hail requirements are mandatory in this fishery. This is in line with the management measures for this fishery.

"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: beverly.piccott@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO reminds harvesters that the 3LNO Snow Crab fishery will close on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 2000 hours.

All gear must be removed from the water by closing time. The Department prioritizes safety at sea and if a harvester is unable to retrieve their gear by the close time due to safety, they are advised to contact their local C&P detachment.

"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: Danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that in accordance with the soft-shell protocol, the following grid in Crab Fishing Area Midshore in NAFO Division 3L will close to fishing Snow Crab at midnight on Thursday, August 24, 2023 due to a high incidence of soft-shell crab:

Grid N25

This grid will be closed to Snow crab fishing for the remainder of the year. Harvesters should note that all gear in this grid must be removed immediately. Gear must be hauled and not reset on your next fishing trip.

Grid N25 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:
47° 10' North, 50° 30' West
47° 00' North, 50° 30' West
47° 00' North, 50° 20' West
47° 10' North, 50° 20' West
47° 10' North, 50° 30' West

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2023-227 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-233 comes into effect on August 23, 2023.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage 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: danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that in accordance with the soft-shell protocol, the following grids in NAFO Divisions 3L and 3N will close to fishing Snow crab at midnight on Thursday, August 24, 2023 due to a high incidence of soft-shell crab:

3L200 Grid M 41

3N200 Grid W 37

These grids will be closed to Snow crab fishing for the remainder of the year. Harvesters should note that all gear in this grid must be removed immediately. Gear must be hauled and not reset on your next fishing trip.

Grid M41 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:

47° 20' North, 47° 50' West

47° 10' North, 47° 50' West

47° 10' North, 47° 40' West

47° 20' North, 47° 40' West

47° 20' North, 47° 50' West

Grid W37 is defined as the area bounded by the following coordinates:

45° 40' North, 48° 30' West   

45° 30' North, 48° 30' West   

45° 30' North, 48° 20' West   

45° 40' North, 48° 20' West

45° 40' North, 48° 30' West

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2023-206 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-227 comes into effect on August 23, 2023.

"Notices to Fish Harvesters" for all commercial fisheries are now available online under the Fishery Notices link on the DFO NL Region webpage 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: danielle.nichols@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

DFO advises that the Scallop Fishery in the 3Ps North Bed in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 11 will close on August 16, 2023, at 2000 hours.

The Regional Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Region gives notice that Variation Order 2023-179 has been revoked and Variation Order 2023-224 comes into effect at on August 16, 2023.

"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