Enforcement news

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 76 plant inspections, inspected 5,006 lobster traps and seized 1,529 traps, seized 6 fishing vessels, and seized and released 28,137 lobsters live back to the ocean.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

On October 16, at a fish plant in Queens County, Nova Scotia, fishery officers seized 87 crates of lobsters that were originally harvested in the area of St. Peter's Canal, Cape Breton (Lobster Fishing Area 29) and transported to the plant in Port Mouton, located in Queens County. One individual located at the plant was arrested in connection with the shipment of lobsters, for providing false statements to a fishery officer.

• A total of 6,466 lobsters were taken back to LFA 29 where they were released into the ocean.
• An investigation into this matter is now underway; no further details will be provided.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 65 plant inspections, inspected 4,505 lobster traps and seized 1,501 traps, seized six fishing vessels, and seized and released 27,658 lobsters live back to the ocean.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

On October 9, at provincial court in Digby, Nova Scotia, 5 individuals were charged with violations under the Fisheries Act and associated regulations. The charges result from incidents on September 19 and 20, 2024, in St. Marys Bay, in Lobster Fishing Area 34.

• All 5 individuals were charged with 1 count each of obstruction of a fishery officer, contrary to section 62 of the Fisheries Act.
• One of the individuals was further charged with the following:
  • Fishing lobster without DFO's authorization, contrary to section 14(1)(b) of the Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
  • Fishing for lobster in a lobster fishing area during the closed time, contrary to section 57(1)(a) of the Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
  • Failing to comply with licence conditions by not marking lobster traps with tags verified by DFO, contrary to section 43.4 of the Fisheries Act.
  • Failing to comply with licence conditions by not marking sunken gear with floats or buoys, contrary to section 43.4 of the Fisheries Act.
• All 5 individuals are known to fishery officers and have been arrested and charged in the past for violations of the Fisheries Act related to lobster and/or elver.

• On October 16, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia conducted an inspection of a commercial fish plant in Delaps Cove.
• As a result of the inspection, fishery officers seized 112 crates of lobsters and arrested one individual for the illegal purchase of lobster harvested for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes, contrary to section 35(2) of the Fishery General Regulations.
• 8,078 lobsters were released live to the ocean.
• Lobster may be harvested for FSC purposes with DFO authorization, but it is illegal to sell, trade, barter or buy FSC-caught lobster.
• The accused has been issued an appearance notice for Annapolis Valley Provincial Court on March 2, 2026.
• An investigation into this matter is now underway.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 4,207 lobster traps and seized 1,478 traps, seized 6 fishing vessels, and seized and released 19,453 lobsters live back to the ocean.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 4,097 lobster traps and seized 1,433 traps, seized 6 fishing vessels, and seized and released 19,373 lobsters live back to the ocean.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 3,816 lobster traps and seized 1,384 traps, seized 6 fishing vessels, and seized and released 18,646 lobsters live back to the ocean.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

• On the evening of September 20, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia, arrested 5 individuals for fishing lobster traps in St. Marys Bay without authorization, in contravention of licence conditions and the Fisheries Act.
• Fishery officers seized a fishing vessel and 42 lobster traps connected to the violation, and released 1,704 lobsters.
• An investigation into this matter is underway.

• On September 16, fishery officers in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, arrested 2 individuals for violations under the Fisheries Act, including the sale of lobster that was not authorized to be sold under a DFO-issued licence.
• Fishery officers seized a truck and 50 crates containing 4,072 lobsters (5,305 pounds) worth approximately $53,000, connected to these arrests. All of the lobsters were released.
• Anyone selling lobster must be authorized to do so via a DFO licence (commercial or communal commercial). The sale of lobster without DFO authorization is subject to Fisheries Act enforcement, and could result in arrest, the seizure of associated gear and the laying of charges.
• An investigation into this matter is underway.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 3,347 lobster traps and seized 1,287 traps, seized 5 fishing vessels, and seized and released 12,488 lobsters live back to the ocean. 19 crates of lobster have also been seized and approximately 1,900 pounds of lobster were released.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

Since July 2025, fisheries officers have been conducting inspections at lobster processing plants, storage facilities, and buying and selling locations throughout the province of New Brunswick. These inspections aim to ensure that all lobster is legally sourced and complies with DFO regulations.

