Fisheries Management Decision 2026 and 2027 Capelin in NAFO Divisions 4RST

1. 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) and Gulf (Capelin Fishing Area 16).

2. 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.

3. TAC and sharing arrangements

The annual total allowable catch (TAC) for 2026 and 2027 is 10,225 metric tonnes, representing a rollover from 2025. The TAC is allocated in accordance with established fleet quota sharing arrangements.

Capelin fishery Total Allowable Catch and fleet sharing for 2026 and 2027

• 4R total: 8,805.37
  • Mobile, less than 65 feet: 2,469.23
  • Mobile, 65 feet and greater: 2,469.23
  • Fixed: 3,866.91
• 4ST total: 1,419.63
• 4RST total: 10,225

4. Management Measures

The Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for Capelin in NAFO Divisions 4RST is available online.

The management measures for the 2026 and 2027 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.

5. Single or multi-year planning

This information is for the 2026 and 2027 fishing season.

6. Links to other information

Science Advisory Report 2026/014