2021 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, and was extended for another year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that for the 2017-18 through 2020-21 seasons, the commercial lobster fishery in LFA 36 will be open from the second Tuesday in November to January 14 and from March 31 to July 9.
Total allowable catches (TACs)
N/A.
Management measures
The inshore lobster fishery in the 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 2021 fishery only.
Links to other information
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