Sustainable Fisheries Framework Work Plan for Fiscal 2026-2027
Introduction
The following tables describe work activities related to the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework to be undertaken in 2026-2027.
Section 1: Precautionary Approach Reference Points and Harvest Control Rules
(A) Precautionary Approach Limit Reference Points (LRP)
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maritimes | Arctic Surf Clam on Banquereau and Grand Bank | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Quebec | Snow Crab Coastal – CFA 12A**, 12B**, 12C, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17 | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arctic | Arctic Char – Paliryuak (Surrey) | By end of 2028-2029 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Arctic | Arctic Char – Ekalluktok (Ekalluk) | By end of 2028-2029 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Arctic | Atlantic Walrus – Foxe Basin (Central Arctic) | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Arctic | Atlantic Walrus – Hudson Bay-Davis Strait (Central Arctic) | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Arctic | Dolly Varden – Big Fish River | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Maritimes | Herring – Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy** | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Herring – 3KLPs | By end of 2028-2029 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Capelin – 4RST | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 9 | Pacific | Stikine Sockeye Salmon** | TBD | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 10 | Pacific | Upper Georgia Strait Chinook | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arctic | Cumberland Sound Beluga | TBD | Will begin development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Arctic | Arctic Char – Jayko | By end of 2028-2029 | Will begin development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Arctic | Arctic Char – Lauchlan | By end of 2028-2029 | Will begin development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Arctic | Arctic Char – Halovik | By end of 2028-2029 | Will begin development of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Maritimes | Redfish in Unit 3 (NAFO Division 4X and DFO Statistical Unit Areas 4Wdehkl) | By end of 2026-2027 | Will begin revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Maritimes | American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area 33 | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Maritimes | American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area 34 | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | Maritimes | American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area 41 | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 9 | Pacific | Dungeness Crab | By end of 2027-2028 |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will begin revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
| 10 | Pacific | Shrimp | By end of 2028-2029 |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will begin revision of LRP in 2026-2027. |
(B) Precautionary Approach Upper Stock Reference Points (USR)
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maritimes | Gaspereau – Saint John River (Upstream of Mactaquac Dam) | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Maritimes | Sea Scallop – Offshore SFA 26 A and SFA 26 C (German Bank and Browns Bank North) | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Maritimes | Arctic Surf Clam on Banquereau and Grand Bank | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Capelin – 2J3KL | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Pacific | Fraser Summer Run 52 Chinook | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Pacific | Fraser Spring Run 52 Chinook | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Quebec | Snow Crab Coastal – CFA 12A**, 12B**, 12C, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17 | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | National Capital Region | Northern Stock Assessment Region Northern Shrimp | By end of 2026-2027 |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gulf | Striped Bass – Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence | By end of 2026-2027 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Quebec and Gulf | Atlantic Halibut – 4RST** | TBD | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Maritimes | Herring – Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy** | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Maritimes | Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in the Gaspereau River, Nova Scotia | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Maritimes | Lobster – LFA 35 | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Maritimes | Lobster – LFA 36 | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Maritimes | Lobster – LFA 38 | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | Pacific | Stikine Sockeye** | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 9 | Pacific | Dungeness Crab | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 10 | Pacific | Shrimp | By end of 2028-2029 | Will continue development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maritimes | American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area 33 | TBD | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Maritimes | American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area 34 | TBD | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Maritimes | American Lobster in Lobster Fishing Area 41 | TBD | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Maritimes | Redfish in Unit 3 (NAFO Division 4X and DFO Statistical Unit Areas 4Wdehkl) | TBD | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Atlantic Cod – 3Ps | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Pacific | Taku Coho | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Pacific | Skeena Coho | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | Pacific | Upper Georgia Strait Chinook | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin development of USR in 2026-2027. |
(C) Precautionary Approach Harvest Control Rules (HCR)
HCRs to be completed
