state of canada's fishery – 2002 FACT SHEET
shellfish – LOBSTER FISHERY Description Lobster are found along the east coast of North America, from North Carolina to Labrador, in ocean habitats where they can find shelter. They are most abundant off the coastlines of Maine, southwest Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Canada’s lobster fishery takes place in 41 lobster fishing areas located relatively close to shore throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Each area is operated using an "effort control" regime based on season duration, which can vary from eight weeks to eight months, and the number of traps. Lobster landings peak twice a year in Canada, from April to June across the region and from October to December in southwestern Nova Scotia. In 2002, Canada had 9,770 licensed lobster fishers, decreasing from 11,443 in 1992. By province, 3,352 lobster fishers were licensed in Nova Scotia, 1,563 in New Brunswick, 1,289 in Prince Edward Island, 643 in Quebec, and 2,923 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Eight Canadian vessels are also licensed to fish lobster year round in the deep basins and outer banks off southwestern Nova Scotia. With a strict quota of 720 tonnes (t), these vessels are not permitted to fish closer than 92 kilometres from shore. Landings In 2002, lobster landings totalled 45,749 t, increasing by 9% from 41,944 t in 1992, but decreasing by 12% from 52,123 t in 2001. The Maritime provinces accounted for 89% of Canada’s 2002 lobster catch: Nova Scotia’s lobster landings remained the largest at 23,996 t, while Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick ranked second and third, respectively, at 9,018 t and 7,560 t. Landing Value Lobster is the most valuable fish and seafood product in Canada. The value of lobster landings in 2002 decreased by 8% to $593.7 million from $646.4 million in 2001. The Maritime provinces accounted for 89% of the value of Canada’s lobster landings in 2002: Nova Scotia contributed the largest portion (56%) at $334.2 million; Prince Edward Island the second largest (17%) at $102.3 million; and New Brunswick was third (15%) at $91.2 million. Lobster fishers in the upper Bay of Fundy area landed 1,200 t in the fall 2002 season, valued at $17 million. Export Value In 2002, lobster exports were worth more than $1 billion, increasing by 9% from 2001. Nova Scotia was Canada’s largest exporter of lobster; at $427.5 million in 2002, the province exported 41% of the national tally. Lobster exports in New Brunswick remained relatively constant over the past year, totalling $403.8 million in 2002, while Prince Edward Island’s 2002 exports jumped 37% to $190.1 million. Future Outlook Like other shellfish species, lobster stocks follow a natural cycle of abundance and decline. Over the last century, lobster catches in the Gulf region have fluctuated significantly: from a steady decline in the early 1900s; to low catches between 1920 and 1970; to increases in the early 1970s; and record high catches in the late 1980s. Lobster stock studies conducted in 2003 indicated that periods of decline are likely to continue for the next several years. In particular, the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, especially in the Northumberland Strait, was noted as an area of concern. Statistics   NS NB PE QC NL 1992 18,034 7,971 8,873 3,835 3,232 2001 29,406 8,270 8,727 3,603 2,117 2002 23,996 7,560 9,018 3,118 2,057     NS NB PE QC NL 1992 159,761 51,641 58,069 26,396 21,357 2001 375,317 93,835 104,992 46,612 25,657 2002 334,161 91,246 102,349 42,515 23,476 For more information on the state of Canada’s fishery in 2002, visit DFO’s Statistical Services at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communic/statistics/stat_e.htm. Access the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Status Reports for the status of fisheries’ stocks at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/CSAS/CSAS/English/Publications/Stock_Report_e.htm. Learn more about lobster species and Canada’s lobster fishery at the Marine Institute: Network of Educational Topics at www.mi.mun.ca/mi-net/fishdeve/lobster.htm.