On September 10, 2025, during a targeted surveillance operation in eastern New Brunswick, officers seized 2,175 live lobsters and a refrigerated truck. The seizure was carried out without incident, and the live lobsters were safely returned to their original fishing grounds.

Investigation of this matter is still ongoing.

• On the evening of September 4, fishery officers on patrol in Lobster Fishing Area 33 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, boarded a vessel at-sea and arrested 3 individuals for violations under the Fisheries Act, including fishing untagged lobster traps. Fishery officers seized the vessel and 15 lobster traps, and released 376 lobsters.
• Fishery officers boarded a vessel at-sea in St. Marys Bay, on September 7, and arrested 2 individuals for violation of licence conditions and the Fisheries Act, for fishing traps that they were not authorized to fish. A total of 433 lobsters were seized and released in connection with the arrests, along with 31 lobster traps and three crates.
• In addition to these arrests, fishery officers seized and released 688 lobsters, and seized 64 lobster traps as part of enforcement operations between September 4 and 7 in Southwest Nova Scotia. Traps were seized for a variety of violations, including having expired or unassigned tags
• Investigations into all of these matters are ongoing.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 3,099 lobster traps and seized 1,235 traps, and seized and released 11,853 lobsters live back to the ocean. 19 crates of lobster have also been seized and approximately 1,900 pounds of lobster were released.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

• On September 2, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia arrested 6 people, in 2 separate incidents, in violation of licence conditions and the Fisheries Act.
• Fishery officers boarded a fishing vessel at sea in St. Marys Bay and arrested 3 individuals for fishing lobster traps that they were not authorized to fish, in violation of licence conditions. 4 crates of lobsters and 25 lobster traps were seized. A total of 491 lobsters were released.
• A second vessel was also boarded at sea by fishery officers in St. Marys Bay. 3 individuals on the vessel were arrested for non-compliance with licence conditions, by fishing lobster traps they were not authorized to fish. Fishery officers seized the fishing vessel, along with 6 crates, at the time of the arrests. A total of 48 lobster traps were seized in connection to these arrests and 1,101 lobsters were released.
• Investigations into both of these incidents are now underway.

Between August 11 and August 15, 2025, fishery officers operating around Prince Rupert, British Columbia carried out checks of 125 anglers, and inspections of 3 fishing lodges, 2 commercial processing facilities, and 79 vessels and vehicles. These enforcement operations resulted in $5,868 in fines, as well as 2 written warnings and 13 tickets.   

The violations included:

• retaining female Dungeness crab
• using barbed hooks
• unrecorded halibut
• wasting fish
• failure to produce a valid licence
• failure to record Chinook salmon

Recently, fishery officers carried out a 2-day blitz in Lobster Fishing Area 25 in Southeast NB and Western PEI.

The goal was to remind harvesters of the importance of complying with regulations and the conditions of their licences, and to educate on and enforce marine mammal regulations. Harvesters were also reminded to complete the mandatory species at risk section of their logbook daily.

During the 2 days:

• 180 vessels and 206 lobster traps were inspected
• 27 written warnings were handed out for various offences such as not completing crew registries, electronic logbooks, harvester registrations or tag registries, for possession of lobster claws separated from the lobster carapace, and failure to have markings on gear rope as required under Right whale protection measures
• 8 summary offence tickets were also issued for possession of berried females, failing to fill in tag registries as per conditions of licence, possession of undersized lobsters, and fishing in a closed area
• 5 lobster traps were seized, and 1 case is under investigation. No further information can be provided at this time

On the evenings of August 26 and August 27, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia executed at-sea operations in St. Marys Bay to enforce the Fisheries Act.

