As the 2026 crab season officially gets underway, Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries (MCF) would like to extend our very best wishes to all harvesters and crew members heading to sea. This time of year, marks one of the most important periods in our fishery, and we recognize the hard work, dedication, and resilience it takes to make each season a success.

We encourage everyone to prioritize safety above all else and wish you a safe, productive, and prosperous season on the water!

This season also marks an exciting milestone for MCF with the return of our primary vessel, the F/V Newfoundland Navigator, to the water. Following a period of maintenance and upgrades, the vessel has been relaunched and is ready to support upcoming operations.

A key enhancement completed during this refit was the installation of engineered stabilizing fins. These upgrades are designed to improve vessel stability in varying sea conditions, contributing to safer operations for crew and improved overall performance at sea. Investments like these reflect MCF’s ongoing commitment to safety, modernization, and operational excellence within our fleet.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Pete Windsor and the team at Mid Island Marine for their continued professionalism and the outstanding work completed on the Newfoundland Navigator. Their expertise and attention to detail played an important role in ensuring the vessel was returned to service safely and efficiently.

“The start of crab season is always an important time for our harvesters and communities. Seeing the Newfoundland Navigator back in the water, with key safety upgrades completed, is something we’re very proud of. Our focus continues to be on supporting our harvesters while ensuring we operate safely, responsibly, and sustainably.”

The relaunch of the Newfoundland Navigator represents more than just the return of a vessel—it reflects our continued focus on strengthening our fisheries, supporting our harvesters, and ensuring we are well-positioned for the seasons ahead. As activity ramps up across the region, MCF remains committed to working alongside our partners, harvesters, and community members to support a sustainable and thriving fishery.

We look forward to sharing more updates throughout the season.

Learn more about Qalipu Development Corporation and Mi’kmaq Commercial Fisheries here: https://qalipu.ca/corporate/qalipu-development-corporation/