Notices
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Fishery updates, DFO notices, conservation plans, and operational notices.
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2026-2027 Conservation Harvesting Plan - Atlantic Halibut 4RST - PEI Fixed Gear Fleet
2026-2027 Conservation Harvesting Plan - Atlantic Halibut 4RST - PEI Fixed Gear Fleet For the full Conservation Harvesting Plan, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Mackerel update - July 7th 2026
Mackerel update - July 7th 2026 MACKEREL UPDATE FROM DFO: As of July 7, 2026, the preliminary data indicates approximately 475.3 tonnes (t) of Atlantic mackerel have been landed, which is 101.8% of the first portion of the mackerel bait fishery (466.67 t). A notice to pause fishing on July 8 at 12:00 PM (Atlantic) is attached for your reference, Click on the following link to view the notice: http://peifa.org/members/docs/Notice 2026 AMAC July 8 closure .pdf Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
***2026 NARW Update - July 6th, 2026***
***2026 NARW Update - July 6th, 2026*** NARW CLOSURE UPDATE – July 6th, 2026 - The latest DFO North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) Notice to Fishers (#31) noting a new NARW sighting inside the 10-fathom line within LFA 25. Click on the link to view the notice: http://peifa.org/members/docs/NARW closure 31.pdf The closure was announced today, with Fishing prohibitions to commence on July 8th, 2026 at 5PM in full grids *HE33, *HE34, *HF33 and portion of grid(s) HE35, HF34, HF35, HG33, HG34, HG35. A few notes on the protocol as confirmed by DFO today: ⚫️ A temporary fishing prohibition protocol is triggered in shallow waters when a single NARW is confirmed by either visual or acoustic detection. Exclusive to shallow waters only, the temporary fishing prohibitions are in force for a period of 7 days from the date of the NARW detection, including the gear removal period. ⚫️ The 7-day period starts on the day of detection. Day 1 is Friday, July 3rd for the whale sighted in LFA 25. If there are no more NARW sightings within a 7-day timeframe then the fishing prohibition grids will reopen on Friday July 10th. If another NARW is seen within the 7-day timeframe, then a fishing prohibition extension of another 7 days is triggered. Seasonal closures do not apply in shallow water management areas. ⚫️ FOR THE HALIBUT LONGLINE FISHERY, FISHING CAN OCCUR INSIDE THESE NARW FISHING PROHIBITION GRIDS IF GEAR IS TENDED. During gear removal phase, when fishers lift their gear, if putting back in the water, they will need to tend it. Here is the link to the 2026 shallow water protocol (inside waters less than 20-fathom for more info): https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/commercial-commerciale/atl-arc/narw-bnan/2026/0326-eng.html#annex-3 Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
2026 NARW Update - July 6th, 2026
North Atlantic right whale operating update for harvesters monitoring closures and re-openings.
Atlantic Halibut Length to Weight Relationship Chart - 2026 - for reference only
Atlantic Halibut Length to Weight Relationship Chart - 2026 - for reference only Click on the following link to view the Atlantic halibut length to weight relationship chart: http://peifa.org/members/docs/length and weight relationship halibut 2026.pdf Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
How to measure a halibut
How to measure a halibut Click the following link to view slides on how to properly measure a halibut: http://peifa.org/members/docs/Halibut measurements 2010.pdf Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
MANAGEMENT APPROACH PER SECTOR AND TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR THE HERRING FALL FISHERY OF THE SOUTHERN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
MANAGEMENT APPROACH PER SECTOR AND TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH FOR THE HERRING FALL FISHERY OF THE SOUTHERN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE For the Full Notice to Fishers, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
SFA 23 Scallop Fisheries Management Plan 2026
SFA 23 Scallop Fisheries Management Plan 2026 For the full Notice to Fishers - 2026 Scallop Fisheries Management Plan - SFA 23, please click here. Mandatory Elogs for the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Rock Crab and Scallop Fisheries, for the Full Notice to Fishers, please click 2026 Gulf Region ELOGs Newsletter: Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Scallop Fishery, Scallop Fishing Area 22. For the full Newsletter, please click Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
LFA 25 Rock Crab Fishery 2026 Conservation & Harvesting Plan
LFA 25 Rock Crab Fishery 2026 Conservation & Harvesting Plan For the full Notice to Fishers, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Notice to Fishers - Atlantic Halibut Fishery 2026