• August 26 - Fishery officers boarded a fishing vessel at sea and arrested 4 individuals for violations under the Fisheries Act, including fishing lobster traps without authorization. They seized 58 lobster traps in connection with this violation and released 435 lobsters from those traps. Seven crates of lobster were also seized, and 582 lobsters were released. An investigation into this matter is now underway.
• August 27 - Fishery officers boarded a fishing vessel at sea and arrested 4 individuals for violations under the Fisheries Act, including fishing with unauthorized traps and fishing with sunken gear. At the time of the arrests, and subsequently, fishery officers have seized 61 lobster traps, 9 crates that were sunk without buoys, and have seized and released 1,088 lobsters. The fishing vessel connected to these arrests was also seized. An investigation into this matter is now underway.

• Since June 1, fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 2241 lobster traps and seized 839 traps, and seized and released 3773 lobsters live back to the ocean. Sixteen crates of lobster have also been seized and approximately 1600 pounds of lobster were released.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

• Since June 1, fishery officers across Southwest Nova Scotia have completed 61 plant inspections, inspected 1899 lobster traps and seized 732 traps, and seized and released 2618 lobsters live back to ocean.
• As a result of these active and ongoing enforcement efforts, on the evening of August 20, fishery officers boarded a lobster fishing vessel at sea and arrested three individuals for violations under the Fisheries Act, including fishing lobster traps without authorization, fishing lobster traps without surface markings and exceeding the lobster possession limit. Fishery officers seized 34 lobster traps and associated gear in connection with this violation, along with over 900 lobsters that were released. An investigation into this matter is now underway.
• Other patrols of St. Marys Bay on August 20 resulted in the seizure of an additional 15 lobster traps and the release of 150 lobster. The traps seized were either untagged or had invalid tags.
• While conducting inspections at Saulnerville wharf, fishery officers identified and seized a total of 16 crates of lobster that were not properly tagged, including 11 that were sunk and anchored to the sea floor. Each crate holds approximately 100 pounds of lobster. All of the approximately 1,600 pounds of lobster were released.

• Fishery officers in Southwest Nova Scotia continue to be active in St. Marys Bay conducting on-the-water inspections of fishing vessels and lobster traps. Many Conservation and Protection vessels are mobilized daily and weekly for this work, including the 44’hauling platform, rigid-hull inflatables and a Canadian Coast Guard vessel.
• Officers continue to check for compliance with food, social and ceremonial (FSC) conditions of licence, and the Fisheries Act.
• The harvesting of lobster for FSC in SWNS is authorized to happen outside of the commercial season. Fishery officers interact with FSC harvesters every day to provide education about conditions of licence and requirements under the Fisheries Act.
• Since June 1, fishery officers across SWNS have completed 51 plant inspections, inspected 1710 lobster traps and seized 704, and seized and released 2000 lobsters.
• Lobster trap seizures have been attributable to violations of licence conditions, including fishing during closed times in designated waters, failure to report lost gear, failure to tag traps and other non-compliance issues.

On August 12, 2025, fishery officers in our Maritimes Region arrested one individual in southwest Nova Scotia for violations under the Fisheries Act, including fishing in a closed area – Scallop Fishing Area 29 D. The officers also seized 22,638 kilograms (49,795 pounds) of scallop meat, worth approximately $1.1 million.

Fishery officers from our Barrington Detachment first detected the fishing vessel via the Vessel Monitoring System. The offshore surveillance unit was then dispatched and visually confirmed the vessel was fishing illegally in the closed area.

Fishery officers boarded the vessel at sea and seized the catch. The un-shucked scallops on board were returned live to the ocean, and the captain was directed to take the vessel to Shelburne where the rest of the catch was offloaded.

As this matter is now under investigation, no further details will be provided.

On August 3 and August 4, fishery officers participated in a multi-agency check-stop on Highway 16 east of Terrace, B.C.

61 boats and 157 vehicles were inspected. Of the approximately 400 anglers checked, 16 were issued tickets, 18 were issued warnings and 44 illegal fish were seized.

Violations included overlimits, fishing in a closed time, no license, processed fish, and false/misleading info.