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maritimes | Sea Scallop - Offshore SFA 26 A and C | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Atlantic cod – 2J3KL | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Pacific | Sablefish* | By end of 2026-2027 | Will revisit Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) process including fishery and conservation objectives in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Quebec | Snow Crab Coastal – CFA 12A**, 12B**, 12C, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17 | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Quebec | Scallop – SFA 20** | By the end of 2026-2027 | Will complete development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gulf | Striped Bass – Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence | By end of 2026-2027 | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring – 4T (Fall Spawner)** | TBD | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring – 4T (Spring Spawner)* | TBD | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Capelin – 2J3KL | TBD | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Pacific | Stikine Sockeye** | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Pacific | Yelloweye rockfish – inside* | By end of 2027-2028 | Will revisit Management Procedure (MP) Framework process in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Pacific | Fraser Summer Run 52 Chinook | TBD | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | Pacific | Fraser Spring Run 52 Chinook | TBD | Will continue development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 9 | Pacific | Sablefish* | By end of 2026-2027 | Will revisit MSE process including fishery and conservation objectives in 2026-2027. |
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maritimes | Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in the Gaspereau River, Nova Scotia | TBD | Will begin development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Maritimes | Arctic Surf Clam on Banquereau and Grand Bank | TBD | Will begin development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | National Capital Region | Unit 1 Redfish | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will begin development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Atlantic cod – 2J3KL | TBD | Will begin development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Snow crab (2HJ, 3K, 3LNO, 3Ps) | TBD | Will begin review of existing HCR in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Pacific | Upper Georgia Strait Chinook | By end of 2027-2028 | Will begin development of HCR in 2026-2027. |
Section 2: Fish Stock Rebuilding Plans
| No | Region | Fish Stock | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gulf | Atlantic Cod – Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence - 4TVn* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 2 | Gulf | Plaice (American), Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence – 4T* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 3 | Gulf | White Hake 4T* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 4 | Gulf | Winter Flounder 4T* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 5 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring 4T (Spring Spawner)* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 6 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Atlantic Cod – 3Ps* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 7 | Pacific | Chinook Salmon – Okanagan* | Following completion as of March 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 8 | Pacific | Pacific Herring – Haida Gwaii* | Following completion as of April 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 9 | Pacific | Chinook Salmon – West Coast of Vancouver Island* | Following completion as of April 2025, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 10 | National Capital Region | Mackerel (Atlantic) NAFO 3-4* | Following completion as of April 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 11 | National Capital Region | Northern Shrimp – SFA 6* | Following completion as of May 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 12 | Quebec | Atlantic Cod – 4RS-3Pn* | Following completion as of June 2024, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
| 13 | Quebec | Gulf of St. Lawrence Northern Shrimp – SFA 8, 9, 10* | Following completion as of October 2025, the rebuilding plan will be reviewed and updated as required. |
(B) Other Stock Rebuilding Plans
| No | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quebec | Iceland Scallop - SFA 16EF | TBD | Continue preliminary work to develop a rebuilding plan in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Quebec | Greenland Halibut – 4RST | TBD | Begin preliminary work to develop a rebuilding plan in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring – 4T (Fall Spawner)** | TBD | Will continue the development of a rebuilding plan in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Gulf | Yellowtail Flounder - 4T* | TBD | Will continue the development of a rebuilding plan in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Maritimes | Herring – Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy** | TBD | Will continue development of the new FSP-compliant rebuilding plan to meet obligations and timelines once the stock is listed in Batch 2. |
| 6 | Maritimes | Cod 4X5Y** | TBD | Will continue the update of the rebuilding plan in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Maritimes | Snow Crab – Northern Eastern Nova Scotia | TBD | Will begin development of the FSP-compliant rebuilding plan. |
| 8 | Pacific | Yukon Chinook** | By end of 2026-2027 | Continue work on rebuilding planning process with anticipated completion in 2026-2027. |
| 9 | Pacific | Fraser Sockeye - Early Stuart** | By end of 2027-2028 | Continue rebuilding planning process with interested parties and First Nations. |
| 10 | Pacific | Pacific Razor Clam | By end of 2026-2027 | DFO and the Council of the Haida Nation are developing a rebuilding plan for Pacific Razor Clam on Haida Gwaii. Drafting began in 2023/24. Plan is expected to be finalized in 2026-2027. |
| 11 | Pacific | Outside Spiny Dogfish | By end of 2027-2028 | Development of a rebuilding strategy, taking into account the non-targeted nature of Outside Spiny Dogfish in Pacific region fisheries. Interim measures are expected to be implemented for the 2026/2027 fishing season. |
SECTION 3: Integrated Fisheries Management Plans
Integrated Fisheries Management Plans (IFMP)