Notice to Fishers - Atlantic Halibut Fishery 2026 For the full Notice to Fishers, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Notice to Fishers - Bluefin Tuna Fishery, Catch & Retain, and Catch & Release Bluefin Tuna Season
Notice to Fishers - Bluefin Tuna Fishery, Catch & Retain, and Catch & Release Bluefin Tuna Season For the full notice to fishers for the commercial fishery, please click here. For the full notice to fishers for the catch and retain bluefin tuna fishery, please click For the full notice to fishers for the catch and release bluefin tuna fishery, please click Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Notice to Fishers - LFA 24 Closing Date changed to Monday, June 29th, 2026
Notice to Fishers - LFA 24 Closing Date changed to Monday, June 29th, 2026 CHANGE TO THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE LOBSTER FISHERY IN LOBSTER FISHING AREA (LFA) 24 Moncton, NB – June 15, 2026 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – Gulf Region wishes to inform harvesters that the last day of fishing for the lobster fishery in LFA 24 has changed from Sunday, June 28, 2026, to Monday, June 29, 2026. For the full Notice to Fishers, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
***2026 NARW Update – Additional closures western LFA 24 – Updated June 9th, 2026***
***2026 NARW Update – Additional closures western LFA 24 – Updated June 9th, 2026*** Another North Atlantic Right Whale has been detected and will be impacting an area outside the 20-fathom line in Western LFA 24 fishery (Grids HD38, HD39, HD40). ***2026 NARW Update – Additional closures western LFA 24 – Updated June 9 th , 2026*** The closure, announced today, with Fishing prohibitions to commence on June 11th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., DOES affect the PEI lobster fisheries if you are fishing deeper than the 20-fathom line in the closure area. All affected gear must be removed from the prohibited fishing area before the specified time. No resetting of gear and no new gear is permitted to be set in the water after the DFO Notice is issued. In other words, if you haul your gear, it must be moved. If you are inside the 20-fathom line, you do not need to make any changes as the whale is outside the 20-fathom line. DFO has provided a .GPX file if you wish to upload the closure area on your plotter. REMINDER: the Shallow water Pilot Project only takes effect inside the 20-fathom line, so it is mandatory to remove gear outside that line. PEIFA will continue to keep a close eye on closures and share on Facebook and the website, when necessary, throughout the 2026 season. The image attached shows the location of whale closures set to commence on June 11th, 2026 5:00pm. For the full DFO notice to fishers is attached, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
2026 SCALLOP FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN – SFA 23
2026 SCALLOP FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN – SFA 23 For the full Notice to Fishers, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
***2026 NARW Update - Third Closure of 2026 - June 8th, 2026***
***2026 NARW Update - Third Closure of 2026 - June 8th, 2026*** The closure, announced today, with Fishing prohibitions to commence on June 11th, 2026 at 5:00 PM DOES affect the PEI lobster fisheries if you are fishing deeper than the 20-fathom line in the closure areas. All affected gear must be removed from the prohibited fishing area before the specified time. No resetting of gear and no new gear is permitted to be set in the water after the notice is issued. In other words, if you haul your gear, it must be moved since the closure was announced today. If you are inside the 20-fathom line, you do not need to make any changes as the whale is outside the 20-fathom line. DFO has provided a .GPX file if you wish to upload the closure area on your plotter. REMINDER: The Shallow Water Pilot Project only takes effect inside the 20-fathom line, so it is mandatory to remove gear outside that line. The PEIFA will continue to keep a close eye on closures and share on Facebook and the website when necessary, throughout the 2026 season. The image attached shows the location of whale closures set to commence on June 11th, 2026. Full Notice can be found here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Reopening of NARW Grids off North Lake
Reopening of NARW Grids off North Lake If there are no new detections, the fishing prohibition(s) for the following grid(s) will be revoked on June 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.: Full grid(s) GS37, GS38, GT37, GT38, GW48, GW49, GY48, HE48, HE49, HF48, HF49, HF50, HG50 Portion of grid(s) GS36, GT36, GU36, HE50, HG48, HG49 If there are no new detections, the fishing prohibition(s) for the closure off North Lake will be revoked on June 1, 2026 at 5:00 pm. For the full Notice to Fishers, please click here. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Mackerel Bait Fishery Announcement - May 26th, 2026