From July 17 to 20, 2025, fishery officers conducted a targeted enforcement operation at various coastline locations in the eastern parts of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and the Gulf area of Nova Scotia. Our partners included Parks Canada, PEI conservation officers, Nova Scotia conservation officers, the PEI RCMP and the Native Council of PEI.

The operation educated 763 anglers about the regulations and verified their compliance with respect to daily closing times, gear used, the amount of striped bass retained, and size limits. The inspections were mostly for striped bass, however, there were also inspections completed in the recreational mackerel fishery. As a result, 24 summery conviction tickets were issued.

On July 31, 2025, fishery officers conducted inspections at Lobster Rock Wharf, Yarmouth County, NS, related to ongoing monitoring, control and surveillance efforts. Fishery officers found two fishing vessels to be in non-compliance with the Fisheries Act and associated Regulations, which resulted in the arrest of six individuals.

A total of 1,909 lobsters and both fishing vessels were seized by fishery officers. Fishery officers are working to remove the untagged lobster traps and seized vessels from the water.

If the public suspects or witnesses illegal fishing, they are encouraged to contact their local conservation and protection detachment (1-800-565-1633 ext. 6) or Crime Stoppers (1 800 222 TIPS (8477)).

In the coming weeks, our fishery officers and park wardens from Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park will be patrolling the St. Lawrence Fjord, in Québec. They will remind boaters of regulations and proper behavior to adopt around marine mammals, including the St. Lawrence beluga, an endangered species.

In June, fishery officers in northeastern New Brunswick inspected 180 lobster vessels and 480 traps in Lobster Fishing Area 23, from Pointe Verte to Escuminac, to ensure compliance with fisheries management measures.

As a result of these inspections, 19 files are under investigation, 21 written warnings and 4 tickets have been issued for various violations related to the minimum size of lobster, possession of females carrying eggs, non-regulatory trap escapes, possession of lobster parts separated from the thorax, incomplete tag registers and an incomplete electronic logbook.

Three Fishery Guardians from Esgenoopetitj First Nation joined the effort to help protect the sustainability of this fishery.

On June 14, fishery officers were present at the demonstration held in Havre-Saint-Pierre, for access to the recreational lobster fishery. Fishery officers monitored and documented the activities. The evidence collected will be analyzed to determine if there have been any offences under the Fisheries Act and if charges should be laid.

Remember that it is still illegal to fish lobster for recreational purposes.

On May 21 and 22, 2025, fishery officers did a two-day compliance inspection blitz in lobster fishing areas in Eastern PEI. The goal of the inspections was to remind harvesters of the importance of complying with regulations and the conditions of their licences, and to educate them on the Marine Mammal Regulations. An Abegweit First Nation Guardian assisted in the inspections. Harvesters, fish buying stations, and other partners were very collaborative.

In total, 144 vessels involved in the lobster fishing area 24 and 26A were inspected, and 25 written warnings were handed out. Examples of issues addressed by written warnings were:

• undersize lobster
• possession of female lobster with eggs attached
• failure to comply with conditions of licence, failure to produce licensing documents.

One summary offense ticket was issued, and three cases are under investigation.

As of June 1, fishery officers have conducted 1074 riverside inspections, 144 inspections at holding facilities and 295 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of May 28, fishery officers have conducted 1067 riverside inspections, 143 inspections at holding facilities and 293 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of May 25, fishery officers have conducted 1011 riverside inspections, 142 inspections at holding facilities and 278 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of May 21, fishery officers have conducted 999 riverside inspections, 138 inspections at holding facilities and 264 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

• On May 19, fishery officers conducting surveillance at the Meteghan River, Nova Scotia observed individuals fishing for elver.
• After conducting a roadside inspection, three individuals were arrested for violations under the Fisheries Act and the Regulations for the Possession and Export of Elvers, for unauthorized harvest and possession of elver.
• Fishery officers seized fishing equipment, a vehicle and over four kilograms of elvers. The elvers were released back into the river.

