Lobster Availability In New Brunswick, September

Lobster is one of New Brunswick's most popular exports and seafood delights. The province is known for its delicious seafood, and lobster is a beloved delicacy for locals and visitors alike. The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is typically split into two parts: spring (November to January) and fall (March to June). However, the exact dates may vary each year, depending on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population. The Bay of Fundy, a popular lobster fishing area, has a season that runs from November to January and March to July. So, if you're looking to buy lobster in New Brunswick in September, it's worth checking the specific dates for that year, as you may be towards the end of the fishing season.

Where to buy lobster in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is known for its delicious seafood, and lobster is one of the province's most popular exports. The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is typically split into two parts: spring (late April to early July) and fall (March to June). The exact dates may vary depending on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population.

City Fish in Saint John

A popular fish market that has been providing fresh seafood for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of lobster products, including live lobster, cooked lobster, and lobster meat. City Fish is committed to sustainable fishing practices and sources its products from local fishermen.

Fisherman’s Market in Moncton

A family-owned seafood market that has been serving the community since 1978. They specialise in fresh seafood and offer a variety of lobster options, including live, cooked, and meat. Fisherman’s Market supports local fishermen and promotes sustainable fishing.

Boudreau’s Wholesale in Shediac

A leading lobster wholesaler supplying fresh lobster to businesses and individuals across New Brunswick and beyond. Boudreau’s offers a range of products, including live, cooked, and lobster meat, accommodating orders of any size. They are dedicated to sustainability and quality control.

Collins Lobster Shop

Selling wild-caught Bay of Fundy lobster, Collins Lobster Shop offers a range of live and cooked lobster options, as well as Blue Pearl Oysters harvested in NB.

Shediac Lobster Shop

Located in the "lobster capital of the world," Shediac Lobster Shop specialises in processing Cold Water Atlantic Lobster products. They export globally and are HACCP-approved, CTPAT, PIP, NSF International Certified Audited, and MSC Certified.

Misty Harbour Seafood

A retail and wholesale business in Dipper Harbour, N.B., Misty Harbour Seafood provides fresh seafood from local fishermen. They export worldwide and have a storefront and offer curbside pickup and delivery services.

In addition to these dedicated seafood markets, you can also find fresh lobster at local fish markets and grocery stores, such as Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, and Co-op Atlantic. If you're looking for larger quantities, consider purchasing from wholesalers like Fundy Lobster in Alma.

For those who prefer online shopping, The Lobster Guy, Lobster Anywhere, and Get Maine Lobster offer fresh lobster from New Brunswick delivered to your door.

Lobster fishing seasons and zones

New Brunswick has four lobster fishing zones, each with its own specific season dates:

• Zone 23: This zone covers the waters around Grand Manan Island and parts of the Bay of Fundy. The season typically starts in late April and ends in early July.
• Zone 24: This zone spans the waters between St. Stephen and St. Martins. The season usually begins in early May and lasts until late June.
• Zone 25: This zone includes the waters from St. Martins to the Richibucto River. The season typically starts in mid-May and goes until the end of June.
• Zone 26A: Covering the waters from the Richibucto River to the Nova Scotia border, the season in this zone usually starts in mid-May and continues until late June.

It's important to note that lobster fishing in New Brunswick is heavily regulated, and there are specific rules and zones that fishermen need to follow to ensure the conservation and sustainability of this valuable resource.

Lobster fishing conservation measures

• Licensing and Limits: Lobster fishing in New Brunswick is heavily regulated, and fishermen must have a license to operate. The number of licenses issued is limited, and each license comes with restrictions on the number of traps that can be used.
• Fishing Seasons and Zones: The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is divided into two parts: spring (November to January) and fall (March to June). However, these dates can vary depending on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population. The province is also divided into four lobster fishing zones, each with its own specific start and end dates for the season.
• Size Restrictions: Conservation measures often include minimum and maximum size limits for lobsters. These restrictions aim to increase the likelihood that lobsters reach full maturity and reproduce, as well as protect larger lobsters that produce more eggs.
• Protection of Egg-Bearing Females: One of the longest-standing conservation measures is the protection of egg-bearing females, which dates back to the early 1870s. Fish harvesters are not allowed to retain these females, and they must be released back into the water alive.
• Trap Design and Escape Mechanisms: Traps used for lobster fishing are designed with escape mechanisms that allow undersized lobsters to escape. These traps also include biodegradable escape panels to ensure that lost traps do not continue to catch lobsters and other species.
• Staggered Fishing Seasons: Lobster fishing is generally prohibited between July and the end of September to protect summer moults, a critical period for lobsters.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: Authorities regularly monitor and enforce fishing regulations and license conditions to ensure compliance with conservation measures.
• Conservation Through Seeding: In addition to regulatory measures, conservation efforts also include seeding or cultivating lobster larvae through the larval stage to bolster lobster stocks.

