Lobster area 37 Removed, Boundaries Split

Summary#

The final rule changes the map and wording in the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 so that the small Lobster Fishing Area known as LFA 37 is removed and its waters are permanently split between LFA 36 and LFA 38. The change codifies interim boundaries that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has been using since the 2022–2023 season and came into force on September 25, 2026.

What it does#

• Removes references and the map depiction of LFA 37 from Part V of Schedule XIII of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985.
• Replaces the coordinates and maps so that the former LFA 37 area is split and becomes part of LFA 36 and LFA 38 along the same interim line used since 2022–2023.
• Repeals the close times and minimum-length rules that applied only to LFA 37 in Schedule XIV, so season rules for the new parts of LFA 36 and LFA 38 now apply.
• Makes permanent what had been handled by licence conditions (including communal commercial, or CC, licences that used the interim boundary starting 2024–2025).

Who's affected#

• Commercial lobster fishers working in and around the Bay of Fundy, especially licence holders in LFA 36 and LFA 38. LFA 36 has 177 Vessel Based Limited Entry licences (including 15 CC licences) authorizing 50,940 traps. LFA 38 has 136 licences (including 16 CC licences) authorizing 45,694 traps.
• Indigenous groups and communities that hold CC or Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) licences. Key organizations involved in consultations include the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB), the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik (PNS), and the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council (NBAPC).
• Local fishing organizations such as the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association (FNFA) and the Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association (GMFA), which have been involved in the dispute and its resolution.
• Other fisheries with licence conditions that previously referenced LFA 37 (e.g., some crab, sea cucumber and urchin licences) will see those conditions updated to coordinates.

Why it matters#

• Removes a long-standing source of conflict by making a working interim boundary permanent. DFO says the interim approach reduced clashes and improved safety for harvesters.
• Brings clarity and predictability: maps and coordinates in the formal regulations will now match what fishers have been operating under, reducing reliance on yearly licence variations.
• DFO expects minimal economic or environmental impact and no immediate change to FSC rights. However, some Indigenous groups raised concerns that splitting LFA 37 reduced available fishing area (about 4.5% for LFA 36 and 5% for LFA 38) and oppose making the change permanent. DFO says it has not observed harm to Indigenous landings so far and will continue consultations and consider accommodations if impacts arise.