Lobster Season Ends In New Brunswick

Lobster season in New Brunswick, Canada, varies depending on the region. In Lobster Fishing Area 23, which includes waters along northern New Brunswick, the season typically starts in May. In Area 25 along the Northumberland Strait, the season begins in August. In the Bay of Fundy, seasons run from November to January and March to July. The lobster industry is a significant economic driver for Atlantic Canada, with New Brunswick being the top exporter, shipping live, frozen, and processed lobster.

Lobster fishing season varies across New Brunswick

The varying lobster fishing seasons in New Brunswick are influenced by several factors, including conservation measures, lobster reproduction, and weather conditions. For example, in Lobster Fishing Area 23, the minimum legal size for carapace was increased to 79 millimetres in 2022, up from 77 millimetres the previous year. This conservation measure aims to allow more female lobsters to produce eggs before being exposed to the fishery. A further increase to 81 millimetres is planned for 2023.

Additionally, fishers in southeastern PEI voted to avoid the spring lobster season from carrying over into July due to concerns about fishing lobsters during their molting and reproduction stages. Weather conditions can also impact the start of the lobster fishing season, as high winds can delay the setting of traps.

The lobster industry is a significant economic driver for Atlantic Canada, with New Brunswick being the top exporter of lobster in the region. Lobster fishing is the main source of income for many harvesters in the province, and the industry provides jobs for hundreds of plant workers in dozens of communities.

Conservation measures impact the lobster season

Lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is impacted by a variety of conservation measures aimed at preserving the viability of the industry and ensuring its sustainability. These measures are implemented by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in collaboration with local fishermen's unions and Indigenous organizations. One key conservation measure is the regulation of lobster size limits. In 2022, the minimum legal size for lobster carapace in Lobster Fishing Area 23, which includes waters along northern New Brunswick, was increased from 77 millimetres to 79 millimetres. This change was voted on and supported by members of the Maritime Fishermen's Union, who recognized the long-term benefits of allowing lobsters to grow larger. This increase in size limit is expected to have conservation benefits by enabling more female lobsters to produce eggs before being fished, thereby increasing the lobster population.

In addition to size limits, other conservation measures have been implemented to protect juvenile lobsters and support their growth. For instance, fishermen in New Brunswick have been using traps with escape mechanisms for about 20 years, allowing smaller lobsters to escape and continue growing. This practice has helped bolster lobster stocks by reducing the number of juveniles accidentally caught in fishing traps. Furthermore, the cultivation of lobsters at the larval stage has been ongoing for about 10 years. In the wild, lobster larvae have a low survival rate due to predation by birds and fish. By cultivating them in captivity until they are large enough to survive on their own, fishermen have been able to enhance the lobster population in their local areas.

The implementation of these conservation measures has not been without challenges. Fishermen in New Brunswick have experienced a decline in opportunities and revenue due to the increasing size limits and the phasing out of the "canner" size category. However, many also recognize the positive impacts of these measures on the industry's sustainability. Ernest Robichaud, a fisherman in Miramichi Bay, acknowledges the benefits of conservation efforts, stating that "we've come a long way, and it's starting to pay dividends." He also highlights the importance of allowing female lobsters to reach maturity and produce more eggs, which contributes to the overall health of the lobster population.

To further support the lobster population, additional management measures are being implemented. For instance, in Lobster Fishing Area 25, which includes parts of New Brunswick, the daily close time for fishing is set from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. This allows lobsters to have undisturbed movement and foraging periods, which can benefit their growth and reproduction. Moreover, measures are also in place to minimize interactions with North Atlantic Right Whales, protecting both the lobster population and this endangered whale species.

Overall, the lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is heavily influenced by conservation measures that aim to balance the needs of the industry with the long-term sustainability of lobster populations. By implementing size limits, using traps with escape mechanisms, cultivating larvae, and setting fishing close times, fishermen and government agencies work together to ensure the health and viability of lobster stocks for future generations.