Conservation Measures in Other Lobster Fishing Areas

While the focus is on New Brunswick, it is worth noting that lobster fishing conservation measures are implemented across different regions, including the United States and other parts of Canada. Some additional measures in these areas include:

• V-Notching: In some areas, harvesters voluntarily cut a small v-shaped notch in the tail of egg-bearing females before releasing them. This ensures that even if they are caught again in the future, they will be identified and released, allowing them to continue the reproductive cycle.
• Trap Limits and Configurations: Trap limits control fishing effort and vary among different management areas. Trap configurations, such as the use of sinking groundlines, are also regulated to reduce the potential for whales and other protected species to become entangled.
• Prohibitions on Possession: Regulations prohibit the possession of lobster meat and lobster parts. Lobsters must be landed live and whole to ensure they are of legal size and to prevent waste.
• Gear and Vessel Restrictions: Specific gear restrictions are in place, such as trap size and configuration requirements, to minimize the impact on habitats and bycatch. There are also restrictions on the number of vessels allowed in certain areas.
• Electronic Reporting: In some areas, harvesters are required to submit electronic reports within a specified timeframe after the conclusion of a fishing trip. This enhances data collection and improves the accuracy of stock assessments.

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick's coastal communities

Lobster fishing is a vital part of the economy and culture of New Brunswick's coastal communities. The province is one of the largest exporters of fish and seafood products in Canada, and lobster is one of its most popular exports. Lobster fishing seasons vary across different areas, and the launch of each season is a highly anticipated event, bringing excitement and celebration to the communities.

New Brunswick has four lobster fishing zones, each with its own specific season dates and regulations. The zones include:

• Zone 23: Covering the waters around Grand Manan Island and parts of the Bay of Fundy, with the season typically starting in late April and ending in early July.
• Zone 24: Stretching from St. Stephen to St. Martins, with the season usually running from early May to late June.
• Zone 25: Encompassing the waters between St. Martins and the Richibucto River, the season in this zone generally starts in mid-May and lasts until the end of June.
• Zone 26A: This zone covers the waters from the Richibucto River to the Nova Scotia border, with the season typically starting in mid-May and ending in late June.

The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is typically divided into two parts: the spring season and the fall season. The spring season usually opens on the second Tuesday in November and continues until January 14th, while the fall season starts on March 31st and runs until June 29th. However, these dates may change based on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population.

The commercial fisheries sector is deeply intertwined with the social and economic fabric of the province, particularly in the coastal communities. The sector is supported by modern processing facilities and a world-class research network, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the industry.

The start of the lobster season is a highly anticipated event in these communities, with boats setting out at dawn to lay their traps. The celebration continues throughout the season, with several lobster festivals held across the province, such as the Succulents Lobster Festival in Belledune and the Shediac Lobster Festival.

Whether it's through seafood shacks, shoreside restaurants, or immersive experiences, lobster is a beloved part of the local cuisine and culture in New Brunswick's coastal communities.

Lobster dishes in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is known for its delicious seafood, and lobster is one of the province's most popular exports. Here are some mouth-watering lobster dishes you can savour during your visit to New Brunswick:

Lobster Casserole

La Terrasse Steve in Miscou Island serves a delicious Lobster Casserole, created by Steve himself. It's made with a 'secret sauce' and lots of lobster chunks, topped with cheese melted to a golden brown. The restaurant is located right when you enter the island and has both indoor and outdoor seating. You can also buy live lobster and cook it yourself!

Lobster Club Sandwich

For a twist on the classic club sandwich, try the Lobster Club Sandwich at The Cabin Restaurant in Fredericton. This greasy-spoon diner serves a triple-decker sandwich with toasted bread, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and a generous portion of lobster. Don't forget to save room for their homemade pie!

Lobster Poutine

La Homard Mobile in Caraquet offers a unique take on the traditional Canadian poutine. Their lobster poutine consists of fries, white seafood gravy, cheese curds, and a generous helping of lobster meat, including a large piece of claw meat. It's the perfect dish to indulge in while exploring the town.

Lobster Cobb Salad

If you're looking for a lighter lobster dish, head to the restaurant at Kingsbrae Horticultural Garden in St Andrews. They offer a refreshing Cobb Salad with lobster instead of chicken, surrounded by the beauty of 50,000 perennials, themed gardens, and sculptures.

Lobster Roll

Of course, we can't forget the classic lobster roll. For an elevated experience, try Tony's Bistro & Patisserie in Moncton. Their lobster roll is served on a buttery croissant, providing the perfect complement to the lobster meat. Be prepared to wait for a table, as this popular spot is often packed with eager diners.

These are just a few of the many delicious lobster dishes you can find in New Brunswick. Whether you're dining in a seaside shack, a roadside diner, or an urban bistro, you're sure to enjoy the fresh and tasty lobster offerings of this province.

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