Antigonish, Nova Scotia – September 3, 2026 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wishes to advise that the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2026 fall herring fishery in Herring Fishing Area (HFA) 16F is 2,072 tonnes (t).
The fall fishery will open at 18:00 hours on Sunday, September 13, 2026 until 12:00 hours on October 9, 2026 or until the quota is harvested, whichever comes first. In 2026, daily closures will again be implemented for the fall fishery from 12:00 hours to 18:00 hours in addition to weekend closures for all weekends while the fishery is open.
Fall weekend closures:
- 12:00 hours Friday, September 18 to 18:00 hours Sunday, September 20
- 12:00 hours Friday, September 25 to 18:00 hours Sunday, September 27
- 12:00 hours Friday, October 2 to 18:00 hours Sunday, October 4
The fishing depth restriction of 50 feet in a portion of 16F will again be implemented by Conditions of Licence in 2026. A maximum of 100 fathoms of nets is permitted to be fished with or have on board the vessel.
Hail Out
Fishers must hail out at least 1 hour before departing for each fishing trip as per the Conditions of Licence.
Electronic Logbook (ELOG)
The voluntary use of an ELOG for Gulf Region harvesters is authorized again in 2026. Additional information is available on the following website: Electronic logbooks (ELOGS).
Furthermore, it is 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.
Harvesters must refer to the conditions of licence for compliance requirements.