2026 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 dates of the fishing season vary 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).
Beginning in 2026, a five-year pilot will be implemented to change the season dates for all LFAs with the exception of LFA 28. This change is intended to reduce the handling of egg-bearing or recently moulted lobster at the end of the season. The length of each season will not change.
The anticipated dates for the 2026 fishing season are as follows:
| LFA | Anticipated season dates for 2026 |
|---|---|
| 27 | May 8 – July 8 |
| 28 | April 30 – June 30 |
| 29 | April 20 – June 20 |
| 30 | May 9 – July 10 |
| 31A | April 19 – June 20 |
| 31B | April 9 – June 10 |
| 32 | April 9 – June 10 |
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 2026 season.
| LFA | Trap limit* | Minimum size (mm) | Other restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 275 | 82.5 | |
| 28 | 250 | 84 | Maximum entrance hoop: 153 mm |
| 29 | 250 | 84 | Maximum entrance hoop: 153 mm |
| 30 | 250 | 82.5 | Maximum size (female): 135 mm |
| 31A | 250 | 82.5 | Closed window: 114–124 mm (female) |
| 31B | 250 | 82.5 | Mandatory v-notching |
| 32 | 250 | 82.5 | 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 2026 fishery only.
Links to other information
- Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat
- Lobster Fishing Areas 27 - 38: Integrated Fisheries Management Plan
- Date modified: