Subject:   Opening of the 2025-2026 Atlantic Halibut fishery and temporary renewal of the 2024-2025 Conservation Harvesting Plan

Sept-Îles – May 13, 2025

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the Atlantic Halibut fishery for the Upper and Middle North Shore (UMNS) Fixed Gear Fleet, Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs).

Fishing activities will be authorized as of May 15, 2025 at 05:00 (EDT).

Interim Allowable Catch (TAC)

As announced in the April 30, 2025 Notice to Fish Harvesters regarding the establishment of an interim TAC of 2 466 tons, the initial interim allocation for the Atlantic Halibut fishery by the North Shore fleets is 177.264 tons. This allocation excludes any temporary transfer of quota from mobile gear fleets to inshore fixed gear fleets and is calculated before quota reconciliation and carry-over of uncaught quotas, if applicable. The quota will be distributed in accordance with the permanent sharing agreement between the two North Shore fleets, i.e. 54% for the Upper and Middle North Shore (UMNS)  and 46% for the Lower North Shore (LNS).

Conservation harvesting plan

Until the official TAC is announced and the publication of the 2025-2026 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP), the 2024-2025 CHP approved on May 10, 2024 is renewed.

Fishing closure

Please note the following changes to the closure areas for the 2025-2026 season:

• Atlantic halibut fishing is authorired in 4T8;
• The permanent closure of the Greenland halibut fishery in NAFO Division 4R waters with depths of less than 200 metres (109.4 fathoms);
• Temporary closure of the Greenland halibut fishery in NAFO Division 4S waters with depths of less than 200 metres (109.4 fathoms).

In addition, it should be remembered that during the period when fishing is authorized, it is the captain's responsibility to take note of the notices issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Transport Canada related to marine safety, as well as safety standards and best practices, and to take all measures to ensure a safe fishery.

Licence Conditions

In order to obtain the Licence Conditions, licence holders will have to apply for them through the National Online Licensing System. For assistance with the National Online Licensing System, please contact Customer Support by phone at 1-877-535-7307 or by e-mail at fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

For additional information

Please visit our website at the following address: Quebec Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (dfo-mpo.gc.ca).

Resource Management

North Shore Area

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

418-962-6314 / Toll-free 1-800-463-1729