Notices to Fish Harvesters

Québec – October 21, 2021 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Quebec Region announces that the Department will seek industry's advice in the development of the Upper and Middle North Shore lobster fishery.

The Department's objective is to establish a clear and transparent process regarding the development of the Area 18 lobster fishery. The following steps will be taken this fall and winter:

•  The Department will soon transmit a survey to all core fishers of the Upper and Middle North Shore from the National Online Licensing System. The results of the survey will inform the Department of the fishers' views on the licensing process and on the development of the lobster fishery on the Upper and Middle North Shore.
•  This fall, the Department will form a working committee with various stakeholders from the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal fishing industry and from the socio-economic sphere of the Upper and Middle North Shore. The mandate of this committee will be, among other things, to provide advice and guidance regarding the licensing process and the development of the lobster fishery on the Upper and Middle North Shore. Participation in this committee will not create any advantages for obtaining a licence.

The Department will analyze the responses and advice received, the scientific information available and will use the Department's policies and frameworks to establish a licensing process that will be communicated to the industry during the winter. No applications for experimental or exploratory lobster licences for Area 18 will be accepted until the licensing process is defined. The issuance of new lobster licences for Area 18 will be phased in over the next few years. The initial phases of this fishery will aim at ensuring that the lobster stock in Area 18 can support a commercially viable fishery.  The Department is committed to maintaining active communication and providing timely information. 

For additional information

Please visit our website

Maryse Lemire
Regional Director Fisheries Management
Quebec region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry

Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.

Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times.  The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments.