Lobster Season In New Brunswick: How Long?

Lobster fishing seasons in New Brunswick vary by region and year, but they generally last for several months. For example, the 2022 lobster fishing season in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 ran from August 9 to October 10. The fall 2022 lobster season in the Fundy region of New Brunswick began in November and continued through to the end of June the following year, with a break from mid-January to the end of March. Lobster fishing is a significant part of the culture and economy of New Brunswick's coastal communities, and the start of the lobster season is often marked by celebrations.

Lobster fishing zones in New Brunswick

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick is divided into four zones, each with its own specific start and end dates for the season. These zones are known as Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) and are numbered from 23 to 41, stretching from the northern tip of New Brunswick down to the border with Nova Scotia. The dates for lobster fishing in each zone are determined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) based on factors such as the lobster's maturity, water temperature, and spawning season.

Zone 23

This zone includes the waters around Grand Manan Island and parts of the Bay of Fundy. The lobster fishing season in Zone 23 typically starts in late April and ends in early July. The season in this zone usually opens earlier than the other zones.

Zone 24

Zone 24 covers the waters between St. Stephen and St. Martins. The season in this zone usually starts in early May and runs until late June. This zone has a slightly later start compared to Zone 23.

Zone 25

Zone 25 includes the waters between St. Martins and the Richibucto River. The lobster fishing season in this zone typically starts in mid-May and continues until the end of June. This zone experiences a later start than Zones 23 and 24.

Zone 26A

This zone covers the waters from the Richibucto River to the Nova Scotia border. The season in Zone 26A usually starts in mid-May and runs until late June. This zone has a similar start time to Zone 25 but ends slightly later.

It is important to note that the lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is split into two parts: the spring season and the fall season. The spring season typically opens on the second Tuesday in November and runs until January 14th, while the fall season usually opens on March 31st and continues until June 29th. The exact dates of the lobster fishing season are subject to change each year based on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population.

Lobster fishing season length

Lobster fishing is a significant part of New Brunswick's coastal communities and local cuisine. Lobster fishing seasons vary in length depending on the specific area or "zone", as fishermen call it, and the time of year. For example, the fall lobster season in the Fundy region of New Brunswick, encompassing Lobster Fishing Areas 36 through 38, typically runs from November to the end of June, with a break from mid-January to the end of March in areas 36 and 37.

In contrast, the 2022 lobster fishing season in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25, located in Moncton, NB, opened on August 9 and closed on October 10. The season duration is subject to weather conditions, with a provision for a delay of up to four days, which would extend the season by an equal amount.

The staggered nature of lobster seasons is evident in New Brunswick, where the northeastern region's lobster season may differ from that of the Northumberland Strait area. For instance, in 2023, the lobster season in northeastern New Brunswick commenced in late April, while the season in Zone 25, the Northumberland Strait area, was scheduled to start during the summer.

The launch of the lobster fishing season is often accompanied by celebrations and fanfare, showcasing the cultural significance of lobster fishing in New Brunswick's coastal communities.

Lobster fishing season start dates

In 2022, the lobster fishing season in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 began on August 9 and ended on October 10. The season in this area is subject to weather conditions, with the potential for delays that would lengthen the season by one day for each day of delay, up to a maximum of four days.

The fall lobster season in the Fundy region of New Brunswick, which includes Lobster Fishing Areas 36 through 38, began on November 9, 2022, and continued through June 29, 2023, with a break from mid-January to the end of March in areas 36 and 37.

In 2023, the lobster season in northeastern New Brunswick kicked off in late April, with some boats setting out on Sunday and others having to wait until Wednesday due to strong winds. This marked the first lobster season in the region since post-tropical storm Fiona. Lobster season in Zone 25, the Northumberland Strait area, started later in the summer.

Lobster fishing season breaks

The start of the lobster fishing season in New Brunswick can vary from year to year and is often staggered across different zones. For instance, in 2023, the season in northeastern New Brunswick kicked off on a Sunday in late April, with boats setting out from fishing communities along the Acadian Peninsula. However, strong winds kept boats in some communities, such as Restigouche, Tracadie, Neguac, and Escuminac, from departing until Wednesday. Lobster season in Zone 25, the Northumberland Strait area, typically starts later in the summer.

The management of lobster fishing seasons in New Brunswick falls under the purview of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The DFO announces the management measures for Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) and sets the opening and closing dates for each area. These dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, with the season being extended by one day for each day of delay, up to a maximum of four days.

The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is a highly anticipated event, marking the heartbeat of many coastal communities. The launch of the season brings fanfare and celebration, with lobster playing a significant role in the province's cuisine and cultural history. Lobster fishing is also a dangerous occupation, with safety considerations and regulations in place to protect fishermen and the lobster population.

Lobster fishing season weather delays

The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is subject to change each year, depending on the weather and the health of the lobster population. The season typically runs from late April to early July, but it can vary depending on the specific area and weather conditions.

Lobster fishing is a highly anticipated event in New Brunswick, with locals and visitors alike eager to indulge in the delicious seafood. The season usually begins in the spring, with a short break in the winter, and continues into the fall. However, weather delays are not uncommon, and they can be a significant source of frustration for fishermen.

In 2018, the Fundy North Fishermen's Association voted to delay the start of the lobster fishing season due to poor weather conditions. High winds and snowfall warnings made it too dangerous for fishermen to set out, and the harbours under the association—spanning 250 kilometres from the American border to Alma, New Brunswick—remained empty. The delay was stressful and financially difficult for fishermen, who were eager to set their traps and knew that lobsters would continue to grow and migrate with each passing day.

Weather delays can also occur during the fishing season, as seen in northeastern New Brunswick in 2023. Strong winds kept boats tied up at wharfs in several communities, including Restigouche, Tracadie, Neguac, and Escuminac. These delays result in lost revenue for fishermen, as each day not spent on the water means a day without lobster landings.

To minimise financial losses, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) allows for some flexibility in the lobster fishing season. If there is a delay at the start of the season due to bad weather, the DFO may lengthen the season by one day for every day delayed, up to a maximum of four days. However, this extension may not always make up for the losses incurred during the peak season.

The DFO is responsible for setting the dates of the lobster fishing season in New Brunswick, taking into account various factors such as weather conditions and the health of the lobster population. While weather delays are an inevitable part of the industry, they highlight the importance of optimal weather conditions on the first day of the season, known as "setting day," when vessels carry an unusually large load of traps, ropes, and buoys.

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