Archived – Lobster Fishing Areas 23, 24, 26A, 26B

Species and Area

Lobster, Lobster Fishing Areas 23, 24, 26A, 26B

Dates of season (subject to change)

The regulated opening date is 6:00 am April 30, 2010, weather permitting and closes on July 1, 2010. As in the past, and until further notice, the season between Point Prim and Victoria will open at 6:00 am on May 7 and will close July 8. As previously announced, the season opening in LFA 26B northern portion is set as the first Saturday in May which in 2010 is May 1 at 6:00 am. The opening date in LFA 23 in 2010 is 6:00 am April 26, and closes June 27.

Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)

n/a

Management Measures

Management measures from 2009 apply unless indicated otherwise :

LFA23
Sub-Areas 23 A and 23B

Year	New Management Measure
2010	Minimum carapace size of 73 mm
2011	Minimum carapace size of 74 mm
2012	Minimum carapace size of 75 mm
2013	Change in size to escape mechanism to accommodate 76 mm lobster

In 2010, in Sub-Area 23 A, fish harvesters will be required to unload their catch at a wharf designated on their licence.

LFA 24
Further to a request by some harvesters to address the concentration of lobster fishing effort within portions of the LFA, discussions will be initiated after the fishing season with stakeholders within the LFA. In the interim and up to December 31, 2010, DFO will not authorize the reissuance of any lobster licence between any home port within LFA 24.

LFA 26A
Beginning in 2010, lobster harvesters in Gulf Nova Scotia (except for those with a home port of Barachois) fishing within management area LFA 26A-1 (east of port of Malagash and west of port of Little Harbour) must have a minimum of five traps per line.

LFA 26B
As announced in April of 2009, the northern portion of LFA 26B is proceeding with a multi-year management plan and consequently the LFA will continue to be divided into northern and southern management areas based on the 2009 definition. In addition, beginning in 2010, the southern portion will be implementing a multi-year management plan.

LFA 26B Southern Portion (between ports of Auld’s Cove and Broad Cove Marsh)

Year	New Management Measure
2010	Minimum carapace size of 77 mm
2011	Minimum carapace size of 79 mm
	Elimination of window on females
	Change in size to escape mechanism to accommodate 79 mm lobster

LFA 26B Northern Portion: (between ports of Margaree Harbour and Pleasant Bay)

Year	New Management Measure
2010	Minimum carapace size of 79 mm
	Minimum of five traps per line
	Elimination of window on females
2011	Minimum carapace size of 80 mm
	Maximum hoop size of 152 mm
2012	Minimum carapace size of 81 mm
	Change in size of escape mechanism to accommodate 81 mm lobster
	Remove one day at end of the season.

References to communities, ports, etc. are used for information purposes only; precise coordinates defining where various management measures apply are provided in pertinent documents.

The Department is completing its work with fishing organizations to determine how to ensure biodegradable panels work effectively. It is expected that the results of the study will be available in 2010 and discussions with industry will take place in identifying the best approach. Modifications to the panels, if needed, would be mandatory at the latest by the 2012 fishing seasons.

The Department is continuing to work on implementing an electronic data collection system in southern Gulf LFAs and fishing organizations will be kept apprised as this project evolves. Please note that an electronic data collection system will be mandatory in all southern Gulf LFAs by the 2012 fishing seasons.

Links to other information

Facts on Canadian Species (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sustainable-durable/facts-faits-eng.htm)