Notices to Fish Harvesters

Quebec – July 14, 2023
Fisheries and Oceans Canada informs the Bluefin tuna Quebec licence holders of the management measures for the commercial fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Ex-sector that will be in place for the 2023 fishing season.

The fishery will take place from July 20 to December 31, 2023. An initial allocation of 25.190 t is granted to the Quebec fleet for the Bluefin tuna directed fishery.

Based on an average weight of 272 kg (599 lb) for the Bluefin tunas landed in 2021 and 2022, 104 tags will be issued at the beginning of the fishing season. The permanent eligibility list established by a random draw on July 26, 2013, will be used to issue tags. 

Licence holders must obtain their Conditions of licence by accessing the National Online Licensing System (NOLS). Since 2018, tags are sent to licence holders by certified mail once fishers have paid the licence and tags fees. Therefore, licence holders should anticipate the time frame for tag delivery in order to plan their fishing operations.

As in 2022, All Bluefin tuna licence holders using rod and reel and tended line are permitted to catch and retain 20 live mackerels per fishing trip for bait purposes in the commercial fishery and alternative bait trials will begin this summer. This will be reflected in conditions of licence.

For additional information, please refer to our website at the following address: Pêches commerciales (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

For more information:

Magdalen Islands Area: 418-986-2095
Gaspe - Lower St. Lawrence Area: 1-877-898-5559