Notices to Fish Harvesters

subject : Opening of the Lobster fishery in areas 15, 16, 17 and 18

 

Sept-Îles – April 19, 2024

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces the opening of the 2023 lobster fishing season in zones 15, 16, 17 and 18 according to the following dates:

Areas 15-16 and sub-area 18I :  From May 13 to August 4

Sub-area 17A : From May 6 to July 21

Sub-area 17B : From April 24 to July 16

Sub-area 18B : From May 15 to July 30

Sub-area 18C : From April 29 to July 14

Sub-area 18D : From May 15 to July 30

Sub-area 18G : From May 6  to July 21

Sub-area 18H : From May 6 to July 21

Please note that the season will start at 5:00 a.m. on opening day and end at 11:59 p.m. on closing day for all sub-areas.

Bell tags (pilot project area 15)

As recommended by the fleet representatives, a pilot project with addition of bell tags is in effect in Area 15 for the 2024 season.

The licence holder must affix one or more bell tags on the rope at the base of each buoy. The number of bell tags attached to the base of the buoy must be equal as the number of traps installed on the trap line.

The Fishing Vessel Registration Number (VRN) must be written on the bell tag.

The licence holder and the fishing vessel operator are only required to use bell tags that have been obtained from a supplier identified in a tagging plan approved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Setting of traps (sub area 17B)

A pilot project is put in place for 2024 in order to increase the period for the setting of traps. Thus, during the first seven (7) days of the fishing season, lobster license holders for sub-area 17B (Anticosti Island) are only authorized to set their traps unbaited. At all times from the opening date set by the Variation Order and until 05 h on the eighth day, traps must not hold any bait. This condition relates to the duration of the fishing season and to security at sea. The setting period does not increase the number of fishing days recommended by DFO Science and Fisheries Management directions.

The other management measures are listed in the 2023 to 2025 Conservation Harvesting Plan for the lobster fishery in Areas 15 to 18, available on the DFO website at the following address: Notices to Fish Harvesters (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

Furthermore, it is reminded that, during the period where fishing is authorized, it is the responsibility of the licence holder to take into account the marine safety notices issued, among others, by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Transport Canada, as well as the standards and best practices in marine safety, and to take all measures to ensure a safe fishery.

Licence Conditions

In order to obtain the Conditions of License, anglers must access the National Permit System online. For assistance with the National Online Licensing System, please contact customer support by phone at 1-877-535-7307 or by email at fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

For additional information

Please visit our website at the following address: Quebec Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

 

Resource Management

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

North Shore Area : 1-800-463-1729