Lobster Zones 15, 16 and 18i - Season 2011

Sept-Iles, May 13th, 2011

Species and Area

Lobster, areas 15 and 16 and sub-area 18I – Quebec region, North-Shore area

Area 15: From the Quebec-Labrador frontier to Matchiatic Island
Area 16: From Matchiatic Island to Rivière de L'Etang
Area 18I : From la rivière à l’Étang to pointe Kégaska

Note: Access to sub-area 18I is authorized to the holders of a lobster permit for area 16.

Dates of season

Area 15: From May 22, 2011 05:00 to August 13, 2011, 24:00
Area 16: From May 18, 2011 at 05:00 to August 9, 2011 at 24:00

Opening dates can be modified according to ice conditions.

Management Measures

Number of licences:

Area 15: 66 licences
Area 16: 10 licences

Minimum size:

82 mm for areas 15 and 16

Logbook:

Mandatory for all areas and sub-areas

Traps:

The number and dimensions of the lobster traps authorized for fishing are:
a) 175 traps whose maximum length, maximum width and maximum height are equal to or less than 124 cm x 92 cm x 50 cm (49'' x 36'' x 19 ¾'');

or

b) 250 traps whose maximum length, maximum width and maximum height are equal to or less than 92 cm x 71 cm x 50 cm (36'' x 28'' x 19 ¾'').
N.B: The limit of 175 traps applies when a fish harvesters is using traps of a size equal to or less than that of a conventional trap 92 cm x 71 cm x 50 cm (36'' x 28'' x 19 ¾'') at the same time as other traps which are larger than a conventional trap.

Species at risk act

Pursuant to the Species at Risk Act (SARA), no person shall kill, harm, harass, capture, take, possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual or any part or derivate of a wildlife species designated as extirpated, endangered or threatened.

At the time this Management Plan is promulgated, the Atlantic species targeted by these measures are the following ones: Spotted wolffish, Northern wolffish, Leatherback Turtle and Atlantic Walrus (Northwest Atlantic population). New species could be added to the SARA within the year.

All by-catches of species identified above must be returned to the water and released in the exact capture location and, if the specimen is still alive, with as little harm as possible. In addition, fish harvesters must complete the SARA logbook.

Licence Conditions

Licence conditions may be obtained by contacting any of our Area Offices. Licence conditions are normally issued within two working days.

For additional information

Jean Morisset
Acting Chief, Resource Management, Aboriginal Fisheries and Species at Risk
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
North Coast Area
418 962-6314

Clément Beaudoin
Acting Area Chief, Conservation and Protection
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
North Coast Area
418 962-6314

Links to other information

Published management plans