Tracadie, New-Brunswick (NB) – April 4, 2025 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, announces new temporary measures related to the Minimum Legal Size (MLS) of lobster carapace in LFA 23, sub-area 23D, effective for the upcoming fishing season.
Following a request tabled at the LFA 23 management committee meeting, DFO will authorize a reduction in the MLS of lobster carapace in LFA 23D from 81 to 79 millimeters (mm) starting in 2025.
This temporary measure is planned for a period of three years, after which the MLS will return to 81 mm in 2028. A pilot project will be implemented to monitor a portion of all lobster landings and will be subject to dockside monitoring with a coverage set at 10 percent of all landings. Lobster size composition will also be monitored as part of the pilot project.
Dockside Monitoring - Pilot Project
Fish harvesters in sub-area 23D are required to have entered into an agreement with the dockside monitoring company designated by DFO prior to the fishing season. Catches must be landed at one of the following wharves which will be designated in the licence conditions: Neguac, Escuminac and Pointe Sapin. Fish harvesters will be required to separate their catches into two categories: 79mm and greater but less than 81 mm, and 81mm and greater.
Licence conditions will be modified to reflect these changes prior to the opening of the fishery.
Height and Length of Escape Mechanisms
The height of the escape mechanism must be adjusted according to the minimum legal size in effect in your LFA, as indicated in the table below:
| Minimum legal carapace size | Minimum height of escape opening |
|---|---|
| >73 mm to 76 mm | 43 mm |
| >76 mm to 79 mm | 44 mm |
| >79 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 |
| Minimum legal carapace size | Minimum height of escape opening |
|---|---|
| >73 mm to 76 mm | 42 mm |
| >76 mm to 79 mm | 43 mm |
| >79 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 |
The opening dates will be published in a notice to fishers at a later date.