2019 Inshore Lobster (Maritimes Region)

The Maritimes Region Inshore Lobster Fishery occurs in the Bay of Fundy and along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia to the tip of Cape North, broken down by Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 27- 38, as defined within the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 (Schedule XIII).

Dates of season (subject to change)

The length of the fishing seasons varies by LFA.  For a list of open and closed times, please consult Schedule XIV of the Atlantic Fishing Regulations, 1985 and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Orders Registry.
A decision has been made by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to pilot changes to the commercial lobster fishing season in LFA 36.  The pilot involves lengthening the season in LFA 36 by 10 days in the spring for three years.  This means that for the 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, the commercial lobster fishery in LFA 36 will be open from the second Tuesday in November to January 14th and from March 31st to July 9th. 

Total Allowable Catches (TACs)

N/A.

Management measures

The Inshore Lobster fishery in Maritimes Region is managed using a number of input and biological controls, including the following:

LFA Trap limit* Minimum size (mm) Other restrictions
27 275 82.5  
28 250 84 Maximum entrance hoop 153mm
29 250 84 Maximum entrance hoop 153mm
30 250 82.5 Maximum size 135mm (female)
31A 250 82.5 Closed window
114-124 mm (female)
31B 250 82.5 Mandatory v-notching
32 250 82.5 Mandatory v-notching
33 250 82.5  
34 375/400 82.5  
35 300 82.5  
36 300 82.5  
38 375 82.5  
38B 375 82.5  

 

*Trap limit is for Category A licences.  Category B licences are allowed 30% and Partnerships 150% of the trap limit for a Category A licence.

For more information, please contact your regional DFO office: 

(902) 407-8153 /  DFO.MAR-FM-GP.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Single or multi-year planning

The information provided is applicable to the 2019 fishery only.

Link to other information

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