OPENING OF THE FALL LOBSTER FISHING SEASON

MONCTON - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Maritimes Region, Gulf Fisheries, announced today the opening date and the management measures for the fall fishing season for Lobster Fishing Area 25 (LFA 25). This area covers the southeastern part of New Brunswick, the northwestern part of Prince Edward Island and the North Shore of Nova Scotia.

The fishery will open at 06:00 hrs on August 8 and will close at midnight October 9, 1996.

Fishermen are reminded of the following management measures for 1996 :

• All lobster traps will be required to have a biodegradable panel with a minimum opening of 89 mm by 148 mm (3 1/2 inches by 5 7/8 inches). This measure will reduce fishing from traps which are lost.
• The rectangular escape mechanism with a minimum size of 38.1 mm by 127 mm (1 1/2 inches by 5 inches) will be implemented in all LFAs within the southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (LFAs 23, 24, 25, 26A and 26B). This measure will allow undersized lobsters to leave traps before they are hauled to the surface.

The minimum carapace size will remain unchanged in 1996 at 66.7 mm (2 5/8 inches).

DFO would also like to inform LFA 25 fishermen that the Northumberland Strait Crossing Project (Fixed Link) Security Zone between Cape Jourimain, N.B. and Borden, P.E.I., will be closed for the fall lobster season. Licensed lobster fishermen will be permitted to transport lobsters and lobster traps through the Security Zone. Specific details and information on the Security Zone can be obtained from the local federal Fishery Officer.

FOR INFORMATION:

Rhéal Vienneau
Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans
Moncton, N.B.
(506) 851-7790

Communication Branch
Maritimes Region
Fisheries and Oceans
Moncton, N.B.
(506) 851-7747