Seven lobster fishing areas (LFAs) in northern Nova Scotia and P.E.I. have requested Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) make adjustments to their season start dates.
The requests were made through the advisory committee process.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) initially received requests for season adjustments in LFAs 29, 30 and 31A, said Axel Rioux, DFO Media Relations.
“During our advisory process, DFO also received requests for a season adjustment for lobster fishing areas 24, 26A-1, 26A-3 and 26B North,” added Rioux.
“Industry has based these requests on warming water conditions that they report is resulting in a higher number of moulting, berried and juvenile lobsters being present at the end of the season,” said Rioux.
“The Department is currently reviewing these requests and will make decisions based on the best available information.”
LFA 31A usually opens on April 29. LFAs 24, 26A-1, 26A-3 and 26B North traditionally open on April 30. The season start in LFAs 29 and 30 is May 19 as it now stands.
