American lobster

Homarus americanus

3: OK - Needs improvement How we work out the ratings

What to check for

Location

Canada (Quebec and the Northern Gulf of St Lawrence, LFA 15-22)

Technical location

Atlantic, Northwest, NAFO 4S, NAFO 4T

Caught by

Pot, trap or creel

Certification

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Rating summary

The stock status of American lobster in Quebec and the Northern Gulf of St Lawrence is unknown relative to reference points. There is no concern for the biomass due to an increase in catch per unit effort (CPUE) and no concern for fishing pressure. There are trap limits and a minimum size limit in place, however, management would benefit from a better understanding of the stock and harvest control rules. In the Gulf of St Lawrence, entanglement in vertical lines used in trap fishing gear is likely leading to the decline of the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) in Atlantic Canada.Rating last updated June 2022.

How we worked out this Rating

References

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American lobster
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