Notices to Fish Harvesters

Announcement of the seasons of the grey seal and harp seal hunt for Magdalen Islands sealers -Licence Classes Q100,Q110,Q130

Date of Notice

Quebec/Magdalen Islands – January 9, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces that based under the Variation Order 2026-Q-300, the fishery (hunt):

Grey seal fishery will be open:

  • starting January 15, 2026 until June 30, 2026 and from September 15, 2026 to December 20, 2026 in the Sealing Area 20 for licence classes Q100-Q110 (commercial licences) and Q130 (personal use licences);
  • starting January 20, 2026 until June 30, 2026 and from September 15, 2026 to December 20, 2026 in the Sealing Areas 25 and 26 for licence classes Q100-Q110 (commercial licences).

Harp seal fishery will be open:

  • until February 15, 2026, from March 14, 2026 to June 15, 2026 and from November 15, 2026 in the Sealing Area 20 for licence classes Q100-Q110 (commercial licences) and Q130 (personal use licences);
  • until February 15, 2026, from March 14, 2026 to June 15, 2026 and from November 15, 2026 in the Sealing Areas 21 to 26  for licence classes Q100-Q110 (commercial licences).

 

DFO reminds that before any grey seal fishing (hunting) trip with a vessel greater than 10.7 metres (35 feet), a Harvest Plan must be submitted to DFO at least 5 days before the fishing (hunting) activity for approval.

Note that the bleeding of seals must be carried out in accordance with section 29 of the Marine Mammal Regulations. However, starting in 2026, the bleeding of grey seals may also be carried out by cutting the carotid arteries located in the neck, in accordance with the Conditions of licence.

To obtain their licences, licence holders must log on the National Online Licensing System.

For additional information

Please visit our website at the following address: Commercial fisheries and click on “Notice to Fish harvesters” to access all relevant information.

For more information, contact 418-986-2095.