The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has set the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) at 12,180 kilograms for rivers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, up from 9,960 kilograms in 2025 — the first quota adjustment in 20 years. The previous TAC had remained unchanged since 2005.

The spring fishery will begin in April 2026, with 180 kilograms reserved specifically for scientific research to improve future stock assessments.

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High-Value Fishery Worth Up to $3.7 Million Per Tonne

Atlantic elvers are among the world’s most valuable seafood products. Over the past decade, prices have ranged between $2,220 and $3,700 per kilogram (converted from CAD $3,000–$5,000 per kilogram). In peak years, international prices have reached as high as $3,700 per kilogram, making the 2026 total quota potentially worth tens of millions of dollars.

Most Canadian-caught elvers are exported live to Asia, particularly China, where they are raised in aquaculture facilities and sold into sushi and food-service markets. Strong demand from Asian markets has sustained high prices but also fueled tensions and illegal harvesting along Atlantic rivers.

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Scientific Justification and Allocation Debate

According to the DFO, the quota increase is supported by “the best available science,” citing rising trends in elver returns observed in index rivers in Nova Scotia and the Gulf of Fundy.

The department has indicated that future TAC decisions may aim for a 50/50 balance between commercial licence holders and communal commercial (Indigenous) licence holders.

Consultations on how the 12,180-kilogram quota will be divided are ongoing, with a final allocation plan expected after feedback is reviewed.

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In 2025, the DFO restructured the fishery by allocating 50% (approximately 4,980 kilograms) of the 9,960-kilogram quota to First Nations communities, reducing shares held by traditional commercial licence holders. The move was widely seen as recognition of treaty-based fishing rights but heightened friction within the industry.

Industry Reaction: “Long Overdue”

Some commercial operators welcomed the increase.

Stanley King, head of licensed company Atlantic Elver, described the decision as “long overdue,” arguing that stock conditions are strong and that the increase remains conservative.

Similarly, Mitchell Feigenbaum, president of South Shore Trading, said expanding the quota would ease competition and potentially reduce illegal fishing.

Between 2020 and 2024, the DFO shut down the elver fishery three times due to widespread illegal harvesting, harassment, threats, and violence along riverbanks. In 2024, the season was temporarily closed entirely amid enforcement challenges.

Industry representatives hope that increasing the “pie,” as Feigenbaum described it, will reduce pressure that has historically contributed to black-market activity.

Environmental Concerns Intensify

Conservation groups remain skeptical.

Oceans North publicly criticized the TAC increase, arguing that scientific uncertainty and ongoing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing make a 22% rise risky.

John Couture, senior fisheries advisor with Oceans North, warned that the index river used to evaluate population trends has been “scientifically in jeopardy for a number of years.” He added that research efforts are often disrupted by illegal activity and periodic closures.

The organization also questioned the federal government’s previous decision not to list the American eel under species-at-risk legislation.

Global Implications

From a global supply-chain perspective, Canadian elvers play a crucial role in sustaining eel aquaculture in Asia. With demand remaining stable, decisions made in Canada affect not only domestic fisheries management but also export revenue and the country’s ecological reputation.

As the 2026 season approaches, the central issue extends beyond the size of the quota itself. The larger question remains how the 12,180 kilograms will be distributed — and whether regulators can successfully balance scientific management, Indigenous treaty rights, commercial interests, and enforcement against illegal fishing.

Even before nets enter the rivers in April, the struggle over what constitutes “scientific allocation” versus “fair distribution” is already well underway.