Lobster fishing is a primary source of income for many

The lobster fishing season in New Brunswick is typically divided into two parts: spring and fall. The spring season usually runs from the second Tuesday in November to January 14th, while the fall season opens on March 31st and continues until June 29th. However, these dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and the health of the lobster population. The province's lobster fishing zones include Zone 23, encompassing Grand Manan Island and parts of the Bay of Fundy; Zone 24, covering the waters between St. Stephen and St. Martins; Zone 25, spanning from St. Martins to the Richibucto River; and Zone 26A, which includes waters from the Richibucto River to the Nova Scotia border.

Lobster fishing in New Brunswick is a highly regulated industry, with strict rules in place to ensure the conservation and sustainability of lobster populations. For example, in 2022, fishermen in the Bay of Chaleur, the Acadian Peninsula, and Miramichi Bay set their traps for the last time to fish for two different size and price classes. The minimum size limit for lobsters was increased to 79 millimetres long, with a further increase to 81 millimetres planned for the following year. This change was made to allow more female lobsters to produce eggs before being fished, thereby enhancing the population.

The income generated from lobster fishing has been a vital source of livelihood for many fishing families in New Brunswick. However, there have been challenges and controversies regarding federal regulations and licence classifications. For instance, Category B licence holders, who are restricted to a limited number of traps and are not permitted to sell or transfer their licences, have advocated for the ability to sell or transfer their licences, especially as lobster fishing has been a source of income for them as well.

Overall, lobster fishing is an integral part of the cultural and economic fabric of New Brunswick, providing a primary source of income for numerous individuals and communities and contributing significantly to the province's seafood industry. The careful management of this natural resource aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of lobster populations while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on the fishery.

Lobster prices fluctuate based on supply and demand

Lobster fishing season in New Brunswick, Canada, varies depending on the area. In Lobster Fishing Area 23, which includes waters along northern New Brunswick, the season starts in May. In Area 25 along the Northumberland Strait, the season begins in August. Meanwhile, in the Bay of Fundy, the lobster fishing season runs from November to January and March to July.

The hardness of the shell also affects the price of lobster. Harder-shell lobsters are more expensive because they are harder to catch. Additionally, the type of lobster influences the price. For example, Maine lobster is generally more expensive than California or Florida spiny lobster due to its meaty content and sweet tender flesh.

Climate change has impacted lobster prices as warmer waters have caused lobster populations to migrate towards colder areas, affecting supply and demand. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused a disruption in the global lobster trade, leading to a decrease in demand from restaurants and export markets, resulting in a drop in lobster prices.

The time of year can also impact lobster prices, with late spring and early summer being the best times to buy as lobster prices tend to drop during these periods.

The lobster industry is a major economic driver for Atlantic Canada

Lobster is a major economic driver for Atlantic Canada, with the industry involving about 25,000 fish harvesters and 9,000 fishing boats. In 2021, Canada broke a record with $3.2 billion in lobster exports, with New Brunswick exporting the most lobster. The lobster industry is the main source of income for many in the region, with some relying on it for 90% of their annual income.

The lobster industry is a significant contributor to the region's economy, providing jobs in fishing, processing, and related industries. For example, the lobster fishery in Prince Edward Island provides over 9,000 industry-related jobs and contributes $250 million in landed value annually. The industry also supports local businesses, such as boatyards, fibreglass, aluminum, and metal shops, which provide maintenance, repairs, and new vessels for lobster fishermen.

The economic impact of the lobster industry extends beyond the direct revenue generated from exports. The industry supports local communities and businesses, with the money made from lobster sales being spent in the region on maintenance, repairs, new vessels, and other supplies. This creates a multiplier effect, as the money circulates within the local economy.

The lobster industry in Atlantic Canada has seen record-breaking sales in recent years, with the 2021 lobster season exports valued at $3.2 billion, nearly three times the export value of snow crab. However, the industry faces challenges, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which initially caused a drop in lobster prices as restaurants, casinos, and cruise ships shut down. The industry was able to recover as consumers began to buy lobster and other seafood as a luxury item to treat themselves while staying at home.

The lobster industry in Atlantic Canada is also influenced by various factors, including conservation measures, such as size limits, and the impact of climate change on ocean temperatures, which can affect the distribution and abundance of lobster populations. Overall, the lobster industry is a vital part of the economy in Atlantic Canada, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing significantly to the region's economic growth.

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