Fishing Area Closures to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

Fishing Area Closures to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

When a right whale is detected in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bay of Fundy and Roseway Basin, an area around it (approximately 2000 km2) will close for 15 days.

In the Gulf of St. Lawrence, if a whale is detected again in a closed area during days 9-15, a season-long closure will be applied; the area will remain closed until November 15.

In the Bay of Fundy and Roseway Basin, if a whale is detected again during days 9-15, a temporary closure of an additional 15 days will be applied.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, closures will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with special consideration for sightings of 3 or more whales or a mother and calf pair.