The ICNAF Conventions were originally published in the Handbook. During ICNAF times, editions were published in 1960, 1965, 1969 and 1974.

In general, the Handbook contained several parts: the text of the International Convention for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries signed at Washington, D. C., 8 February 1949, and the Rules of Procedure and Financial Regulations for the Commission. Early versions also contained the ICNAF Regulations and the Panel Memberships. There was also, in some cases, information about Annual Meetings and other topical information. Regulatory Measures later became a seperate publication through the Commissioners' Document series.