CITYnews Halifax: Federal researchers say small harvesting changes may boost falling lobster catches

Lobster fishermen unload their catch in Dipper Harbour, New Brunswick on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Copyrighted

CITYnews Halifax: By Devin Stevens, The Canadian Press

Federal researchers are studying ways to boost falling lobster catches in the Maritimes.

A new report says climate change and other issues have led to population declines in some lobster fishing areas in recent years.

It says improving catches will take a mix of short and long-term changes.

It considers slightly shortening fishing seasons, more protection for egg-laying females and changes to the minimum and maximum sizes harvesters can catch.

Kris Vascotto, executive director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, says he doesn’t expect much opposition from harvesters.

He says the report takes a look at the science, but no decisions have been made.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2026.