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Federal Researchers Say Small Harvesting Changes May Boost Falling Lobster Catches
A DFO report says climate change and other factors have cut catches in some areas, and a mix of seasonal and trap changes is under review.
- On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Fisheries and Oceans Canada researchers launched a review of potential management changes for lobster fisheries in the Maritimes, examining adjustments to season lengths, trap limits, and size restrictions.
- Climate change and shifting water temperatures have led to population declines in some lobster fishing areas in recent years, prompting the study to update scientific management measures for areas 27 to 38.
- Biologist Adam Cook, with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, noted there is no "one-size-fits-all approach" for waters from northern Cape Breton to the Bay of Fundy. The review also considers shortening seasons and increasing protections for egg-laying females.
- The department stated it is not changing any management measures based on the study alone. Kris Vascotto, executive director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, said he does not expect much opposition from harvesters regarding the findings.
- Improving future catches will require a mix of short and long-term changes, though the agency noted small trap reductions "are unlikely to have a meaningful impact" without substantial adjustments to harvester behaviour and local conditions.
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DFO study updates science behind lobster management measures in parts of N.S., southern N.B.
Scientists at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are reviewing potential scenarios if lobster stocks change in the waters off Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick, including the effects of reducing season lengths and trap limits, altering size limits, and other measures.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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