Open ProvincesCommercial fishing: report lost or retrieved gear through the DFO system
Protect the crew, record position and identifiers, meet the licence deadline and distinguish authorized recovery from another person’s gear.
Do not endanger the crew to recover gear. Retrieving another person’s gear may require separate authorization and reporting.
Keep the operation safe
Assess weather, traffic, entanglement and stability before attempting recovery. Mark the area in navigation equipment without creating another hazard.
Record the data
Note date, time, coordinates, type, amount, tag numbers, likely cause, depth and circumstances of loss or recovery.
Report on time
Use the system and account linked to the licence, choose loss or retrieval and check the 2026 conditions for the fishery.
Correct the record
Keep confirmation, update the report after retrieval and notify DFO if data, ownership or quantities require correction.
Lost or retrieved fishing gear reporting — DFO
Sources and limits
Official sources are linked in the guide. Checked August 29, 2026; confirm current rules, forms and deadlines with the responsible authority.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-08-29.