March 27, 2009

Lobster Management Plan for 2009 and Beyond

March 27, 2009
 
LOBSTER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2009 AND BEYOND
FOR LFAs 23, 24, 25, 26A, AND 26B – SOUTHERN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
 
Moncton – Further to the March 6, 2009, statement by the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, today provided the details of the management plan for Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 23, 24, 25, 26A, and 26B in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.  
 
The Department has contacted all fishing organizations to ascertain their interest in moving forward with their multi-year management plans. Based on their feedback, the following management measures apply and, in the case of First Nations, are subject to further consultations. New management measures in LFAs and sub-LFAs announced in 2008 for implementation in 2009 will be implemented as planned.
 
New Management Measures 2009
 
LFA 26B
As was the case in 2008, the LFA will be divided into north and south based on a management line to allow for different management measures. Existing management measures such a reduced number of traps, window on females, etc. remain in place. New management measures include:
 
LFA 26B North:
Year                                        New Management Measure
2009                                        Minimum carapace size of 78 mm
                                                Cheticamp Harbour permanently closed to lobster fishing
                                                Opening date permanently set for 1st Saturday in May
 
2010                                        Minimum carapace size of 79 mm
                                                Minimum of 5 traps per line
 
2011                                        Minimum carapace size of 80 mm
                                                Maximum hoop size of 152 mm
 
2012                                        Minimum carapace size of 81 mm
                                                Change to escape mechanism
                                                Remove 1 day at end of the season.
**Once a 79 mm lobster is reached, it is possible that the window on females will be removed. 
 
…../2
With respect to a request to permanently divide the LFA, further discussions are needed prior to a decision being made.
 
LFA 26B South:
Beginning in 2009, the number of traps is reduced from 300 to 275.
 
Sub-LFA 26A-2  
The definition of the sub-LFA is being moved on a pilot basis a little over 6 kilometers westward and pertinent management measures apply. As already announced a maximum hoop size of 152 mm is being introduced throughout the sub-LFA. 
 
LFA 23
This LFA, which was divided into three in 2008, will be further sub-divided beginning in 2009. Sub-LFA 23C is being divided on a permanent basis into north and south, LFA 23C and LFA 23D based on the management line implemented in 2008 to allow different management measures. Further details about the management measures in the sub-LFAs will be provided shortly.
 
 
The Departmental view is that it is imperative that all move forward on efforts to conserve and sustain the fishery, especially given that the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council’s (FRCC) report on lobster expressed concerns that the resource and the fishery are not as robust and resilient as could be expected for such an important industry in Atlantic Canada. Consequently, for organizations that have opted not to proceed with multi-year plans and for those who did not submit plans that address adequately the minimum carapace size and the long-term goals, they are being asked to work with DFO to continue development of longer term plans.
 
The FRCC report also included recommendations on the need for more complete data about the fishery. The Department will continue its consultations with stakeholders in 2009 with a view to having a comprehensive data collection system in place for the 2010 lobster fishing seasons.
 
The Department supports the study being undertaken by thePrince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) to determine how to ensure biodegradable panels work effectively. It is expected that the results of the study will be available in the fall of 2009 and a modified panel will be in place for the 2010 fishery.
 
Further to a request from harvester organizations, the Department will authorize the retention of sculpin and cunner; however, this management measure will be reviewed in the future to ensure it is not having a detrimental impact on the ecosystem.
 
For information:
Ernest Ferguson
A/Area Director, Eastern NB
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tracadie-Sheila, NB
506-395-7702
Bill Drost
Area Director, PEI
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Charlottetown, PEI
902-566-7810
Helen Kerr
Area Director, Gulf NS
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, NS
902-863-5670
 

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