Quebec – March 26, 2026 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) - Quebec Region announces the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Northern Shrimp of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 8, 9, 10 and 12 in effect for the 2026 season and allocated in accordance with the stabilized shares in place since 2009.
| SFA | TAC (tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Estuary (12) | 995 |
| Sept-Iles (10) | 917 |
| Anticosti (9) | 2,009 |
| Esquiman (8) | 1,498 |
| Total | 5,419 |
Details on the breakdown of TAC and other management measures are available in the 2026 Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) approved on March 20, 2026.
Exceptional measures for temporary transfers of Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ)
The flexibility measure relating to temporary quota transfers in effect in 2025 will continue in 2026. Thus, for the 2026 season, temporary quota transfers between participants under ITQ regime will be authorized up to 100%, including transfers between Quebec Group A and Group B participants, and transfers between Group B participants from different provinces. Similarly, associations holding EGSL shrimp allocations will be authorized to transfer them on a temporary basis to Quebec Group A or Group B participants.
DFO wishes to remind all fish harvesters under the ITQ regime that it is the responsibility of each participant to make the necessary arrangements prior to the departure of a fishing trip to ensure they have the necessary quota to cover the catches likely to be made during that trip.
Conditions of Licence
Starting in 2026, Group B licence holders will be limited to the SFA where they hold a positive revised quota at the time of their licence condition request. Licence holders will be eligible to receive new conditions of licence granting access to other areas upon receipt of temporary transfers.
Publication of the Rebuilding Plan
The Rebuilding Plan for Northern Shrimp in SFA 8, 9, and 10 is now available online on the DFO website: Rebuilding Plan: Northern Shrimp, Pandalus borealis – Areas 8, 9, and 10.
For further information
You can find additional information about management measures and fishing areas on our page dedicated to: Commercial fisheries.