Explore the world of lobster fishing in New Brunswick province

Lobster fishing is an important industry in New Brunswick, Canada, an indispensable part of the economy, and a way of life for many families. The lobster fishing culture is deeply rooted in the coastal communities of New Brunswick, where families have passed down their lobster fishing traditions and techniques from generation to generation.

In December, the province of New Brunswick opened four lobster fishing areas located in the Bay of Fundy, namely 35, 36, 37, and 38. In this cold and festive season, lobster fishermen in New Brunswick are still striving to catch Canadian lobsters for global dining tables.

35 Fishing Area Opening Hours
Last day of February to July 31st, October 14th to December 31st

36-37 Fishing Area Opening Hours
From March 31st to June 29th, from the second Tuesday of November to January 14th

38 Fishing Area Opening Hours
From the second Tuesday of November to June 29th
 
When the lobster fishing area is open, for fishermen, every day's offshore operation is a fierce competition. Fishermen go out to sea before the sun rises, risking the harsh weather and unpredictable risks of the ocean to bring their captured lobsters back to the shore. This is a highly demanding and risky profession, but it is also a profession full of pride, friendship, and community awareness.

Fishermen Nicolas Chiasson and Stephanie Guignard from the coastal community of the Gulf of St. Lawrence usually start their day at sea between 4am and 5am. They clean up 300 lobster traps every day, place bait in them, release them into the sea, catch them at night, return to the dock with the caught lobsters, and restart the day's work the next day. This is the life of fishermen in New Brunswick province.

Sustainable development is a firm commitment of the lobster fishing industry in New Brunswick province. In 2022, the minimum lobster catch size in New Brunswick province was 77mm, increasing to 79mm in 2023 and raising to 81mm by 2024. This standard is the length from the lobster's eyes to the position connecting the lobster's body. Lobsters larger than the minimum standard size can be caught, while those smaller than the minimum standard size must be released back into the sea.

Every time fishermen catch lobsters from the sea, they have to flip them over to check if they are carrying eggs. When female lobsters carry eggs, even if they only carry 1 to 2, they must be released back into the sea to protect lobster resources.

For the future of lobsters, another thing that New Brunswick fishermen are doing now is setting up escape exits in lobster traps. The minimum width of the exit is 46mm, and each hatch requires at least one exit. This is very important because all lobsters smaller than 81mm can escape through the exit, which means less damage to the lobsters and fishermen dealing with them as little as possible.

Fishermen in New Brunswick strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements for sustainable lobster fisheries to ensure responsible management of lobster populations and preserve a healthy and sustainable lobster fishery for future generations. Every little lobster released back into the sea is for the future of the child, for the future of the fishing industry, and for having a bright future.