NEW LICENCE HOLDERS

INSHORE FISHINg ENTERPRISES

Quebec – July 2, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region (DFO) announces the end of the transition period to recognize only one qualification regime for commercial fish harvesters.

The amendment to the eligibility criteria for acquiring an inshore fishing enterprise in Quebec was announced on April 1, 2016. Since then, fish harvesters have been able to choose between the former criteria administered by DFO and the new regime based on Quebec Fisher and Fisher helper Accreditation Office (BAPAP) certification.

This transition period, initially scheduled to end in 2017, has been extended several times to allow BAPAP to modernize its regulations framework. This process was completed in 2025, with the publication of the in the Gazette officielle du Québec of Regulation respecting apprentice fisherman’s, fisherman’s helper’s and fisherman’s certificates on August 27, 2025.

This harmonization between the two levels of government recognizes the importance of the professionalization of commercial fish harvesters in Quebec and reflects both  DFO's and the harvesting industry's commitment to  a modern professional qualification system.

As of January 1, 2027, any fish harvester wishing to acquire an inshore fishing enterprise will be required to provide DFO with proof of holding a Fisherman’s Certificate or a Fisherman’s Helper’s Certificate issued by BAPAP.

As of that date, it will no longer be possible to rely on the former eligibility criteria, under which fish harvesters could demonstrate, through supporting documentation,, that they had fished commercially on a regular basis for two consecutive years and had complied with the fishing period established by the industry.

Applications based on the former criteria must be submitted through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS) no later than December 31, 2026, and must be accompanied by a duly completed form. After this date, all new entrants will be required to provide DFO with proof of holding a Fisherman’s Certificate or a Fisherman’s Helper’s Certificate issued by BAPAP.

For more information on how to obtain a Fisherman’s Certificate or a Fisherman’s Helper’s Certificate, please contact BAPAP.

For questions regarding the acquisition of a fishing enterprise, please contact:

North Shore Area: 1-800-463-1729

Gaspe-Lower St. Lawrence Area: 1-877-898-5559

Magdalen Islands Area: 1-418-986-2095

For additional information

Please visit our website at the following address: Quebec Region | DFO-Quebec Region