The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has delayed increasing the minimum lobster carapace size in the New England states from 82.5 mm to 84 mm by six months until July 1, 2025.
The decision was made at the ASMFC 2024 summer meeting in early August.
“The Board’s decision to initiate a new Addendum that will delay implementation of the first minimum gauge size increase in Addendum XXVII until July 1, 2025, provides additional time for on-going conversations with Canada about shared management measures that can support stock resilience throughout the Gulf of Maine and create a level playing field for U.S. harvesters. It also provides time for the lobster industry in the U.S., including harvesters and dealers, to prepare for the changes outlined in Addendum XXVII,” said Patrick Keliher, Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner.
The ASMFC also approved Addendum XXX, which addresses how the measures of Addendum XXVII will apply to foreign imports of American lobster once implemented.
“The Lobster Board’s approval of Addendum XXX ensures compliance with a requirement under federal law that limits the size of imported lobsters to the smallest size lobster that can be caught in the U.S.,” said Keliher.
“I fully intend to continue to engage our harvesters and dealers to discuss how future changes should be implemented, if needed. We will also continue our engagement with Canadian officials regarding the impact of Addenda XXX and XXXI on industry in the U.S. and Canada.”
A meeting was held between U.S. and Canadian lobster fishery managers and industry members in June to discuss the management structures and stock assessments of the two countries.
“Based on this meeting, the Board determined that postponing implementation of Addendum XXVII’s biological measures to July 1, 2025, would reduce negative impacts to the U.S. and Canadian lobster industries in 2025 and allow Canada more time to consider implementing complementary management measures,” said the ASMFC.
The Canadian lobster industry has yet to decide if it will follow suit with their American counterparts and increase the minimum lobster measure.
Last spring, lobster fishing area (LFA) 33 and 34 licence holders were poised to vote on whether or not to increase the measure, but the vote never occurred.
“The catches rebounded in May and captains felt a vote was unnecessary,” said Dan Fleck, executive director of the Brazil Rock Lobster Association. “The subject will be discussed further. Talks will be continuing.”
Whatever is ultimately decided, “impacts will be felt in both the live and processed markets, but it is too early to know what those impacts will be,” said Geoff Irvine executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada.
“Live dealers and shippers will have to grade more carefully when sending crates to the U.S. and live lobster under 84 mm will need to be sold to alternative live markets or processed. I would suggest that there are concerns and also opportunities, but it is too early to know what those will be.”
