DFO to increase year-round lobster gear monitoring in Bay of Fundy

Enforcement officers from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans are gearing up to enhance their surveillance and enforcement efforts in the waters between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. With the introduction of a new contract for a crew and vessel, DFO officers will have a valuable tool to lift, check, and seize illegal lobster fishing gear.

The use of charter vessels in this region is not new, but the upcoming contract signifies an increase in patrols and inspections to crack down on illegal fishing operations that have been a concern for the fishing industry. Megan Gallant, a spokesperson for DFO, explained that the purpose of the contracted vessel is to provide additional support to fishery officers as they conduct patrols and inspections, primarily in the Bay of Fundy.

The contract, set to span from January to March 2025 with a potential extension through spring 2026, will see patrols taking place three days a week for at least 12 hours per patrol. These patrols will specifically target the off-season commercial fishing periods to ensure that illegal industrial-scale lobster harvesting is deterred.

The vessel will be responsible for patrolling throughout the Bay of Fundy and will have the capability to berth at various ports in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Its primary function will be to lift, inspect, and return trawls of up to 75 pots or traps. If any fishing equipment is found to be in violation of the Fisheries Act, it could be seized by the officers for further investigation.

Gallant mentioned that seized fishing gear will be retained by the department until the investigation is complete, after which the traps may be released back to their owners. The request for proposals for the vessel is currently open for bids until December 19.

Overall, the new contract for a crew and vessel represents a significant step towards strengthening enforcement efforts in the region and deterring illegal fishing activities. By enhancing surveillance and inspection capabilities, DFO aims to protect the marine environment and ensure compliance with fisheries regulations in the Bay of Fundy.