 
        August 9, 2013
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
		Revised
		July 19, 2013 EKME 2846805
		LOBSTER CONSERVATION HARVESTING PLAN
		LOBSTER FISHING AREA 25 FOR 2013
		Moncton – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Gulf Region, provided the details today of managements measures that will be in place in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 for 2013.
		Height and Length of Escape Mechanisms
		Length of escape opening between 127 mm and less than 254 mm
		Minimum carapace size
		Height of escape opening
		72 mm
		42 mm minimum
		Length of escape opening equal to or greater than 254 mm
		Minimum carapace size
		Height of escape opening
		72 mm
		41 mm minimum
		2013 Management Measures
		Unless indicated otherwise, existing management measures, including restrictions on the loading and offloading of lobster traps and offloading of catches, remain in place in LFA 25 in 2013:
		• The minimum carapace size is 72 mm in 2013.
		• The maximum size for females is 114 mm.
		• The maximum diameter of hoop is 152 mm.
		• The maximum number of traps is:
		o New Brunswick 250.
		o Nova Scotia 225
		o Prince Edward Island 240.
		Nighttime fishing restrictions: The Department is requesting that all LFA 25 fish harvesters ensure that they are not in possession of any lobster or lobster trap on board a vessel from 21:00 to 05:00 the following day. Additional measures may be implemented if needed.
		Biodegradable Panels
		As previously announced, the use of modified biodegradable panels will be mandatory in all LFAs in 2013. Please refer to Notice to fish harvesters sent on January 31, 2013, for specifications on these panels.
		Notice to Fish Harvesters
		Opening/Closing Dates
		The regulated opening date in LFA 25 is 6:00 a.m. August 9, 2013, weather permitting. The last day of fishing will be October 10, 2013. Requests to advance the opening date or extend the season beyond October 10, 2013, will not be considered.
		For information:
		Ernest Ferguson
		Area Director, Eastern NB
		Fisheries and Oceans Canada
		Tracadie-Sheila, NB
		506-395-7710
		Michael Cherry
		Area Director, PEI
		Fisheries and Oceans Canada
		Charlottetown, PEI
		902-566-7810
		Helen Kerr
		Area Director, Gulf NS
		Fisheries and Oceans Canada
		Antigonish, NS
		902-863-5670