Atlantic redfish Sebastes fasciatus, one of two redfish species permitted in 2025-2026.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has announced details for the 2025–2026 Unit 1 commercial Redfish fishery, which reopened last year after being closed for nearly three decades.
The Canadian government decided to open the fishery following a significant rebound in stocks of two key Redfish species, Sebastes mentella, found in deeper waters, and Sebastes fasciatus, in shallower areas.
For the new season beginning June 24, 2025, Canadian authorities have set the total allowable catch (TAC) for Redfish at 60,000 tonnes, based on consultations with the Redfish Advisory Committee and other stakeholders, as well as a review of current scientific data.
"These allocations took into consideration views shared by industry stakeholders, Indigenous communities and organizations, provincial partners and others, alongside socio-economic factors, and provides harvesting opportunities while respecting conservation," the DFO stated in an announcement.
Of the total quota this year, 50,000 tonnes will be distributed according to a previously established formula: 14.8% for inshore harvesters, 5.7% for midshore, and 58.7% for offshore.
An additional 10% of the TAC will go to Indigenous communities as part of Canada’s reconciliation efforts, and 10% to Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp harvesters affected by declining shrimp stocks, while up to 7,000 tonnes may be made available to harvesters who reach at least 75% of their allocated quotas.
A further 3,000 tonnes will support experimental fishing projects intended to collect data for future management decisions.
The DFO said that it had introduced several changes in response to stakeholder concerns and low catch rates during the 2024–2025 season. These include expanded fishing areas, use of all types of otter trawls including bottom trawls, and authorization to fish at shallower depths in summer.
Observer coverage at sea will be reduced but remain at 100% from January through March, the period considered highest risk for bycatch. Conservation measures such as bycatch limits remain in place and will be closely monitored, the DFO indicated.
“Commercial fisheries play a critical role in the livelihood of many Canadians, and fishing is part of the social fabric of Atlantic Canada," said Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson, via a DFO press release.
"As part of the Government’s plans to keep the Canadian economy strong, we will continue to work with stakeholders to increase the prosperity of the Redfish fishery, while respecting and enforcing conservation objectives," she added.
DFO said that information gathered in the fishery’s first two years will guide its long-term development to ensure sustainability.
The news follows the announcement earlier this week that Canada has opted to increase the total allowable catch for northern cod in Newfoundland and Labrador.
