2020-2022 Commercial oyster fishery management plan in Eastern New Brunswick

Tracadie, NB – September 2^nd, 2020 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is releasing today the 2020-2022 Commercial Oyster Fishery Management Plan for the Eastern New Brunswick area.

Fishing areas and opening dates for 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons:

Public oyster-fishing areas in the inland and tidal waters of New Brunswick that flow in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait, except those waters mentioned below:

• 2020: Open season from September 21^st to November 7^th.
• 2021: Open season from September 20^th to November 6^th.
• 2022: Open season from September 19^th to November 5^th.

That portion of Caraquet Bay, county of Gloucester, west of a line drawn from grid reference 354900 5295300 at Brideau Point to grid reference 351900 5299250 at Maisonnette Point:

• 2020: Open season from September 21^st to October 24^th.
• 2021: Open season from September 20^th to October 23^rd.
• 2022: Open season from September 19^th to October 22^nd.

All waters of Shemogue Harbour, county of Westmorland, inside a line drawn from grid reference 411709 5114524 at Little Cape on the west side of the harbour to grid reference 413538 5115035 at Shemogue Head on the east side of the harbor:

• 2020: Open season from September 21^st to October 24^th.
• 2021: Open season from September 20^th to October 23^rd.
• 2022: Open season from September 19^th to October 22^nd.

NEW management measure:

The commercial oyster fishery is authorized from Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset.

Fishing methods:

Tongs or rakes.

Minimum length:

76 mm.

*A recreational oyster fishery is not authorized in Eastern NB.

** DFO would like to remind fish harvesters that they cannot have a drag in their possession while they are conducting fishing activities.

Catch reporting:

Consultations held with industry members during the 2020 advisory committee highlighted the need for more reliable data on the commercial oyster landings in the Eastern New Brunswick area. Further management measures may be implemented at a later date.

For more information: