Canada: Should the lobster carapace size be increased in southwestern Nova Scotia?

Lobster license holders in Atlantic Canada are grappling with the decision to adjust the minimum lobster carapace size to comply with new regulations by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, set to take effect in 2025. These regulations, aimed at conserving juvenile lobster populations in the Gulf of Maine, will incrementally increase the minimum size, eventually barring Canadian lobsters under 84 mm from the U.S. market. This decision is complicated by concerns over sustainability, economic impacts, and the potential reduction in lobster landings, particularly in LFA 34 in southwestern Nova Scotia. The Lobster Council of Canada is facilitating discussions among stakeholders to navigate these changes, with a district-wide vote among LFA 34 license holders pending. The situation underscores the importance of adapting to regulatory changes to ensure the long-term viability of the lobster industry, amidst uncertainties regarding the impact on lobster populations and the commercial fishery.