2021 Decision on the request for the amalgamation of Crab Fishing Areas 12E and 12F with Crab Fishing Area 12

Moncton and Quebec – March 2, 2021

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announces the decision to refuse the request for the amalgamation of Crab Fishing Areas (CFAs) 12E and/or 12F with CFA 12.

DFO retains the possibility to review this matter in the future in relation to the evolving situation surrounding the presence of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARWs) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and its impacts on the various CFAs.

The Department recognizes the possibility of a complete closure of the fishing grounds in CFAs 12E and/or 12F as a result of the application of management measures for the protection of NARWs. Should this situation arise, DFO could provide access to CFA 12 to harvesters from CFAs 12E and/or 12F for a period of time during the 2021 snow crab fishing season.

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