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arctic | Finfish – Great Slave Lake (Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish) | By end of 2027-2028 | Will continue IFMP development in 2026-2027. |
| 2 | Arctic | Narwhal – Nunavut Settlement Area | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 3 | Arctic | Bowhead – Eastern Canada, Western Greenland | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 4 | Gulf | American Lobster – LFA 23, 24, 25, 26A, 26B** | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will post updated IFMP online in 2026-2027. |
| 5 | Gulf | Rock Crab - LFA 23, 24, 25, 26A, 26B | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will post updated IFMP online in 2026-2027. |
| 6 | Gulf | Sea Scallop – SFA 21a, b, c, 22, 23, 24 | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will post updated IFMP online in 2026-2027. |
| 7 | Gulf | Groundfish* - 3Pn, 4Vn, 4RST | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will post updated IFMP online in 2026-2027. |
| 8 | Gulf | Atlantic Salmon - SFA 15, 16, 17, 18 | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will post updated IFMP online in 2026-2027. |
| 9 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring - 4T* | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will post updated IFMP online in 2026-2027. |
| 10 | Maritimes | Groundfish (sections as appropriate) | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 11 | Maritimes | Gaspereau | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 12 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Trout | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 13 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Snow crab – 2HJ, 3KLPNOP and 4R | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 14 | Newfoundland and Labrador | American lobster – LFA 3-14c | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 15 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2+3KLMNO Groundfish | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 16 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Sea cucumber – 3Ps | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 17 | Quebec | Northern shrimp (Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence) – Areas 8, 9, 10, 12 | By end of 2026-2027 | Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 18 | Quebec | Lobster – LFA 19 to 21* | By end of 2026-2027 | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will complete IFMP update in 2026-2027. |
| 19 | Quebec | Sea cucumber – B, C and 3 | TBD | Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue IFMP development in 2026-2027. |
| 20 | Quebec | Sea urchin | TBD | Will begin development of IFMP in 2026-2027. |
SECTION 4: Implementation of the Fishery Monitoring Policy
Implementation of the Fishery Monitoring Policy
| # | Region | Fish Stock | Expected Date of Completion (Fiscal Year) | Description of Activity in 2026-2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arctic | Arctic Char - Cumberland Sound, Iqalugaarjuit (Iqalujjuaq) Fiord** | By end of 2026-2027 | Assess the monitoring program Risk Screening Tool (RST) and Quality Assessment Tool (QAT) results. |
| 2 | Arctic | Arctic Char - Cumberland Sound, Irvine Inlet** | By end of 2026-2027 | Assess the monitoring program RST and QAT results. |
| 3 | Gulf | American Lobster – LFA 23, 24, 25, 26A, 26B** | By end of 2026-2027 | Develop fishery monitoring objectives and requirements as a result of the assessment of the monitoring programs. |
| 4 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring – 4T (Spring Spawner) | By end of 2026-2027 | Develop fishery monitoring objectives and requirements as a result of the assessment of the monitoring programs. |
| 5 | Gulf | Atlantic Herring – 4T (Fall Spawner)** | By end of 2026-2027 | Develop fishery monitoring objectives and requirements as a result of the assessment of the monitoring programs. |
| 6 | Gulf | Atlantic Cod – 4TVn | By end of 2026-2027 | Continue to implement Fishery Monitoring Policy in 2026-2027. Fishery is closed and has a rebuilding plan. |
| 7 | Maritimes | LFAs 27, 29, and 30** | By end of 2026-2027 | Continue RST and QAT for these stocks and begin the Gap Assessment. |
| 8 | Maritimes | Pollock - 4X5** (Western Component) | By end of 2026-2027 | Complete the application of the Gap assessment for Pollock. |
| 9 | Maritimes | Atlantic Halibut - 3NOPs4VWX5* | By end of 2026-2027 | Complete the Gap assessment and consult with advisory committee on any recommended changes to current monitoring requirements for the stock. |
| 10 | Maritimes | Atlantic Cod – 4X5Y | By end of 2026-2027 | Complete the application of the QAT. |
| 11 | National Capital Region | Atlantic Mackerel | TBD | Continue discussions with stakeholders and Indigenous partners on specifying monitoring requirements (FMP step 4). |
| 12 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Atlantic cod – 2J3KL | By end of 2026-2027 | Continue implementation of Fishery Monitoring Policy for Northern cod, including completion of step 2 (RST, QAT and Gap analysis). |
| 13 | Newfoundland and Labrador | Atlantic cod – 3Ps | By end of 2026-2027 | Initiate implementation of Fishery Monitoring Policy for 3Ps cod, including completion of step 2 (RST, QAT and Gap analysis). |
| 14 | Pacific | Yelloweye Rockfish – Inside* | TBD |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue to pursue a project-based approach to Fishery Monitoring Policy implementation in 2026-2027, and through 2027-2028. These projects will include:
|
| 15 | Pacific | Yelloweye Rockfish – Outside* | TBD |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue to pursue a project-based approach to Fishery Monitoring Policy implementation in 2026-2027, and through 2027-2028. These projects will include:
|
| 16 | Pacific | Quillback Rockfish – Inside** | TBD |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue to pursue a project-based approach to Fishery Monitoring Policy implementation in 2026-2027, and through 2027-2028. These projects will include:
|
| 17 | Pacific | Quillback Rockfish – Outside** | TBD |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue to pursue a project-based approach to Fishery Monitoring Policy implementation in 2026-2027, and through 2027-2028. These projects will include:
|
| 18 | Quebec | Atlantic cod – 4RS-3Pn* | TBD |
Carry forward from 2025-2026. Will continue to implement Fishery Monitoring Policy in 2026-2027. |
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