News Release

OPENING OF THE 2001 LOBSTER FISHERY SEASON - LFA 25

MONCTON -- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Gulf Region, today announced the opening of the 2001 lobster fishery season in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25. The fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on August 7 and will close on October 8, 2001 at midnight. LFA 25 covers south east New Brunswick, the south western part of Prince Edward Island and a portion of the Gulf Nova Scotia coastline.

The decision to move the fishing season forward by a few days was taken in consultation with inshore fishing organisations (MFU, PEIFA).

DFO wishes to remind fishers of the continued implementation of the following management measures:

• Minimum lobster carapace size: 67.5 mm (2-21/32'')
• 50% V-notching of egg-bearing females
• The maximum daily incidental catch of rock crab is set at 227.3 kg (500 lbs.).

The fishers' collaboration is requested to ensure and promote the protection of juvenile and female rock crab at all times. Only legal size male crab with a carapace size of 102 mm (4 inches) or larger are to be utilised for bait.

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For information :

Internet: : http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html