New rules designed to give lobster boats a break, helping whales while reducing closures

Lobster fishers on Prince Edward Island are optimistic about new regulations from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans that could result in fewer days lost to closures when endangered right whales are spotted in Island waters.

One of the key changes is the introduction of a 5- and 15-fathom line, which dictates the distance around a whale sighting where protective measures will be enforced. In the past, there was only a 10- and 20-fathom line, but now there is an additional smaller boundary to give harvesters more space to maneuver their gear if needed.

Additionally, there is a new rule that shortens the closure of an area when one right whale is detected to seven days instead of 15. This closure period can be extended for another seven days if another whale is sighted. This change is significant for fishers who have a limited season, as it reduces the impact of closures on their harvesting activities.

Another development is a pilot project that allows fishers equipped with whalesafe gear to continue fishing if only one right whale is spotted. Whalesafe gear, also known as low breaking strength equipment, is designed to release under pressure exceeding 1,700 pounds, reducing the risk of entanglement for whales.

Melanie Giffin, a marine biologist working with the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association, highlighted the high voluntary adoption rate of whalesafe gear among Island fishers. About 800 out of 1,280 harvesters have already implemented this gear, with some conducting trials to determine its effectiveness.

There is also specially produced whalesafe line with distinct color combinations for each lobster fishing area to help DFO identify problem areas where entanglements occur. Despite the absence of confirmed entanglements in P.E.I. gear, efforts are being made to prevent any incidents and protect the endangered right whales.

Kim Elmslie, a campaign director for Oceana Canada, emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing regulations to safeguard right whales from entanglements and ship strikes. While progress has been made in protecting the species, there is always room for improvement to ensure their survival.

The upcoming spring lobster season on P.E.I. is scheduled to begin on April 25, but potential delays due to harbor dredging and adverse weather conditions may impact the start date. Fishers are hopeful that the new regulations will enable them to navigate whale sightings more effectively and minimize disruptions to their harvesting activities.