ACFA

NL Snow Crab Stocks Face Uncertain Future as Key Areas Decline

A new stock assessment from Fisheries and Oceans Canada shows parts of the snow crab fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador are weakening, with one key zone now in the critical category and others downgraded to cautious. Scientists warn that warming ocean temperatures and fewer young and reproductive-age crabs could push available biomass to historic lows by 2028 if trends continue.

While one major area remains healthy and is propping up overall numbers, industry groups like Fish, Food and Allied Workers argue the federal precautionary model is too restrictive and hurting harvesters. Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says consultations are ongoing and no final decisions have been made yet.

Bottom line: the future of the snow crab fishery is uncertain, and what happens over the next few seasons will matter a lot for coastal communities.

DFO announces 2026 Atlantic fishery decisions

Ottawa – Fisheries and Oceans Canada has released key 2026 allocations and measures for Atlantic commercial fisheries.

The offshore Jonah crab total allowable catch (TAC) in Maritimes Region LFA 41 is set. Greenland halibut TACs in NAFO Subarea 0 are fixed at 17,664 tonnes for 2026 and 17,309 tonnes for 2027.

The Atlantic mackerel commercial fishery will remain closed for the 2025-2026 season, with only limited access permitted for bait and bycatch.

In southwest New Brunswick, DFO launched a one-year pilot commercial harvest of invasive European green crab. The fishery opens in spring 2026 to help control the species while creating new opportunities and reducing ecological harm.

Man Fined $10,000 for Illegal Lobster Fishing in New Brunswick

Bathurst, N.B. — Yves Gautreau pleaded guilty in Bathurst Provincial Court on Jan. 12, 2026, to three violations of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, including fishing lobster in a closed area, possessing three egg-bearing females, and having 33 undersized lobsters. The offences resulted in $10,000 in fines.

Gautreau was intercepted by fishery officers from the Shippagan Detachment on Aug. 28, 2024, while the lobster season was closed in Fishing Area 23. Officers found 84 lobsters in total, including undersized lobsters and egg-bearing females. Charges against a second individual involved in the incident were later dropped.

Fisheries violations can be reported online at: https://ow.ly/EOim50Y1ZhA