Tracadie, New Brunswick (NB) – March 16, 2022 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announces that the minimum legal size of lobster carapace will be increased from 77 to 79 millimeters (mm) in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 23 (which includes LFA 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D) for the 2022 commercial fishing season, with a further increase to 81 mm in 2023. The height of the escape mechanism will need to be adjusted in 2023 according to the minimum legal size indicated in tables below:
| Minimum legal carapace size | Minimum height of escape opening |
|---|---|
| >73 mm to 76 mm | 43 mm |
| >76 mm | 44 mm |
| Minimum legal carapace size | Minimum height of escape opening |
|---|---|
| >73 mm to 76 mm | 42 mm |
| >76 mm to 80 mm | 43 mm |
| >80 mm | 44 mm |
This decision was taken following discussions with industry and Indigenous organizations. Increasing the minimum legal size of carapace will have conservation benefits by allowing more females to produce eggs before being exposed to the fishery.
The opening date of the fishery and further details on the other management measures will be issued at a later date.