When's Lobster Season In New Brunswick?

Lobster fishing is a significant part of New Brunswick's coastal communities and local cuisine. Lobster fishing seasons occur throughout the year in various zones, with the launch of each season bringing excitement and celebration. The fall lobster season in the Fundy region of New Brunswick, for instance, takes place from November to June, with a break in the middle. Lobster season in northeastern New Brunswick also sees a staggered start, with some boats setting out earlier than others. Management measures are in place to regulate the industry and ensure sustainability, such as minimum lobster carapace size requirements and restrictions on the movement of lobster licences.

Lobster fishing zones in New Brunswick

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick is a heavily regulated activity, with specific zones, seasons, and licensing requirements in place to ensure the conservation and sustainability of the lobster population. The province is divided into several Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) or zones, each with its own designated fishing seasons and regulations. Here is an overview of the key lobster fishing zones in New Brunswick:

Zone 23

This zone encompasses the waters surrounding Grand Manan Island and parts of the Bay of Fundy. It typically marks the start of the lobster fishing season in New Brunswick, with the season opening in late April and continuing until early July. The zone is known for its productive lobster fisheries, contributing significantly to the region's economy and cultural heritage.

Zone 24

Covering the waters between St. Stephen and St. Martins, Zone 24 usually welcomes fishers in early May, with the season extending until late June. This zone is an important part of the local economy, and the start of the season is often eagerly anticipated by both locals and tourists.

Zone 25

Zone 25 includes the waters between St. Martins and the Richibucto River. The season in this area typically starts in mid-May and runs through the end of June. The rich lobster population in this zone attracts fishers from near and far, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the surrounding communities.

Zone 26A

This zone spans the waters from the Richibucto River to the Nova Scotia border. The season in Zone 26A usually aligns with that of Zone 25, beginning in mid-May and lasting until late June. The zone is an integral part of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence district, a thriving lobster fishing region.

Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 36

LFA 36 is an inshore lobster fishery located within the Bay of Fundy near Southwest New Brunswick. This area has a split fishing season, with the first part running from the second Tuesday in November to January 14, and the second part from March 31 to June 29. The specific dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population.

It is important to note that lobster fishing in New Brunswick is strictly regulated, and these zones and their respective seasons may be subject to change based on environmental factors and the decisions of governing bodies such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Fishers are advised to stay updated with the latest information from official sources before embarking on lobster fishing activities.

Lobster fishing seasons in New Brunswick

Lobster fishing is a significant part of New Brunswick's coastal communities and local cuisine. Lobster fishing seasons occur throughout the year in different areas, known as 'zones' in fishing terminology. The start of the lobster fishing season is always met with excitement and celebration.

In 2022, the lobster fishing season in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25, which includes the Northumberland Strait area, commenced on August 9 and concluded on October 10. The opening date is subject to weather conditions, and any delays are compensated for by extending the season by an equivalent number of days at the end. This area has a minimum carapace size requirement of 79 mm, and fishing is prohibited between 9:00 pm and 4:00 am.

In 2023, the northeastern New Brunswick lobster season began in late April, with boats setting out from fishing communities along the Acadian Peninsula, including Petit-Shippagan and Grande-Anse. However, strong winds delayed the start in some areas, such as Restigouche, Tracadie, Neguac, and Escuminac, where the season was tentatively rescheduled for the following Wednesday.

The fall lobster season in the Fundy region of New Brunswick typically runs from early November through June, with a break from mid-January to the end of March in areas 36 and 37. Lobster fishing is a beloved tradition in New Brunswick, and the province even boasts the World's Largest Lobster statue in Shediac.

Lobster fishing licences in New Brunswick

Licensing services for lobster fishing in New Brunswick are provided online through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS). This system allows users to perform all their licensing transactions online, including paying fees, submitting licensing requests, and printing licensing documentation.

To obtain a lobster fishing licence in New Brunswick, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, including residency and historical fishing area criteria. Licences are limited entry, and new licences are acquired from existing licence holders. The eligibility criteria and application process for lobster fishing licences in New Brunswick fall under the regulatory purview of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Commercial Fisheries Licensing Policy for the Gulf Region.

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick is subject to various management measures, including minimum lobster carapace size, daily close times, and restrictions on licence movement to minimise interactions with North Atlantic Right Whales. The opening and closing dates for the lobster fishing season are also specified, with adjustments made in the event of unfavourable weather conditions.

Lobster fishing boats in New Brunswick

The lobster fishing boats in New Brunswick set out at dawn to begin the season, with boats leaving before the scheduled 6 a.m. departure time. The boats head to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, fishing in communities along the Acadian Peninsula from Petit-Shippagan to Grande-Anse. The start of the lobster season is an exciting time for coastal communities, as it brings a sense of pageantry and anticipation.

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick has a significant impact on the economy and culture of the province. New Brunswick is one of the largest exporters of fish and seafood products in the country, and the commercial fisheries sector is vital to the social and economic fabric of many rural coastal communities. The lobster industry in New Brunswick has a long history, and conservation measures have been implemented to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

One such conservation measure is the phasing out of the "canner" size in LFAs 23 and 25. The minimum legal size of lobsters has been increased to allow more females to produce eggs before being exposed to the fishery, thus preserving the viability of the industry. Additionally, fishermen have started using traps with escape mechanisms to allow smaller lobsters to get out, and they have also begun cultivating lobsters through the larval stage to bolster stocks.

The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is an important event that involves excitement and anticipation from the local communities. The boats head out at dawn, and the fishermen work to set their traps for the season. The lobster industry in New Brunswick is well-regulated and economically significant, with a focus on sustainability and conservation.

Lobster fishing regulations in New Brunswick

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick, Canada, is subject to a variety of regulations. The fishing season varies depending on the specific Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) being considered. For example, the fall lobster season in the Fundy region of New Brunswick, encompassing LFAs 36 through 38, runs from the second Tuesday in November until January 14, with a break from mid-January to the end of March, and then resumes from March 31 until June 29 or 30. In contrast, the season in LFA 25 typically opens in early August and lasts until October. The opening date is subject to weather conditions, and any delays are compensated for by extending the season by an equivalent number of days at the end.

In terms of fishing gear and practices, there are several important regulations in place. Firstly, the minimum lobster carapace size in LFA 25 is 79 mm. Secondly, there is a daily close time from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am, which includes the first 48 hours of the fishery, while there is no curfew during the final 48 hours. Additionally, there are specific restrictions on the movement of lobster licences, with transit corridors in place in LFAs 23 and 24 that require the use of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for reporting purposes.

Another crucial aspect of lobster fishing regulations in New Brunswick is the licensing system. There are two main categories of licences: Category A and Category B. Category A licences are full commercial licences, while Category B licences are for fishermen with a "historical attachment" to the fishery but who are not dependent on it for their primary income. Category B licences have tighter restrictions, limiting the number of traps to 75 to 90, and they cannot be sold or transferred to family members. Instead, these licences expire upon the licence holder's death. This distinction has been a source of contention, with some Category B licence holders advocating for the ability to sell or transfer their licences.

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