2023 Atlantic hagfish (Maritimes Region)
The Atlantic hagfish fishery in the Maritimes Region occurs in the areas that correspond to subdivisions 4V, 4W, 4X and 5Z of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). Within these subdivisions there are 4 Hagfish Management Zones:
- The Gulf of Maine (GoM)
- Midshore
- 4V
- Offshore/Slope
Dates of season (subject to change)
The 2023 fishing season for hagfish operates from April 15 to October 15.
Total allowable catches (TACs)
The overall quota for the fishery is 1,550 t. The quota is competitive.
Management measures
The input controls and escapement measures include:
- Entry limited to 7 licences
- 6-month fishing season
- Trap limit of 450 barrels per licence
- At least 36 escape holes per barrel
- Minimum escape hole diameter of 14.3 mm (9/16”)
The Quota is broken down by Hagfish Management Zone:
- GoM: 350 t
- Midshore: 700 t
- 4V: 100 t
- Offshore/Slope: 400 t
The 2023 Conservation Harvest Plan (CHP) outlines the management measures. For more details, please contact your regional DFO office for more information:
902-407-8153 / DFO.MARFisheriesManagement-GestiondespechesMAR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Single or multi-year planning
The information provided is applicable to the 2023 fishery only.
Links to other information
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