Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – June 29, 2026 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the opening dates and management measures for the 2026 commercial scallop fishery in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 21, sub-areas 21A and 21C.
Fishing Seasons
21A - In 2026, the temporary suspension of commercial scallop fishing in sub-area 21A is maintained until 2028. Industry stakeholders have proposed to explore alternative methods to dredging. Discussions will take place after this period regarding the long-term viability of the scallop fishery in this sub-area.
21C - In 2026, the fishery will be open from 5:00 a.m. on July 6 to 8:00 p.m. on July 31. The fishery will only be authorized between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily and will be closed from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 5:00 a.m. the following Monday.
DFO wishes to remind fish harvesters to exercise caution when navigating in locations where dredging operations are ongoing. Prior to the commencement of a fishing trip, fish harvesters are advised to check the Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs) website for any measures or restrictions applicable.
New in 2026
As announced in a separate Notice to Fish Harvesters, the use of an Electronic logbook (ELOG) and Hail-Out are mandatory starting in 2026 for all active scallop licence holders in Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (SGSL). These new requirements apply to all commercial and communal commercial licence holders in SFA 21, 22, 23 and 24.
Please refer the following Notice to fish harvesters for more information:
- 2026 - Mandatory Electronic Logbooks for the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence in the Rock Crab and Scallop Fisheries
- 2026 - New scallop commercial fishery management measures for the Gulf Region (SFA 21, 22, 23 and 24)
Other management measures in place
The following management measures will remain in effect for the 2026 fishing season in sub-area 21C. Further details are available in the scallop licence conditions.
Ring size: The authorized minimal ring size in the bucket construction is set at 88.9 mm (3½ inches) with the exception of the first row of buckets where 76.2 mm (3 inches) rings may be used.
Meat count: In sub-area 21C, a maximum of 39 meats per 500 g is required.
Drag size: Maximum cumulative width of 6.09 m (20 feet) (outside measurements).
Washers: A maximum of two steel washers may be used to join two bucket rings together. When rubber washers are used to join bucket rings, a maximum of one rubber washer may be used and in this case, in the vertical position only. The maximum outside diameter of rubber washers must not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches). Rubber flappers are allowed when only steel washers are used to join bucket rings. With the exception of the authorized rubber washers and rubber flappers, no other type of chaffing gear can be used.
Offloading Requirements: All scallops must be shucked prior to entering port. No person shall land (off-load) any other part of the scallop except for the adductor muscle (no roe or other internal organs of the scallop may be retained).
Mandatory reporting of interactions between vessels or fishing gear and marine mammals: Any accidental contact between a marine mammal and a vessel or fishing gear must be reported.
Reminder - Licence conditions
To obtain licence conditions for the 2026 season, licence holders are required to contact the DFO Licensing division by email at the following address: gulfinfogolfe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by phone at the following number: 1-855-634-2355.