2022 - New Requirements for Height and Length of Escape Mechanisms for Lobsters 80 mm and Over

Moncton, New Brunswick (NB) – August 3, 2022 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, announces new requirements for height and length of escape mechanisms for lobster with a minimum carapace size of 80 mm and over. The height of the escape mechanism as indicated in the table below needs to be adjusted according to the minimum legal carapace size in effect in each lobster fishing area.

To read the full science advice, please visit the following link: Advice on the dimensions of the escape mechanism in American lobster (Homarus americanus) commercial fishing traps in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Height and Length of Escape Mechanisms

Length of escape opening between 127 mm and less than 254 mm
Minimum legal carapace size Minimum height of escape opening
>73 mm to 76 mm 43 mm
>76 mm to 79 mm 44 mm
80 mm to 81 mm 46 mm
>81 mm to 83 mm 47 mm
>83 mm to 84 mm 48 mm
>84 mm to 85 mm 49 mm
Length of escape opening equal to or greater than 254 mm
Minimum legal carapace size Minimum height of escape opening
>73 mm to 76 mm 42 mm
>76 mm to 79 mm 43 mm
80 mm to 81 mm 46 mm
>81 mm to 83 mm 47 mm
>83 mm to 84 mm 48 mm
>84 mm to 85 mm 49 mm

 

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