2025 Lobster Fishing Areas 27-32 (Maritimes Region)

The Maritimes Region inshore lobster fishery occurs in the Bay of Fundy and along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia to the tip of Cape North, broken down by Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 27- 38, as defined within the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 (Schedule XIII). The details presented below concern LFAs 27-32, from northern Cape Breton to near Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Dates of season (subject to change)

The length of the fishing seasons varies by LFA.  For a list of open and closed times, please consult Schedule XIV of the Atlantic Fishing Regulations, 1985 and the Orders Registry - Maritimes Orders Registry (dfo-mpo.gc.ca).

A season change for LFA 31A has been approved for the 2025 fishing season which will open the season 10 days earlier. The length of the season will not change.

Total allowable catches (TACs)

N/A.

Management measures

The inshore lobster fishery in the Maritimes Region is managed using a number of input and biological controls, including the controls in the table below. There are no changes to the controls for the 2025 season.

LFA 27

• Trap limit*: 275
• Minimum size (mm): 82.5

LFA 28

• Trap limit*: 250
• Minimum size (mm): 84
• Other restrictions: Maximum entrance hoop 153mm

LFA 29

• Trap limit*: 250
• Minimum size (mm): 84
• Other restrictions: Maximum entrance hoop 153mm

LFA 30

• Trap limit*: 250
• Minimum size (mm): 82.5
• Other restrictions: Maximum size 135mm (female)

LFA 31A

• Trap limit*: 250
• Minimum size (mm): 82.5
• Other restrictions: Closed window 114-124 mm (female)

LFA 31B

• Trap limit*: 250
• Minimum size (mm): 82.5
• Other restrictions: Mandatory v-notching

LFA 32B

• Trap limit*: 250
• Minimum size (mm): 82.5
• Other restrictions: Mandatory v-notching

*Trap limit is for Category A licences. Category B licences are allowed 30% and Partnerships 150% of the trap limit for a Category A licence.

For more information, please contact your regional DFO office:

• (902) 407-8153
• DFO.MAR-FM-GP.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Single or multi-year planning

The information provided is applicable to the 2025 fishery only.

Links to other information

• Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat
• Lobster Fishing Areas 27 - 38: Integrated Fisheries Management Plan