July 8, 2013
OTTAWA - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, issued the following statement today on the minimum legal size for lobster fished in the western half of the Northumberland Strait between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I., in an area known as Lobster Fishing Area 25.
“Over the past several months I have heard and received many comments and suggestions from licence holders, processors, Provincial government representatives and others involved in the lobster industry. I thank them for their input.
“I have listened to all positions and maintained the best solution is one that is industry led and driven. In that light, I asked lobster fishermen in Lobster Fishing Area 25 from P.E.I., Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to come together and find a solution regarding the minimum carapace size.
“Regretfully, they could not come to a consensus. The lack of agreement has reluctantly required me to make a decision in order for the season to open as planned.
“After careful consideration and in consultation with officials at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, I have determined the minimum carapace size for the fishery in Lobster Fishing Area 25 will increase from 71 mm to 72 mm as planned for the 2013 lobster fishing season.
“In addition, the Department will review the findings of the independent Maritime lobster panel set up by the Provincial governments of PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick before any future changes on carapace size are taken for the 2014 fishery or beyond.
“Going forward, I encourage all those involved in the industry to focus on finding options to improve the long-term viability, sustainability, and markets for Atlantic lobster.”
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