Newfoundland’s 4RST inshore halibut fleet opens a fourth period Oct. 12

Atlantic halibut boats that saved their fourth period in the Gulf are on the clock. Fisheries and Oceans Canada notice nf.26.235B, dated Oct. 8, 2026, opens the hook-and-line fishery in NAFO Divisions 4RST at 6:00 a.m. on Oct. 12. It is for fixed-gear vessels under 65 feet based in Western Newfoundland and Southern Labrador that elected to fish in Period 4. The notice limits the opening to vessel class A291.

The period closes at 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2026. The Newfoundland and Labrador regional director general revoked Variation Order 2026-174. Variation Order 2026-178 comes into force on Oct. 9.

Harvesters can read commercial notices on the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador Region fishery-notices page. The contact on this notice is Laurie Hawkins in Resource Management, 709-649-3549.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: FFAW — DFO notice nf.26.235, 4RST Atlantic halibut fourth seasonal opening (DFO notice dated Oct. 8, 2026; fishery opens Oct. 12).