Antigonish, Nova Scotia (NS) – April 20, 2026 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announces that the Atlantic halibut fishery will open for Gulf Nova Scotia (GNS) fixed-gear licence holders, using vessel class A69 in the portions of Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Division 4T known as 4T1, 4T8, 4T2a, 4T2b, 4T9a and 4T9b.
This fishery will open for 12 hours from 06:00 hrs, April 22, 2026 to 18:00 hrs, April 22, 2026.
Preliminary data is showing there is approximately 30 tonnes (t) remaining in the 2025-2026 GNS Atlantic halibut fishery, which ends May 14, 2026.
Fishers are reminded that during the period where fishing is authorized, it is the responsibility of the licence holder to take into account the marine safety notices issued, among others, by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Transport Canada, as well as the standards and best practices in marine safety, and to take all measures to ensure a safe fishery.
Replacement vessels or vessel transfers will only be authorized from another fisher whose homeport is in the GNS administrative area.
2026 Management Measures to minimize interactions with North Atlantic Right Whales
The Management Measures to minimize interactions with NARW can be found at the following address: 2026 fishery management measures.
Should portions or all of 4T1, 4T8, 4T2a, 4T2b, 4T9a or 4T9b close due to the NARW dynamic closure protocol, Atlantic halibut fishing for the vessel class A69 will be permitted, however, it will be mandatory to closely attend fishing gear as identified in the conditions of licence.
Bycatch of Gulf of St. Lawrence Groundfish stocks subject to rebuilding plans
In accordance with the rebuilding plans for four groundfish stocks in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO 4T and 4TVn), the 2025-26 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 4T winter flounder, 4TVn Atlantic Cod, 4T American Plaice and 4T White Hake are established as follows:
| Species | TAC (t) | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Flounder (4T) | 150 | Until May 14, 2026 |
| Atlantic Cod (4TVn) | 241.27* | Until May 14, 2026 |
| American Plaice (4T) | 95 t | Until May 14, 2026 |
| White Hake (4T) | 30 t | Until May 14, 2026 |
Note:
* 95 t for bycatch
In the Gulf Region, the inshore Atlantic halibut fleet will be allocated 10.925 t of 4T-Vn Atlantic cod and 3 t of 4T White Hake to cover bycatch during the fishery.