Mackerel Bait Fishery Announcement - May 26th, 2026 The competitive, personal-use bait fishery for Atlantic Mackerel will open on May 27th, 2026, with an interim TAC of 220 tons. For the full Notice, please click here. For the Full Conservation Harvesting Plan, please click Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
***2026 NARW Update - Second closure of 2026 - May 19, 2026***
***2026 NARW Update - Second closure of 2026 - May 19, 2026*** The closure, announced yesterday, with Fishing prohibitions to commence on May 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., DOES affect the PEI lobster fisheries if you are fishing deeper than the 20-fathom line in the closure area. All affected gear must be removed from the prohibited fishing area before the specified time. No resetting of gear and no new gear is permitted to be set in the water after the notice is issued. In other words, if you haul your gear, it must be moved since the closure was announced yesterday. If you are inside the 20-fathom line, you do not need to make any changes as the whale is outside the 20-fathom line. DFO has provided a .GPX file if you wish to upload the closure area on your plotter. REMINDER: the Shallow water Pilot Project only takes effect inside the 20-fathom line, so it is mandatory to remove gear outside that line. The PEIFA will continue to keep a close eye on closures and share on Facebook and the website, when necessary, throughout the 2026 season. The image attached shows the location of whale closures set to commence on May 22, 2026, 5:00pm. Full Notice can be found here: Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
Re-opening of NARW grids off North Lake
Re-opening of NARW grids off North Lake If there are no new detections, the fishing prohibition(s) for the following grid(s) will be revoked on May 13, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.: If there are no new detections, the fishing prohibitions for the closure off North lake will be revoked on May 13, 2026 at 5:00am Full Notice to Fishers can be found by clicking here Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
2026 NARW Update - First closure of 2026 - April 29, 2026
2026 NARW Update - First closure of 2026 - April 29, 2026 ***2026 NARW Update - First closure of 2026 - April 29, 2026*** North Atlantic Right Whales have arrived in the Gulf for the 2026 season, earlier than 2025 (first closure last year was May 20th, 2025). The whale was detected via a viking buoy that picked up the call of the whale. The closure announced today, with Fishing prohibitions to commence on May 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., DOES affect the PEI lobster fisheries if you are fishing deeper than the 20 fathom line in the closure area. DFO is providing a 120 hour delay for the prohibited fishing grid(s) due to the weather forecast. All affected gear must be removed from the prohibited fishing area before the specified time, and no new gear is permitted to be set in the water after the notice is issued. If you are inside the 20 fathom line you do not need to make any changes as the whale is outside the 20 fathom line. DFO has provided a .GPX file if you wish to upload the closure area on your plotter. REMINDER: the Pilot Project only takes effect inside the 20 fathom Line so it is mandatory to remove gear outside that line. The PEIFA will continue to keep a close eye on closures and share on Facebook and the website, when necessary, throughout the 2026 season. Full Notice can be found by clicking this link and shows the location of whale closures set to commence on May 4th, 2026, 5:00pm. Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
DFO Notice to fishers - 2026 Striped bass retention in the lobster fishery pilot project
DFO Notice to fishers - 2026 Striped bass retention in the lobster fishery pilot project DFO has issued a Notice to Fish Harvesters relating to the 2026 pilot project of striped bass retention in the lobster fishery. To participate in the pilot, fishers must request to participate through their NOLS account. Click the following Notice to view the details: http://peifa.org/members/docs/Lobster Notice to fish havesters - Striped bass bycatch pilot project 2026 EN.pdf Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
DFO Notice to Fishers - LFA 24 Season Delay
DFO Notice to Fishers - LFA 24 Season Delay Click on the following link to view the full DFO Notice to Fishers re: LFA 24 Season Delay - issued April 22nd, 2026: http://peifa.org/members/docs/2026_Notice_Lobster_LFA_24_season_DELAY.pdf Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS - PEI COMMERCIAL/BAIT GASPEREAU FISHERY
NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS - PEI COMMERCIAL/BAIT GASPEREAU FISHERY CLICK HERE FOR NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography
2026 DFO Notice to Fishers – change to PCFA area mechanical bar clam season
2026 DFO Notice to Fishers – change to PCFA area mechanical bar clam season Click here for details Renew your PEIFA MEMBERSHIP Due by March 31st, 2020 Renew Now © Rachel Peters Photography