Notice to Fish Harvesters - NARW VIGILANCE ADVISORY - nf.26.189
July 17, 2026
FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA
NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS
nf.26.189B
Jul. 17, 2026
NARW VIGILANCE ADVISORY
This NARW Vigilance Advisory is to inform you that North Atlantic right whale(s) have been detected in the area of Bay de Verde. As per the 2026 fisheries management measures for the protection of North Atlantic right whale, this detection DOES NOT trigger a fishing prohibition.
We ask that harvesters fishing in the vicinity of this detection operate with heightened caution and maintain increased vigilance.
In the event of accidental contact between your vessel and/or fishing gear and any marine mammal, including a North Atlantic right whale, report the event to DFO using the Marine Mammal Interaction Reporting Form as specified under your conditions of licence and required under s.39 of the Marine Mammal Regulations of the Fisheries Act.
What to do if you see a North Atlantic right whale:
If you see a free-swimming North Atlantic right whale, report it as soon as possible (ideally the same day or shortly after) to: DFO.GLFWhales-BaleinesGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca and include the following details in your report:
GPS location (latitude and longitude)
Date and time of the sighting
Number of whales observed
Behaviour (for example: feeding, travelling, diving)
Description of animal, highlighting unique markings or features
If possible, photographs and video of the animal, especially of the tail, flukes, and flippers. Please ensure you are complying with the requirements of the Marine Mammal Regulations (minimum approach distances) and taking photos from a safe location using your camera’s zoom function.
If you see an injured, stranded, entangled or dead North Atlantic right whale, please contact:
Marine Animal Response Society:
Phone : 1-866-567-6277
Email: mars@marineanimals.ca
VHF Channel 16
Be prepared to note:
Date, time, and location (lat./long.) of animal
Behaviours of the animal observed
Entangling gear, if present
Visible injuries
Keep your distance and follow the Marine Mammal Regulations.
Do not touch or move an animal yourself because:
you may accidentally harm it or yourself
it may carry diseases that could transfer to you
Please see Watching marine wildlife for more information.
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For information, contact:
Barry Peters
Regional Manager, Resource Management
709-682-8736