DFO announced the closure of an area off Naufrage, PEI due to the presence of North Atlantic Right Whales.

Due to the location, which has grids both inside and outside the 20 fathom line, there are a few key points to remember:

1.) Any gear outside the 20 fathom line must be removed by June 22, 2025 at 5pm. If you check your traps DFO expects you to move them at the time you are checking them. You are not supposed to reset traps in an area announced to be closed.

2.) If you do not have approved whalesafe gear on your buoy line in a manner that meets DFO’s requirements you must remove all gear from the closure area (enclosed in the coordinates below).

3.) If you would like to take part in the pilot project, which is allowed inside the 20 fathom line, you must have approved whalesafe gear in your buoy line somewhere between the trap and halfway up (see image). If you meet this requirement you may remove 1 end line and continue to fish inside the 20 fathom line, assuming the remaining end line contains whalesafe gear (see your conditions for more detail).

4.) The fathom lines are guidelines and DO NOT follow the exact contour lines so ensure you are using the provided coordinates either those included in the Notice to Fishers (below) or the downloaded GPX file.