Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – June 8, 2026 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is announcing the opening dates and management measures for the commercial scallop fishery in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 21, sub-area 21B, for 2026.
DFO wishes to remind fish harvesters to exercise caution when navigating in locations where dredging operations are on-going. 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.
Fishing Seasons
21B - In 2026, licence holders will be able to choose a maximum of 20 calendar days for fishing. Fishing will be open between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM from June 15 to July 31 (summer season) and between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM from November 2 to November 27 (fall season).
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. 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)
Management measures
The following management measures will remain in effect for the 2026 fishing season:
Ring size: The authorized minimal ring size in the bucket construction is set at 89 mm (3½ inches) with the exception of the first row of buckets where 76.2 mm (3 inches) rings may be used.
Hail-Out: Scallop licence holders in sub-zone 21B must make a hail-out call before each fishing trip.
The toll-free phone number 1-833-699-2013 or 1-506-431-3223 (for satellite phones only) should be used to make hail-out calls, modify calls, and cancel calls.
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS): In sub-zone 21B, the use of a vessel monitoring system approved by the DFO is mandatory. The reporting interval for the VMS unit must be every five minutes.
Meat count: In sub-area 21B, 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).
Buffer zones: The coastal buffer zones for the protection of lobster habitat and the ecosystem will continue to be applied by licence condition and/or variation orders.
Mandatory reporting of interactions between vessels or fishing gear and marine mammals: Any accidental contact between marine mammal and a vessel or fishing gear must be reported.
Further details are available in the scallop licence conditions.
Reminder - Licence conditions
To obtain licence conditions for the 2026 season, licence holders are required to contact the DFO Licensing division by email or by phone at the following number: 1-855-634-2355.