Fisheries management decision 2025: Capelin in NAFO Divisions 4RST
Area
Capelin fishery in NAFO Divisions 4RST:
- West coast of Newfoundland and the area south of Cape Charles
- Labrador (Capelin Fishing Areas 13 and 14)
- Quebec Lower North Shore (Capelin Fishing Area 15)
- Gulf (Capelin Fishing Area 16)
Dates of season (subject to change)
Season opening dates for 4RST capelin will be determined in consultation with industry. The season for each area and fleet sector will remain open provided there are commercial quantities available and quota remaining to be harvested.
Total Allowable Catch (TACs) and sharing arrangements
The fleet quota sharing arrangements from 2024 are maintained for 2025, with an annual total allowable catch (TAC) of 10,225 metric tonnes.
| Area | Gear | Quota |
|---|---|---|
| 4R | Mobile, less than 65 feet | 2,469.23 |
| 4R | Mobile, 65 feet and greater | 2,469.23 |
| 4R | Fixed | 3,866.91 |
| 4R | Total | 8,805.37 |
| 4ST | Total | 1,419.63 |
| 4RST | Total | 10,225 |
Management measures
The Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for Capelin in NAFO Divisions 4RST is available online.
The management measures for the 2025 Capelin fishery include the following:
- Dockside Monitoring Program requirement for the commercial fishery (all fleets & areas), and a water allowance of 3% applied at dockside.
- At-sea observer coverage for the capelin fishery.
- Prohibition of trap net leaders with a mesh size of greater than two inches to less than seven inches as a conservation measure to reduce the by-catch of wild Atlantic salmon.
- Maximum authorized length of a modified bar seine (tuck’ seine) of 80 fathoms.
- Restrictive leasing provisions.
- Completion of logbooks.
- 90,000 pound daily trip limit for fixed gear harvesters in CFA 13 and 14.
- Season fixed gear limit of 400,000 pounds.
Further details of the management measures are outlined in the IFMP.
Single or multi-year planning
This information is for the 2025 fishing season.
Links to other information
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