Snow Crab Season Delayed in Zone 3C as Industry Requests Postponement
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has officially postponed the opening of the snow crab fishery in Zone 3C following a direct request from industry stakeholders, delaying the start date from April 19 to April 26, 2026.
According to an official notice issued on April 17, 2026, the Minister of Fisheries’ regional office for Newfoundland and Labrador confirmed that fishing zone 3C will not open as previously announced. Instead, the season will now begin at 12:01 a.m. Atlantic Time on April 26, 2026.
Key Regulation: Fishers are prohibited from deploying crab traps or possessing snow crab before 6:00 a.m. Local time on April 26, 2026 — six hours after the official season opening.
The delay affects one of five snow crab management zones in the Newfoundland and Labrador region, specifically Zone 3C, which encompasses coastal fishing divisions 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3BC. Although the overall Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2026 season was set at 61,004 tonnes — a 3% reduction from 2025’s quota — the quotas for these coastal divisions remain unchanged from the previous year.
This adjustment comes amid broader management decisions for the 2026 season, which include quota increases of 4% in division 3LNO and 19% in division 4R3Pn, offset by significant reductions in other areas: an 18% decrease in division 3K (including a 26% cut in the offshore component), a 30% reduction in division 3Ps, and a 20% decline in division 2HJ.
The DFO emphasized that these modifications were made after extensive consultation with Indigenous partners, industry representatives, and other stakeholders, balancing economic considerations with long-term resource sustainability. The department noted that the snow crab fishery generated over $700 million for Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy in 2025.
Fishermen are advised to consult the “Fisheries Notices” section of the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador regional website for updates on all commercial fisheries. Those wishing to receive direct email notifications can contact NLPRI@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
For further information, contact:
- Kelly Firmage-O’Brien, Fisheries Manager, Sector: 709-685-0344 | kelly.firmage-o’brien@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
- David Small, Senior Fisheries Manager, Sector: 709-292-5167 | david.small@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
“The regional director general of Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the Newfoundland and Labrador region advises that modification order 2026-026 has been revoked and that modification order 2026-036 comes into effect on April 18, 2026.”
The postponement allows additional time for industry preparation while maintaining conservation objectives. Fishers planning to operate in Zone 3C should ensure all gear is ready for deployment no earlier than 6:00 a.m. On April 26, 2026, to remain in compliance with DFO regulations.
The next official update regarding the snow crab fishery is expected as part of ongoing seasonal management communications from the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador region.
