Subject: Opening of the Atlantic halibut fishery in NAFO Divisions 4R, 4S, and 4T for the Upper and Middle north Shore and Lower North Shore fixed gear fleets of vessels less than 19,81 meters, and announcement of fishery management measures.

Sept-Îles – May 15, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the 2026–2027 Atlantic halibut fishing season in Divisions 4R, 4S, and 4T for Upper and Middle Nortyh Shore (UMNS) and Lower North Shore (LNS) fixed gear fleets of less than 19,81 meters:

Approved May 14, 2026

1. Application

This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) for Atlantic halibut applies to all groundfish licence holders from the Upper and Middle North Shore (UMNS) and Lower North Shore (LNS) fleets of less than 19.81 m when conducting Atlantic halibut fishing activities in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) 4RST Divisions from May 15, 2026 until May 14, 2027. Please note that:

This CHP is subject to change following Departmental decisions or annual review;

Quebec – May 26, 2026

Conservation Harvesting Plan

ATLANTIC HALIBUT– 4RST –

FLEET WITH FIXED GEAR UNDER ITQ OF LESS THAN 13.71M

GASPÉ-LOWER ST.LAWRENCE

SEASON 2026-2027

Approved May 12,  2026

1.  Application

subject : Opening of the lobster fishery in areas 15 and 16 and sub-area 18I

Sept-Îles – May 12, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the lobster fishing season in areas 15 and 16 and sub-area 18I.

The opening in areas 15 and 16 and sub-area 18I has been set for Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. (EDT) as recommended by the fleets representatives. The fishery will close on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

Subject : Postponement of the opening of the lobster fishery in sub-area 18F

Sept-Îles – May 12, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the postponement of the opening of the lobster fishing season in sub-area 18F only.

At the recommendation of fleet representatives, the opening, previously scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, has been postponed to Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:00 a.m. (EDT). Consequently, the fishery will close on Sunday, July 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

Conservation Harvesting Plan

ATLANTIC HALIBUT– 4RST –

FLEET WITH FIXED GEAR UNDER ITQ OF 13.71M AND OVER 

GASPÉ-LOWER ST.LAWRENCE

SEASON 2026-2027

Approved May 12, 2026

1.  Application

Magdalen Islands – May 8, 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces that pursuant to Variation Order 2026-Q-012, the lobster fishery in Area 22 will open on May 9, 2026, at 05:00 (ADT).

The fishing season will end on, July 11, 2026, at 23:59 (ADT).

The management measures set out in the Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) approved on May 1, 2026 are available on our website.