As of May 19, fishery officers have conducted 997 riverside inspections, 135 inspections at holding facilities and 257 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

• On the evening of May 14, fishery officers responded to a complaint of unauthorized elver fishing on the Mushamush River, located in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.
• The fishery officers arrested, and subsequently released, one individual for violations under the Fisheries Act, and the Possession and Export of Elver Regulations, for fishing without authorization.
• A variety of elver fishing equipment and a small quantity of elvers were seized; the elvers were returned to the river. An investigation into this matter is now underway.

As of May 14, fishery officers have conducted 975 riverside inspections, 125 inspections at holding facilities and 237 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of May 11, fishery officers have conducted 929 riverside inspections, 118 inspections at holding facilities and 227 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

• On May 8, fishery officers conducting riverside patrols in Queens County arrested two individuals on the Mersey River for unauthorized elver fishing.
• Approximately five kilograms of elvers were seized, along with fishing equipment, elver transport equipment and a vehicle.
• An investigation into this matter is now underway related to offences under the Fisheries Act and the Possession and Export of Elvers Regulations.

As of May 7, fishery officers have conducted 913 riverside inspections, 109 inspections at holding facilities and 217 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of May 4, fishery officers have conducted 907 riverside inspections, 104 inspections at holding facilities and 205 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

• On May 1 fishery officers responded to a home in Digby County at the request of the RCMP. RCMP were on site executing a search warrant related to their mandate, under the Criminal Code.
• Fishery officers seized approximately 30 kilograms of elvers being illegally stored at the home, along with related equipment.
• An investigation into this matter is now underway related to offences under the Fisheries Act and the Possession and Export of Elvers Regulations.

• On April 30, fishery officers executed a search warrant at a site in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, related to offences under the Fisheries Act and the Possession and Export of Elvers Regulations.
• As a result of the search, fishery officers seized a quantity of elver and associated equipment. One individual was arrested for violations under the Fisheries Act, including the unauthorized possession of elvers. An investigation into this matter is now underway.
• A reminder that under the new elver regulations and existing Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations, there are three categories of elver licences, each administered and regulated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO):
  1. Fishing licences, issued under the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations, will continue to regulate the harvesting and transportation of domestic elvers from the water to elver holding facilities.
  2. A newly-introduced possession licence is required to possess and store domestically-caught and imported elvers at a holding facility anywhere in Canada, and to transport elvers within Canada (with certain exceptions) and to a place of exit from Canada, such as airports or customs-controlled land border crossings.
  3. A newly-introduced export licence is required to export elvers from Canada.

As of April 30, fishery officers have conducted 874 riverside inspections, 97 inspections at holding facilities and 199 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

• In the early morning hours of April 26, while patrolling a river in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia, a fishery officer was struck in the leg by a vehicle that had been parked by the river after warning the driver they were approaching the car.
• Two individuals were arrested and are now under investigation for offences under the Fisheries Act. A quantity of elvers was seized from the vehicle and returned to the river.
• The individual who struck the fishery officer with their vehicle is under investigation by the RCMP for offences under the Criminal Code.

As of April 27, fishery officers have conducted 815 riverside inspections, 93 inspections at holding facilities and 186 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

• In the early morning hours of April 24, fishery officers returned almost 60 kilograms of elver to their river of origin after four individuals were arrested (and later released) along the Musquodoboit River for violations under the Fisheries Act, for fishing elver without authorization. Officers also seized fishing equipment.
• An investigation into this matter is now underway.
• Sixty kilograms of elver has a market value of approximately $99,000.

As of April 23, fishery officers have conducted 728 riverside inspections, 86 inspections at holding facilities and 161 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of April 21, fishery officers have conducted 724 riverside inspections, 81 inspections at holding facilities and 123 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of April 16, fishery officers have conducted 687 riverside inspections, 71 inspections at holding facilities and 96 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of April 13, fishery officers have conducted 594 riverside inspections, 64 inspections at holding facilities and 83 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of April 9, fishery officers have conducted 544 riverside inspections, 56 inspections at holding facilities and 71 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.

As of April 3, fishery officers have conducted 345 riverside inspections, 17 inspections at holding facilities and 12 inspections at airports. There have been arrests for violations of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations; investigations are underway. Fishery officers are observing high levels of compliance.