2019 hagfish (Maritimes Region)

The hagfish fishery in the Maritimes Region occurs in the areas that correspond to subdivisions 4V, 4W, 4X and 5Z of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). Within these subdivisions there are 4 Hagfish Management Zones:

  1. The Gulf of Maine (GoM)
  2. Midshore
  3. 4V
  4. Offshore/Slope

Dates of season (subject to change)

The 2019 fishing season for hagfish operates from April 15th to October 15th.

Total allowable catches (TACs)

The overall quota for the fishery is 1,550t. The quota is competitive.

Management measures

The input controls and escapement measures include:

  • Entry limited to 7 licences
  • Trap limit of 450 barrels per licence
  • 6-month fishing season
  • At least 36 escape holes per barrel
  • Minimum escape hole diameter of 14.3 mm (9/16”)

The Quota is broken down by Hagfish Management Zone:

  • GoM: 350t
  • Midshore: 700t
  • 4V: 100t
  • Offshore/Slope: 400t

The 2019 Conservation Harvest Plan (CHP) outlines the management measures. For more details, please contact your regional DFO office for more information:

902-407-8153 /  DFO.MARFisheriesManagement-GestiondespechesMAR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Single or multi-year planning

The information provided is applicable to the 2019 fishery only.

Links to other information

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